PROFESSIONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding professional service fees for certain contracts.

H 51 amends Idaho Code Section 67-2320 to change how state and local government agencies select professional service providers (like engineers, architects, and surveyors) for contracts exceeding $50,000. The bill requires agencies to use a qualifications-based selection process - including public notice, standardized scoring criteria for firms, and ranking based on experience - instead of solely price-based bidding for these contracts. It also allows agencies to maintain pre-approved vendor lists for up to five years, streamlining future selections for similar projects. This directly affects all Idaho public agencies and political subdivisions (such as cities, counties, and state departments) that hire these professionals. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.