This renewal agreement shall be effective July 29, 2016.  The rate for any of the firm’s shareholders is $250.00 an hour and work completed by associates will be billed at $175.00 per hour.  Time devoted by paralegals will be charged at $75.00 per hour. HCPS and the firm agree to evaluate the fee arrangement in six months from the date of this agreement.  The retention of the firm remains subject to the preference of the Superintendent, who may terminate the contract at any time with written notice.  The principal contact at MacFarlane Ferguson, & McMullen will be Jeffrey W. Gibson.  This agreement may be renewed on an annual basis.

Florida Administrative Code 6A-1.012(11)(a) Purchasing Policies states the requirement for requesting competitive solicitations for commodities or contractual services from three or more sources is hereby waived as authorized  by Section 1010.04(4)(a), F.S., for the purchase by district school boards of professional services which shall include, without limitation, artistic services; academic program reviews; lectures by individuals; auditing services not subject to Section 218.391, F.S.; and legal services, including attorney, paralegal, expert witness, court reporting, appraisal or mediator services.