Iowa Code § 904.314: Plans and specifications for improvements.

1. The director shall cause plans and specifications to be prepared by the department of administrative services for all improvements authorized and costing over the competitive bid threshold in section 26.3, or as established in section 314.1B. An appropriation for any improvement costing over the competitive bid threshold in section 26.3, or as established in section 314.1B, shall not be expended until the adoption of suitable plans and specifications, prepared by a competent architect or engineer and accompanied by a detailed statement of the amount, quality, and description of all material and labor required for the completion of the improvement.

2. A plan shall not be adopted, and an improvement shall not be constructed, which contemplates an expenditure of money in excess of the appropriation.