Case $92-8$ ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE PROSPECTIVE CITY$/$CLIENT DURING RELOCATION NEGOTIATIONS

FACTS:

Engineer $A$ is the principal of a large engineering firm that provides civil engineering services to state, county and local governments and agencies. The firm is planning to relocate one of its regional offices to a medium$-$sized city. Part of the relocation involves the construction of a large office building. The relocation will greatly benefit the city, by among other things, creating needed first class office space, enhancing the city's tax base and providing needed addition employment in construction as well as in other areas. Having the city employ the engineering services offered by the firm would be an added incentive to the firm's selection of the city. Engineer A verbally suggests to city officials during the relocation negotiations with the city that he "hoped the city would consider employing the services of his firm in the future for part of the engineering services requirements." City officials at the meeting do not respond specifically to Engineer A$\text{'}$s verbal suggestion. Ultimately, Engineer A$\text{'}$s firm agrees to relocate to the city.

QUESTION:

Would it be unethical for Engineer A to verbally suggest to city officials during the relocation negotiations that they consider employing the services of his firm? Please support your answer by siting ALL of the appropriate Principals from the ASCE AND CMAA Ethics charters discussed in the lecture PowerPoint in class.