California Architects

Newsletter Logo for California Architects

2019 Edition, Issue 2

Architects

A Publication of the California Architects Board ■ Public Protection Through Examination, Licensure, and Regulation


Subject Matter Expert Recruitment

The California Architects Board (Board) began recruitment efforts for Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on July 5, 2019, to provide case review, technical evaluation, and courtroom testimony as needed for the Board’s Enforcement program. Existing Board staff and departmental investigators require technical assistance to handle the complex complaints and inquiries.

It is anticipated that numerous SMEs throughout the state will be retained under a three-year contract. The SME hourly rate will be fixed at $90 per hour for case review and $110 per hour for courtroom testimony. The contracted SME will assist Board staff in evaluating consumer complaints, provide guidance to the Division of Investigation and Attorney General in technical matters, act as an expert witness, and testify at disciplinary hearings and criminal cases regarding matters within the jurisdiction of the Architects Practice Act.

The SME candidate must meet the following minimum qualifications:

  • Reside in California;
  • Possess an active license to practice architecture in California and have no history of enforcement and/or administrative actions;
  • Have been in practice, as defined in Business and Professions Code section 5500.1, within California for the last five years;
  • Have experience preparing expert analysis for or testifying in a minimum of three architecture-related civil or administrative law matters; and
  • Be available to respond to technical inquiries from Board staff approximately one hour per week and perform a timely review (typically within 30 days) of at least three cases per year.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) Recruitment
SME Recruitment

If awarded a contract, the SME shall agree not to:

  • Use their status as a Board expert in any advertising or sales promotion;
  • Solicit for completion of any work that they investigate as a Board expert;
  • Falsify any official documents;
  • Give false or incomplete testimony;
  • Release confidential Board information; and
  • Accept employment with another state agency.

For additional information about the Board SME program or to request an application, please contact the Enforcement Unit Program Manager Alicia Hegje at (916) 575-7216 or alicia.hegje@dca.ca.gov.