This section applies to all purchases which are defined as small purchases under I.C. 5-22-8-2.
(A) The purchasing agent may purchase supplies with an estimated cost of less than $5,000 on the open market without inviting or receiving quotes.
(B) In the event the purchase is between $5,000 and $25,000, the purchasing agent making the purchase shall receive prices either by phone, in writing or in person from at least three suppliers.
(C) The purchasing agent shall keep a file for purchases made under this section with the following information:
(1) The name, address, and phone number of each supplier who provided a price;
(2) The price provided by each supplier;
(3) The supplier chosen and the reason for the choice if the supplier did not provide the lowest price;
(4) The reasons why less than three suppliers were not contacted.
(D) Purchases between $25,000 and $75,000. Pursuant to I.C. 5-22-8-3, purchases between $25,000 and $75,000 may be made by the purchasing agent for the town by inviting quotes from at least three persons known to deal in the lines or classes of supplies to be purchased. The purchasing agent shall mail an invitation to quote to the persons described above at least seven days before the time fixed for receiving quotations. If the purchasing agent receives a satisfactory quote, the purchasing agent shall award the contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offer for each line or class of supplies required, subject to approval by the Town Council. The purchasing agent may reject all quotes. If the purchasing agent does not receive a quote from a responsible and responsive offeror, the purchasing agent may make a special purchase pursuant to the provisions of I.C. 5-22-10-10.
(E) Purchase of supplies manufactured in the United States. Supplies manufactured in the United States shall be specified for all town purchases and shall be purchased unless the town determines that:
(1) The supplies are not manufactured in the Untied States in reasonably available quantities;
(2) The prices of the supplies manufactured in the United States exceeds by an unreasonable amount the price of available and comparable supplies manufactured elsewhere;
(3) The quality of the supplies manufactured in the United States is substantially less than the quality of comparable priced available supplies manufactured elsewhere; or
(4) The purchase of supplies manufactured in the United States is not in the public interest.
(Ord. 2008-9A, passed - -08)