(a) Where a project or Authority need requires A&E services, the Authority shall make a statewide announcement through the publications of the respective professional societies.

The Authority may also advertise to reach providers of services within the appropriate trade or profession by publishing the announcement through electronic communications media which support bulletin boards or Internet web sites that have demonstrated statewide accessibility and are regularly maintained at established addresses by professional organizations which are representative of the services to be procured or in a construction trade journal, or publicize the requirements for services in other appropriate publications.

Failure of any professional society or construction trade journal to publish the announcement shall not invalidate any contract.

(b) The announcement shall include information describing the project or services, an Authority contact for obtaining RFQs, and the due date, time and location for submission of SOQs. The announcement may also identify the criteria upon which the award will be made.

(c) The Executive Director shall disseminate RFQs to those firms responding to the announcement and to qualified firms providing SOQs pursuant to Section 10000.2. The RFQs shall include a description of the project for which the services are to be required, the criteria upon which the award shall be made, the due date, SOQ submission and contract requirements.