223—41.4 (303) Survey funding.
	 41.4(1) Surveys funded by the society shall be conducted by principal investigators who meet the minimum professional qualifications specified for the appropriate discipline by the National Park Service in 36 CFR, Part 61, April 13, 1984, and August 30, 1985. The same standards are recommended for investigators in projects not funded by the society.
	  a.   	 The staff maintains a list of consultants meeting the requirements of 36 CFR, Part 61, April 13, 1984, and August 30, 1985, and expressing an interest in conducting survey activities. Persons or firms interested in being listed may apply by submitting a résumé and other materials describing their qualifications to the staff. The staff shall review the qualifications and inform the applicant of the outcome of the review within 30 working days of submittal of complete documentation. Printed lists of qualified consultants shall be issued annually on January 15.
	  b.   	 Inclusion on the consultant list does not constitute endorsement of an individual or a firm. At public request the staff shall review credentials of consultants not on the list and under consideration for a specific project funded by the society.
	 41.4(2) All survey projects to be conducted by a consultant shall be awarded in a competitive bidding process. A request for proposal shall be prepared by the staff. The request for proposal shall describe the project, specifications for the final product, and evaluation factors for the awarding of the contract.
	 41.4(3) The request for proposal shall be sent by the staff to all individuals and firms on the appropriate consultant list. A minimum of 30 days shall be permitted for the submittal of bids. State historical society of Iowa staff and other qualified individuals shall review the proposals and inform the consultants of the status of their bid within 30 working days. The society may reject all proposals; request some bidders to submit best and final offers in 15 working days; or award the contract. Awards shall be made to the offeror whose proposal is deemed to be the most advantageous to the state of Iowa on the basis of price and other factors.