Survey Standards and Guidelines and Consultants Lists
PA SHPO Survey Standards and Guidelines
The PA SHPO maintains standards and specifications by which the PA SHPO reviews and evaluates environmental review documentation for both archaeological and architectural resources. Standards for each discipline are available at the links below.
Archaeology
Architecture
Hiring a Consultant
If federal or state agencies do not have the qualified personnel to identify or assess effects on historic properties, hiring a cultural resources consultant may be necessary. Before seeking consultant services, it is important to have a clear understanding of the needed scope of work, which we recommend is developed in coordination with the appropriate reviewer. Look to hire qualified personnel, request bids from multiple firms for comparison, and seek references on the quality and past performance of a firm before making a final decision. PA SHPO maintains a list of consultants by discipline and service. While an agency may delegate their compliance responsibilities to a consultant, it is the agency that remains legally responsible for completing the environmental review process.Consultants-List.aspx