Title
Discuss the City’s Purchasing structure and tools used for the bidding and decision-making process.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Mayor Pro Tem Omar Roman
BACKGROUND:
The City’s Purchasing structure defines different dollar thresholds for obtaining multiple quotes, formal advertised bids, and/or City Council approval. Items that come before the Council are purchases or change orders equal to or above the $50,000 threshold. City staff presents to Council the results of formal bids, a cooperative bid, or sole source/emergency bid and discusses any feedback obtained from affiliated Boards/Commissions (e.g., Library Board) or informal cost comparisons (e.g., Google search or supplier quotes).
The City establishes firm guidelines for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION:
Staff will be present to discuss topics such as the City’s Purchasing structure, various tools, requirements, and any board involvement in the procurement process.
The City’s purchasing alignment aims to foster responsible, transparent, and efficient use of public funds. The City of Farmers Branch is a decentralized entity for departmental procurement, employing only one Purchasing Agent to assist the entire city. Staff will explain some of the tools used in handling the procurement workload, in particular, the advantages of cooperative purchasing programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Presentation