(A) Competitive prices for all purchases and public improvements shall be obtained and the purchase made from or the contract awarded to the lowest competent bidder.
(B) Formal sealed bids shall be obtained in all transactions involving the expenditure of $10,000 or more or such other amount which may be established by the Council by resolution.
(C) When other considerations are equal, contracts shall be awarded to local vendors.
(D) If the lowest competent bids are for the same amount, the purchasing agent shall negotiate with the low bidders for a reduced bid and shall make or recommend purchase which shall appear to be to the advantage of the city.
(E) Competitive bidding may not be required in the following cases:
(1) Where the subject of the contract is other than a public work or improvement; the product, material, or services contracted for is not competitive in nature or no advantage to the city would result from requiring competitive bidding; and the Council authorizes execution of a contract without competitive bidding;
(2) Where the city elects to do, with city forces, work suitable for contracting, provided such work is authorized by the Council;
(3) In purchasing any type of insurance coverage.
(1993 Code, § 2-178) (Ord. 2022-07, passed 11-10-2022)