Paso Robles Municipal Code Art. II Open Market Purchase Procedure

Purchases of supplies, equipment and contractual services, having an estimated value less than that specified by council resolution for bid, may be made by the purchasing authority in the open market without observing the formal contract procedures set forth in Article III.

(Ord. 645 N.S. § 2 (part), 1992)

Quotations from prospective sellers, vendors, suppliers or contractors, shall be solicited either by verbal or written request.

(Ord. No. 09-963 N.S. § 2, 11-17-2009)

Quotations shall be submitted to the purchasing authority, who shall keep a record of open market quotations and orders for a period of ninety days after the receipt of such quotations.

(Ord. 645 N.S. § 2 (part), 1992)

(Ord. No. 09-963 N.S. § 3, 11-17-2009)

Open market purchases shall be based, whenever reasonably possible, on at least three quotations.

(Ord. 645 N.S. § 2 (part), 1992)

The purchasing authority may reject:

a. Any quotations which fail to meet the specific purchase requirements in any respect; or

b. All quotations, for any reason whatsoever, and may invite new quotations.

(Ord. 645 N.S. § 2 (part), 1992)

Purchase orders shall be awarded by the purchasing authority to the person submitting the lowest responsible quotation, except as follows:

a. If two or more quotations are received for the same total amount or unit price, quality and service being equal, and if, at the discretion of the purchasing authority, the public interest will not permit the delay of inviting new quotations, then the purchasing authority may accept the lower quotation obtained through negotiation with the persons submitting the tie quotations;

b. In comparing quotations for discretionary goods or services to be purchased by the city, the city may grant local vendors a preference pursuant to the guidelines set forth in the purchasing manual, as described in Section 6.04.130; or

c. If no quotations are received, the purchasing authority may make the required purchase without further notice.

(Ord. 645 N.S. § 2 (part), 1992)

(Ord. No. 09-963 N.S. § 4, 11-17-2009)