Tommy,
Most professional service contracts are awarded through an RFP and interview process, although in Texas, and most states, they can't consider fee, only qualifications. However, some do ask fee. Most cities catch some heat for not giving fair treatment to all potential designers.
I'm not sure, but I think DA may have got in on this one, first because they got a good job out of them the last time, but second, because the prime contractor was the engineer designing the extension of the effluent line. When the preliminary study showed it was best to use some of it on a golf course, and that course needed a lake, they needed a subconsultant specializing in golf. Prime consultants can pick subs w/o a bid process, and both agreed on DA.
In general, cities are finding legal ways to get around open competition for jobs, both design and construction, becuase too often, they get stuck with bottom of the barrel firms, and they are tired of that. This is especially an easy sell to make on a specialty item like golf courses. I have often argued in front of open meetings that there is no justification for a city to spend tax dollars (or bond dollars) with unqualified contractors who have never been on a golf course (like landscape and lawn irrigation firms) and most cities allow a prequalified bid list, usually consisting of members of the Golf Course Builders Association of America,
So, no dumb Texan jokes, please, and no conspiracy theories. DA deserved to get that job based on past performance for the city of Dallas. TI would like to think if I had got the Tennison job, they would do the same with me. Those things are great when they work in your favor.....One recent example for me is Giant's Ridge. TIts a state job, but they didn't go out to bid for design of the second course, because they were happy with my service and design.
You have to feel good for the other guy, and the way the City handled it, because you would want to be treated the same way.