Torrance Municipal Code § 22.1 Generally

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish procedures, consistent with Article 931 and 1450 of the City Charter, to ensure the purchase of supplies, services or equipment, and contracts for the construction of public works projects, are made at the lowest cost possible commensurate with both the quality required and the maintenance of practical and effective administrative controls.

The City Manager shall designate a Purchasing Agent of the City for the purchase of all supplies, services, or equipment for the City.

a) For the purposes of this Chapter, the term “purchases” shall include leasing or renting or any other transaction by which the City acquires either temporary or permanent use or possession of property or whereby it acquires services.

b) For the purposes of this Chapter, the term “property” shall include all items of property other than real property.

c) For the purposes of this Chapter, the term “services” shall include anything of value, other than property.

d) For the purposes of this Chapter, the term “responsible bid” shall mean an offer submitted by a responsible bidder to furnish property and/or services in conformity with the specifications, delivery terms, conditions and other requirements included in the invitation for bids.

The City Manager may delegate the powers and duties set forth in Section 931(b) of the City Charter to the Purchasing Agent. In addition, subject to the provisions of this Chapter, the Purchasing Agent shall have the power to:

a) Contract for all utility services;

b) For bids not involving public works projects, cancel solicitations and re-solicit bids or proposals when cancellation is in the City’s best interest for reasons including, but not limited to, when the City determines that:

1. The City no longer requires the supplies, services, equipment, or construction of the public works project;

2. The City no longer requires a third party to provide the supplies, services, equipment, or construction of the public works project;

3. Proposed amendments to the solicitation document make a new solicitation desirable or necessary;

4. Prices of costs exceed the City’s cost estimates;

5. No bids or proposals have been received in response to the solicitation; or

6. A procedural irregularity – including but not limited to, failure to properly notice the solicitation or a material error in specifications – exists that could materially affect the outcome of the solicitation.

All acquisitions and purchases shall be made by and through the Purchasing Agent, except:

a) Purchases of supplies, services, and equipment made from petty cash funds pursuant to regulations and procedures approved by the City Manager;

b) Purchases of supplies, services, and equipment by city procurement cards (“P-Card”) or other credit card, pursuant to regulations and procedures approved by the City Manager;

c) Emergency purchases made in conformance with Section 22.3.090; and

d) Mutual aid agreements.

The City Manager is authorized to adopt written administrative regulations and procedures that are consistent with and that further the terms and requirements set forth within this Chapter.