Professional Services Contract Document

I would like to draw attention to an item that is of particular importance to the surveying community; contract documents. Many surveyors have expressed dissatisfaction with documents they are asked to sign when providing surveying services. Generally, the document treats them as a standard subcontractor rather than a provider of professional services.

In an effort to alleviate this situation and add clarity to the role and function of a professional engaged in contractual activities, a special task force was created by the Board of Licensure. Chaired by surveying board member Fred Sanchez, the task force began a series of meetings in November of 2006. Other members included an engineer, representatives of NM DOT, liability insurers, a lawyer, and local area surveyors. A representative from Associated General Contractor was also consulted and kept apprised of task force deliberations. The efforts of the task force culminated in a sample document professionals can use in place of the standard agreements they are normally asked to sign.

This professional services agreement is available from the BOL's website at http://www.sblpes.state.nm.us.
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