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Lewiston approves 30-firm consultant roster; councilor warns about local representation
Summary
Council approved RFQ-26-002, establishing a 30-firm master services roster for engineering and related professional services for FY2026–27; some councilors raised concerns that many firms list out-of-area corporate locations and asked about keeping dollars local.
The Lewiston City Council voted Nov. 24 to approve a new professional-services consultant roster created under RFQ-26-002, authorizing the mayor to sign up to 30 master services agreements with qualified engineering firms for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
City Attorney Jennifer Tangano explained the roster process under Idaho Code 67-2320, saying the statute requires selection based on qualifications rather than price and allows cities to maintain a prequalified list to speed project procurement. "These professional services must be procured based solely on the qualifications and demonstrated competence of these individuals," Tangano told the council.
Councilor Specklemeyer asked whether the roster includes enough local firms. Tangano said the city typically considers corporate location as part of the submission packet but that some firms maintain local branches while their parent companies are incorporated elsewhere. She also said most firms accepted the city’s template master services agreement, with only minor negotiated deviations related to indemnification and insurance.
The motion to approve the roster was moved by Councilor Forsman and seconded by Councilor Schroeder. The roster passed with one recorded nay from Councilor Spickelmeyer.
Why it matters: The roster lets city departments select firms for specific projects without issuing a new RFQ each time, accelerating project delivery. Several councilors pressed staff to ensure local businesses have equitable opportunity when the city selects a firm for a project.
Next steps: City staff will execute master agreements and use the roster to select firms for upcoming projects; councilors requested follow-up on geographic representation in future roster updates.
