MUNICIPAL CORPORATION CONTRACTS

ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS ‑- LAND SURVEYORS ‑- STATE CONTRACTS ‑- MUNICIPAL CORPORATION CONTRACTS

The procedures outlined in ch. 39.80 RCW convey contracts with land surveyors.

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                                                                   June 24, 1988

Honorable Busse Nutley
State Representative
49th District
409 W. 37th St.
Vancouver, WA 98660 

Cite as:  AGO 1988 No. 14                                                                                                                

 Dear Representative Nutley:

             By letter previously acknowledged you requested our opinion of whether the reasoning of AGO 1988 No. 4 applies to land surveyors to the same extent it applies to architects and professional engineers.  We paraphrase your question as follows:

             Do land surveyors provide "architectural and engineering services" as that term is defined in RCW 39.80 [chapter 39.80 RCW]?

             We answer your question in the affirmative.

                                                                      ANALYSIS

             RCW 39.80 [chapter 39.80 RCW] provides the process by which governmental agencies procure architectural and engineering services.  See AGO 1988 No. 4.  RCW 39.80.020(5) defines "architectural and engineering services" as

             professional services rendered by any persons, other than as an employee of the agency, contracting to perform activities within the scope of the general definition of professional practice in chapters 18.08, 18.43, or 18.96 RCW.

             RCW 18.08 [chapter 18.08 RCW] defines the professional practice of architecture.  RCW 18.43 [chapter 18.43 RCW] defines the professional practice of engineering and land surveying.  RCW 18.96 [chapter 18.96 RCW] defines the professional practice of landscape architecture.  Land surveying, therefore, is included  [[Orig. Op. Page 2] ] by reference in the definition of "architectural and engineering services".  It is an activity within the scope of the definition of professional practice in RCW 18.43 [chapter 18.43 RCW].  Thus, governmental agencies must follow the process mandated by RCW 39.80 [chapter 39.80 RCW] when procuring professional land surveying services.

             We trust the foregoing is of assistance to you.

 Very truly yours,
 KENNETH O. EIKENBERRY
Attorney General

NANCY THYGESEN DAY
Assistant Attorney General