172.3—Definitions.
As used in this part:
Audit means a review to test the contractor's compliance with the requirements of the cost principles contained in 48 CFR part 31.
Cognizant agency means any Federal or State agency that has conducted and issued an audit report of the consultant's indirect cost rate that has been developed in accordance with the requirements of the cost principles contained in 48 CFR part 31.
Competitive negotiation means any form of negotiation that utilizes the following:
(1)
Qualifications-based procedures complying with title IX of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (Public Law 92-582, 86 Stat. 1278 (1972));
(3)
A formal procedure permitted by State statute that was enacted into State law prior to the enactment of Public Law 105-178 (TEA-21) on June 9, 1998.
Consultant means the individual or firm providing engineering and design related services as a party to the contract.
Contracting agencies means State Departments of Transportation (State DOTs) or local governmental agencies that are responsible for the procurement of engineering and design related services.
Engineering and design related services means program management, construction management, feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, design, engineering, surveying, mapping, or architectural related services with respect to a construction project subject to 23 U.S.C. 112(a).
One-year applicable accounting period means the annual accounting period for which financial statements are regularly prepared for the consultant.