(A) ALL procurement carried out with CDBG finds, where the City of Mt. Vernon is a direct party, shall be carried out in a manner that provides maximum free and open competition. Procurement procedures will not restrict or eliminate competition. The City of Mt. Vernon shall not place unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to qualify to do business. Nor will the City of Mt. Vernon encourage or participate in noncompetitive practices among firms. The City of Mt. Vernon is alert to organizational conflicts which would jeopardize the negotiation process and limit competition. The City of Mt. Vernon will not require unnecessary experience or bonding requirements.
(B) Pursuant to state law and federal regulations (24 CFR 85.36(b)), all solicitations shall incorporate a clear accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, service, or product to be procured. In competitive procurements, these descriptions shall not contain features which unduly limit competition. The description may include a statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product, or service and the minimum essential characteristics and standards to which it must conform if it is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications shall be avoided whenever possible. A “brand name or equal” description may be used to define the performance or other salient requirements of procurement. The specific features of the named brand which must be met by offerors shall be clearly stated.
(C) All solicitations shall clearly set forth all requirements which bidders or offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids, proposals, or statements of qualifications.
(D) Contracts shall be awarded only to responsible contractors/firms that possess the potential ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed procurement.
(E) Consideration shall be given to such factors as the contractor’s/firm’s capacity, integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past perfoimance, and financial and technical resources. The contractor’s/firm’s capacity will not only include consideration of its inherent capabilities but also take into consideration all its existing commercial and governmental business commitments.
(Ord. 2024-07, passed 3-4-2024)