(a) To act as the department’s representative, independent of a design-build contractor, for the procurement process and for the duration of the work on a highway project, the department shall select or designate:
(1) an engineer;
(2) a qualified firm, selected in accordance with § 2254.004, Government Code, who is independent of the design-build contractor; or
(3) a general engineering consultant that was previously selected by the department and is selected or designated in accordance with § 2254.004, Government Code.
(b) The selected or designated engineer or firm has full responsibility for complying with Chapter 1001, Occupations Code.