18-8-104. Use and selection of private consultants. (1) A state agency may use a private consultant only if:
     (a) there is a substantial need for the consulting services; and
     (b) the state agency cannot adequately perform the consulting services with its own personnel.
     (2) In selecting a private consultant, a state agency shall:
     (a) base its choice on demonstrated competence, knowledge, and qualifications and on the reasonableness of the proposed fee for the services; and
     (b) when other considerations are equal, give a preference to a private consultant who is a bona fide resident of Montana as defined in 18-2-401 and whose principal place of business is within the state or who will manage the consulting engagement wholly from one of its offices within the state.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 547, L. 1981.