SEC. 4-51. [RESERVED FOR LIVING WAGE POLICY]

SEC. 4-52. BIDS OR PROPOSALS REQUIRED.

   (A)   Except when the service can be obtained from only one source, or when the purchasing agent determines that obtaining price quotations, bids and proposals is not in the city’s best interest, at least three written price quotations, bids or proposals shall be obtained for all trade or professional services that collectively cost over $5,000 per vendor or consultant, per fiscal year. The purchasing agent shall use his/her discretion if price quotations, bids and proposals should not or cannot be obtained.

   (B)   The director of each department and city manager each may procure, without public bidding, trade or professional services that collectively cost up to $5,000 per vendor or consultant, per fiscal year.

(Ord. No. 2943, 3016)

SEC. 4-53. BRAND AND TRADE NAMES.

   (A)   A request for quotations, bids or proposals regarding a service shall not be drafted calling for designated supplies and equipment by specific brand or trade names to be used in providing that service, unless immediately followed by the words “or equal” so that bidders or proposers may furnish any equal supplies or equipment in providing that service. A request to substitute equivalent supplies or equipment must follow the process outlined in section 4-22, and the burden of proof is likewise on the bidder or proposer as explained in that section.

   (B)   Subsection (A) is not applicable if any exemption listed in section 4-22 applies.

(Ord. No. 2943)

SEC. 4-54. INFORMAL SOLICITATION.

   The purchasing agent shall perform informal solicitations for the purchase of trade and professional services (unrelated to a public project) up to $100,000.

(Ord. No. 2943)

SEC. 4-55. FORMAL SOLICITATION.

   The purchasing agent shall perform formal solicitations for the purchase of supplies and equipment (unrelated to a public project) over $100,000.

(Ord. No. 2943)

SEC. 4-56. PUBLICATION.

   Notice inviting bids or proposals shall be published either in a newspaper of general circulation, an e-procurement website, and/or by any other method of advertising that is recognized and accepted for public agency purchasing and is consistent with applicable State law. It shall be the responsibility of the purchasing agent to encourage as wide a response as possible from prospective vendors or consultants.

(Ord. No. 2943)

SEC. 4-57. RECEIPT OR REJECTION OF BIDS OR PROPOSALS.

   (A)   The city may accept a bid or proposal on the basis of the lowest bid or the best value.

   (B)   In the case of bids for price only, if two or more bids received are for the same total amount or unit price, the city may accept the one it chooses on the basis of the lowest bid made by negotiation or the best value.

   (C)   The purchasing agent may reject all bids or proposals.

(Ord. No. 2943)