D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 19-4350
The CCO shall first attempt to negotiate a contract with the highest rated qualified firm for the required services at a price which the CCO determines in writing to be fair and reasonable to the Library.
The CCO shall inform the firm that no construction contract may be awarded to the firm that designed the project, except as provided in Section 4339
The CCO shall ensure that the firm has a clear understanding of the scope of work, specifically, the essential requirements involved in providing the required services, and shall determine whether the firm will make available the necessary personnel and facilities to perform the services within the required time.
The CCO shall limit the firm's subcontracting to firms agreed upon during negotiations or through a formal contract modification.
If a mutually satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated, the CCO shall notify the firm in writing that negotiations are terminated. The CCO shall then initiate negotiations with the next rated qualified firm on the list. This procedure shall continue until a mutually satisfactory contract has been negotiated.
D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 19-4350