(a) Subject to approval for expenditure of funds when required, the City and all of its departments may purchase materials, supplies, equipment or services from others, including other political subdivisions of this State as defined in Section 125.04(B) of the Revised Code, upon equivalent terms, conditions, and specifications but at a lower price than it can be obtained through any of Ohio’s cooperative purchasing program without necessity of competitive bid. The department making said purchase shall cause to be maintained sufficient information regarding the purchase to verify that the department satisfied the conditions for making a purchase under this section. Nothing in this section restricts the City or its departments from taking any other action that may be permitted by law.
(b) (1) Subject to approval for expenditure of funds when required, and except as provided herein, when materials, supplies, equipment or services to be purchased are authorized for competitive bid by the City, the City Council or department director (i.e. City Manager, City Law Director, or City Finance Director as applicable) specifically has the right to disregard the bidding process completely, at any time, so long as bids have not yet been received, and to:
A. Contract for the purchase of materials, supplies, equipment or services from a person or an entity who is authorized by the current State Cooperative Purchasing Contract which is in effect at the time of the bid, to sell such materials, supplies, equipment or services to the City or its departments under the provisions of Ohio R.C. 125.04 or 5513.01 and Ordinance(s) 63-88, 36-99 or similar ordinances passed by the City, as each may be amended from time to time; or
B. Make said purchase pursuant to subsection (a) hereof.
(2) If bids have been received and the purchase can be made upon the same terms, conditions and specifications at a lower price through the State’s Cooperative Purchasing Contract, then the bid may be:
A. Rejected;
B. Awarded to the lowest and best bidder; or
C. Awarded via the State Cooperative Purchasing Contract.
(Ord. 36-01. Passed 5-7-01.)