(a) Selection by the University of California for professional services of private architectural, landscape architectural, engineering, environmental, land surveying, real property development services, or construction project management firms shall be on the basis of demonstrated competence and on the professional qualifications necessary for the satisfactory performance of the services required. In order to implement this method of selection, the university shall adopt procedures that assure that these services are engaged on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications for the types of services to be performed and at fair and reasonable prices to the university. Furthermore, these procedures shall assure maximum participation of small business firms, as defined by the Director of General Services pursuant to § 14837 of the Government Code.

(b) These procedures shall specifically prohibit practices that might result in unlawful activity including, but not limited to, rebates, kickbacks, or other unlawful consideration, and shall specifically prohibit university employees from participating in the selection process when those employees have a relationship with a person or business entity seeking a contract under this section.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 699, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004.)