Prepared by the Task Committee for the Update of Manual 45 of the Committee on Business Practices of the Committee on Professional Practice of ASCE.

How To Select and Work Effectively with Consulting Engineers (MOP 45) addresses the procurement of engineering services for a quality project. This guide—a comprehensive revision of the 2003 edition—outlines the functions of the consulting engineer in serving an owner/client. It explains common types of engineering services, the various methods of determining compensation for these services, and the general ranges of remuneration that competent consulting engineers receive for their services. MOP 45 provides a recommended procedure for interviewing and selecting a consulting engineer and guidance on contracts for engineering services. This Manual is designed to serve the best interests of the client and the consulting engineer and to foster better understanding between them. Data is based on the experience of many consulting engineers as obtained in a recent national survey.

Topics include:

• the practice of civil engineering;
• classification of engineering services;
• selecting the engineer;
• methods of charging for engineering services;
• total project costs; and
• contracts for engineering services.

Appendixes include references for contract documents, typical forms for selecting consultants, and frequently asked questions.

MOP 45 is a handy reference for owners undertaking engineering projects and for the consulting engineers who serve them.