(a) The board shall request a detailed Fee Proposal from the best qualified firm and shall require a State's Estimate of Fees to be prepared by board staff prior to negotiations. The State's estimate shall remain confidential until award of contract or abandonment of any further procedure for the services to which it relates. If the board determines the State's estimate to be unrealistic for any reason, the board shall require the estimate to be reevaluated and modified if necessary.

(b) The board shall attempt to negotiate a contract with the best qualified firm. Should the board be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the most qualified at fair and reasonable compensation, negotiations with that firm shall be terminated. The board shall then undertake negotiations with the second most qualified firm. Failing accord, negotiations shall be terminated. The board shall then undertake negotiations with the third most qualified firm. Failing accord, negotiations shall be terminated. Should the board be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the selected firms, the board may select additional firms in the manner prescribed above and continue the negotiation procedure until an agreement is reached.