(a) From among the firms selected through the procedure described in section 25205 of these regulations, as those most highly qualified to perform the services required, the Executive Officer shall attempt to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the best qualified firm at a compensation which the Conservancy determines is fair and reasonable.

(b) If the Executive Officer is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the best qualified firm at a compensation which the Conservancy determines is fair and reasonable, negotiations with that firm shall be terminated and negotiations undertaken with the second best qualified firm. If the Executive Officer is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the second best qualified firm at a compensation which the Conservancy determines is fair and reasonable, then negotiations with that firm shall be terminated and negotiations undertaken with the third best qualified firm. If the Executive Officer is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the third best qualified firm at a compensation which the Conservancy determines is fair and reasonable, negotiations with that firm shall be terminated.

(c) If the Executive Officer is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract in accordance with subsections (a) and (b) immediately above, the Executive Officer shall continue the negotiations process with the remaining qualified firms, if any, in order of preference, until a satisfactory contract is reached. If unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the qualified firms, the Executive Officer shall abandon the negotiation process for the requested services.