Every joint self-insurance program formed under this chapter shall use a competitive process in the selection of consultants. The process shall provide an equal and open opportunity to qualified parties and shall culminate in a selection based on pre-established criteria which may include such factors as the consultant's fees or costs, ability, capacity, experience, reputation, responsiveness to time limitations, responsiveness to solicitation requirements, quality of previous performance, and compliance with statutes and rules relating to contracts. Bid responses, solicitation documents and evidence of publication shall be retained in accordance with laws governing public records and shall be available for review by the state risk manager and financial auditors. The requirements of this section shall not pertain to consultants of a joint self-insurance program that is wholly owned by another self-insurance program that is operating in compliance with chapter 48.64 or 48.62 RCW if the consultant performs the same type of services for such other joint self-insurance programs.