San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Art. II Open Market Purchase Procedure

Purchases of supplies, equipment and contractual services, except those controlled by the Charter, 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 out in Article III of this chapter. (Ord. 954 § 2, 1983; prior code § 2951.1)

The purchasing authority shall invite, either by verbal or written request, quotations from prospective sellers, vendors, suppliers or contractors. (Ord. 954 § 2, 1983; prior code § 2951.2)

Written 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. 954 § 2, 1983; prior code § 2951.3)

Open market purchases shall be based, whenever reasonably possible, on at least three quotations. (Ord. 954 § 2, 1983; prior code § 2951.4)

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. 954 § 2, 1983; prior code § 2951.5)

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. Sellers, vendors, suppliers and contractors who maintain places of business located within the limit of the city shall be given preference if quality, price, service and all other relevant factors are equal; or

C. If no quotations are received, the purchasing authority may make the required purchase without further notice. (Ord. 954 § 2, 1983; prior code § 2951.6)