(A) The purchasing agent shall secure sealed bids in all transactions involving an expenditure of $5,000 or more.
(B) Sealed bids shall not be required in the following instances:
(1) Where the subject of the purchase or contract is other than a public work or improvement and the product or material to be transacted for is not competitive in nature, provided that in no instance shall such product or material be transacted for without prior Commission approval.
(2) The City Commission may, at the request of the City Administrator, authorize the City Administrator to negotiate a contract for the purchase of any product, material or service with a provider of such product, material or service without regard to the requirements of this section relative to purchases where the City Commission finds:
(a) Due to circumstances beyond the control of the city, the market for such product, material or service is not competitive even though such product, material or services is normally competitive in nature; and
(b) The economic interests of the city are best served by negotiating a contract with the provider of the product, material or service without requesting sealed bids.
(3) In the employment of professional series, provided that in no instance shall such professional services by contracted for without prior Commission approval.
(4) If the city elects to use city personnel.
(Ord. 199, passed 7-14-2014)