An openly publicized competitive process is the most effective means of determining the lowest cost from a responsible source, and such a process shall be utilized whenever possible when procuring goods, services, construction, and professional services. Competitive sealed bidding is required for the following categories of goods and services:
(A) $30,000.
(1) For purchases of goods, services, and construction in excess of $30,000 or for multiple purchases of the same item that will cumulatively exceed $30,000 or for purchases with a single vendor within a fiscal year are likely to exceed $30,000.
(2) If a contract with a vendor is for less than $30,000 (“Contract 1"), but a department or agency seeks to use that same vendor again within the same budgetary year for a different contract (“Contract 2"), and Contract 1 and Contract 2 will cumulatively exceed the $30,000 threshold, then the Purchasing Agent shall first determine whether the two contracts are independent from one another and not being used with the intent to evade the county’s bidding requirements. The determination shall be made in writing and kept in the contract file.
(B) $35,000. For data processing equipment (computers), software, or services and telecommunications and inter-connect equipment, software, and services: contracts in excess of $35,000.
(C) For professional services contracts, refer to § 33.050.
(1977 Code, § 1:4-1) (Ord., § 4-101, passed 12-8-2009; Ord. passed 2-12-2013; Ord. 21-0923, passed 10-12-2021)