(A) Specifications shall clearly describe the city’s requirements and allow for the obtaining of a supply or service which is adequate and suitable for the city’s needs in a cost effective manner. Specifications may take into account, to the extent practicable, the costs of ownership and operation as well as initial acquisition costs and shall permit maximum practicable competition consistent with this purpose.
(B) Specifications shall, to the extent practicable, emphasize functional or performance criteria and limit design or other detailed physical descriptions to those necessary to meet the needs of the city. To facilitate the use of the criteria, the city shall attempt to include as a part of its requisitions the principal functional or performance needs to be met and any compatibility requirements.
(C) In developing specifications, accepted commercial standards shall be used and unique requirements shall be avoided, to the extent practicable.
(D) Brand name items or descriptions may be used to indicate standards of quality, performance and/or use desired.
(E) Restrictive specifications shall not be used unless no other manner of description will suffice. In that event, a written determination shall be made that it is not practicable to use a less restrictive specification.
(F) A specification for a specific brand of supplies or services may be used if the city has a documented need to maintain a standard of performance and compatibility with existing supplies, equipment or staff experience.
(G) The suggested format for specifications is as follows:
(1) Name of commodity;
(2) Purpose/use for commodity;
(3) Description of commodity:
(a) Each item of the description should fulfill a functional or physical requirement;
(b) If brand names are necessary to indicate quality levels, list an acceptable brand name;
(c) Justification shall be provided and attached if a single brand is necessary; and
(d) Justification shall be provided and attached if the commodity is to be a sole source purchase.
(4) Description of other requirements, such as warranty, training, parts, manuals, service and the like;
(5) Description of any unusual conditions, such as installation, field tests, fiscal year funding source and the like;
(6) Date commodity is to be delivered;
(7) Location where commodity is to be delivered;
(8) Name, address and phone number of agency contact person; and
(9) Receiving procedures (if testing, sampling or other evaluation will be performed when commodity is delivered to determine acceptability) must be described.
(Ord. 173, passed 9-10-2001)