Fairfield Municipal Code Art. I Purpose and Definitions

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a purchasing system that is compliant with State and federal law and that will achieve economy and efficiency in the purchase and disposition of supplies and contractual services; exercise effective financial control over purchases; define the authority for the purchasing function; and assure the quality of purchases.

(Ord. No. 2019-10, § 1)

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

Emergency.

The City Manager may declare that an emergency exists for the purposes of this chapter if one of the following conditions exist:

(a)

There is a sudden, unexpected occurrence that poses a clear and imminent danger, requiring immediate action to prevent or mitigate the loss or impairment of life, health, property, or essential public services; or

(b)

There is immediate need to prepare for national or local defense; or

(c)

There is a breakdown in infrastructure or an essential service which requires the immediate purchase of supplies or general contractual services to protect the public health or safety; or

(d)

A local emergency or disaster has been declared.

General Contractual Services.

Most types of services, excluding professional services as defined in this chapter, under which the contractor provides services which are required by the City, but not furnished by the City’s own employees.

Landscape Maintenance Services.

Services related to the maintenance of land, including mowing, watering, trimming, pruning, planting, replacement of plants, and servicing of irrigation and sprinkler systems.

Privately Funded Consultant Services.

Consultant services financed by private individuals, entities, or non-profit organizations in their capacity as applicants seeking development approval of any type from the City where such services are employed to determine the impacts of a proposed private development or as applicants seeking other types of permits which require a specialized assessment, study or report.

Professional Services.

The services of attorneys, physicians, architects, engineers, surveyors, accountants, appraisers, economic and finance consultants, auditors, real estate brokers, or any other professionals that apply an advanced, specialized type of knowledge, expertise or training, customarily acquired by a prolonged course of study or equivalent experience in the field, which such services requiring extended analysis, the exercise of discretion, and independent judgement in their performance. Professional Services do not include General Contractual Services.

Public Agency.

Any city, county, state, federal, school district, or other public entity.

Purchases.

Transactions, including lease and rental, by which the City acquires tangible goods, supplies, and equipment, as well as contractual and professional services.

Purchasing Guidelines.

Guidelines prepared and maintained by the Finance Director, with the approval the City Manager (Purchasing Officer), including but not limited to the policies, procedures, standardized forms and instructions with which to implement and augment this chapter.

Responsible Bid.

An offer, submitted by a responsible bidder to furnish supplies or contractual services in conformity with specifications, delivery terms, conditions, and other requirements included in the bid invitation.

Responsible Bidder.

A bidder who submits a responsible bid and who is not only financially responsible, but is possessed of the resources, judgment, skill, ability, capacity, and integrity requisite and necessary to perform the contract according to its terms.

Supplies.

Any and all articles, equipment, or personal property furnished to or used by any organizational unit of the City.

(Ord. No. 2019-10, § 1)

§ 28.3. through § 28.9. (Reserved)