3.11 Consultant Selection

Sponsors of small airports typically do not have the in-house expertise to accomplish an airport development project, so they hire consultants. For consultant-provided professional services to be eligible for FAA funding or reimbursement, consultants must be selected based on qualifications, with fees negotiated after selection.

ACRP Legal Research Digest 16: Procurement of Airport Development and Planning Contracts
Provides guidance on how to determine which requirements apply to any given procurement process. The digest also includes an overview of the consequences for noncompliance with procurement laws or regulations in order to help airports better understand the inherent risks associated with various funding sources.

ACRP Report 87: Procuring and Managing Professional Services for Airports
Provides guidance for procuring and managing professional services at airports for use by airport owners and operators. For the purposes of this report, professional services include planning, environmental, architectural and engineering, information technology, financial, and legal services. Covers the procurement process, including scoping, pre-selection process, selection criteria, evaluation, and contract negotiations. In addition, it covers processes for managing professional services contracts.

FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-14: Architectural, Engineering, and Planning Consultant Services for Airport Grant Projects
Provides guidance for airport sponsors in the selection and engagement of architectural, engineering, and planning consultants. It also discusses services that normally would be included in an airport grant project, types of contracts for these services, contract format and provisions, and guidelines for determining the reasonableness of consultant fees.

FAA Consultant Selection Certification Form
Form to be used by airport sponsors to certify they have or will properly follow key consultant selection requirements for projects funded under the Airport Improvement Program.

FAA Procurement and Contracting Under AIP
Summarizes the contract provisions an airport sponsor must include to meet the grant assurances associated with AIP funds to comply with all applicable federal contract provisions as established by various laws and regulations. The requirements for the provisions will vary depending on the type and size of the procurement action. Typically, procurement actions under the AIP fall within three categories: construction development, equipment acquisitions, and professional services (architectural/engineering) contracting.

Wyoming Department of Transportation Airport Consultant Selection Process Document
Identifies the consultant selection, negotiation, and contracting process for Wyoming airports. While tailored to Wyoming airports, much of the information is also applicable to airports in other states. Note that it was prepared based on FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-14D, which has now been replaced with 150/5100-14E.

Sample Request for Proposals and Score Sheet
Can be modified to align with the airport sponsor’s local requirements.