HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01 - Bidding ThresholdsORDINANCE NO.2020-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND REPLACING
ARTICLE 2 (PURCHASING) OF CHAPTER V (FINANCE) AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 2 (POWERS AND DUTIES) OF CHAPTER
IV (CITY MANAGER) OF TITLE 2 (ADMINISTRATION) OF THE
COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Government Code sections 54201 through 54203, local
agencies are required to adopt, by ordinance, policies and procedures, including bidding regulations,
governing the purchases of supplies and equipment by the local agency; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa ("City") adopted such policies and procedures via
Ordinance No. 96-15 in 1996, codified at Article 2 (Purchasing) of Chapter V (Finance) of Title 2
(Administration) of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code ("Municipal Code"); and
WHEREAS, Article 2 (Powers and Duties) of Chapter IV (City Manager) of Title 2
(Administration) of the Municipal Code establishes the powers and duties of the City Manager; and
WHEREAS, the City currently requires informal bidding for procurements over five thousand
dollars ($5,000.00), and formal bidding for procurements valued at over fifty thousand dollars
($50,000.00); and
WHEREAS, the City has not adjusted the bidding limits since 2006; and
WHEREAS, adjusting the bidding limits will enable staff to increase efficiency in the
procurement process; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to increase the informal bidding limit to twenty-five
thousand ($25,000.00); and
WHEREAS, California Government Code section 40602 generally requires the Mayor to
execute all contracts on behalf of the City unless the City Council, by ordinance, gives signature
authority to a city officer; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that it is in the best interest of the City to grant authority
to the City Manager and the Purchasing Officer to approve and execute certain contracts on behalf
of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to repeal and replace Article 2 of Chapter V of Title 2 of
the Municipal Code in order to increase the informal bidding limit and make other changes as set
forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to amend Article 2 of Chapter IV of Title 2 to authorize
the City Manager to execute specified contracts; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites prior to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.
Ordinance No. 2020-01 Page 1 of 11
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Amendment to Article 2 of Chapter V. Article 2 (Purchasing) of Chapter V
(Finance) of Title 2 (Administration) of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code is hereby deleted in its entirety
and replaced with the following:
ARTICLE 2. PURCHASING
2-160. Establishment of purchasing system.
A purchasing system is hereby established for the purpose of setting forth efficient procedures for
the purchase of supplies, services and equipment, at the lowest possible cost commensurate with
quality needed, to exercise positive financial control over purchases, and to clearly define authority
for the purchasing function.
The provisions set forth in this article do not apply to public projects subject to the provisions of Article
3 of Chapter V of Title 2 of this Code.
2-161. Definitions.
Definitions. The following terms, whenever used in this article, shall be construed as follows:
(a) Bidders list. A listing of names and addresses of suppliers from whom bids, proposals, or
quotations can be solicited. The list is generally retained in a retrievable database.
(b) City department or agency. Any department, agency, commission, bureau or other unit of the
city government which derives its support wholly or in part from the city or an entity associated
with the city for which separate financial statements are required.
(c) Gratuity. A gift, payment, loan, advance, deposit of money, or service, presented or promised
in return for or in anticipation of favorable consideration in the procurement process.
"Gratuity" does not include the compensation paid by or due from the city or from a temporary
service agency under contract with the city to an employee in connection with the employee's
services for the city.
(d) Lowest responsible bidder. In addition to price, the "lowest responsible bidder" will be
determined after the following factors have been considered:
(1) The ability, capacity and skill of the bidder to perform the contract or provide the service
required;
(2) The bidder has the facilities to perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or
within the time specified, without delay or interference;
(3) The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the bidder;
(4) The bidder's record of performance of previous contracts or services;
(5) The previous and existing compliance by the bidder with laws and ordinances relating to
the contract or service;
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(6) The sufficiency of the financial resources and ability of the bidder to perform the contract
or provide the service;
(7) The quality, availability and adaptability of the bidder's supplies, equipment or services to
the particular use required;
(8) The ability of the bidder to provide future maintenance and service called for or necessary
to successfully complete the contract;
(9) The number and scope of conditions attached to the bid.
(e) Non -Professional Services. Any and all services not listed in subsection (f) of this section
including but not limited to the repair or maintenance of equipment, machinery and other city
owned or operated property, and other technical services. The term does not include public
works projects or services rendered by city officers or employees, or professional services
exempt pursuant to section 2-165 and other contractual services which are in their nature
unique or not subject to competition.
(f) Professional services. Services that involve the exercise of professional discretion and
independent judgment based on an advanced or specialized knowledge, expertise or training
gained by formal studies or experience. Such services include, but are not limited to, those
provided by accountants, appraisers, architects, attorneys, construction managers, economic
and financial advisors, engineers, instructors, insurance advisors, physicians, surveyors and
other specialized consultants.
(g) Purchases. Purchases of supplies, equipment, personal property, and services shall include
leases or rentals as well as transactions by which the city acquires ownership.
(h) Responsible bid. An offer submitted by a responsible bidder to furnish supplies, equipment
or services in conformity with the specifications, delivery terms and conditions and other
requirements included in the invitation for bids.
(i) Responsible bidder. A bidder who is not only financially responsible, but possesses the
resources, judgment, skill, ability, capacity, and integrity requisite and necessary to perform
the contract according to its terms and as set forth in subsection (d) of this section.
(j) Responsive bid. A bid or proposal that fully conforms in all material respects to the solicitation
and all of its requirements, including form and substance
(k) Supplies and equipment. Any and all articles, things or personal property furnished to or used
by the city department or agency.
(1) Vendor sourcing. Lists of known vendors for services, supplies and equipment maintained by
the purchasing officer.
2-162. Purchasing division; purchasing officer; powers and duties.
(a) A purchasing division of the finance department is hereby created and authorized to purchase
supplies, services and equipment for the city government, department or agency.
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(b) A position of purchasing officer is hereby created. The director of finance shall serve as the
purchasing officer and may delegate purchasing duties as deemed necessary to carryout the
duties included herein.
(c) Except as provided by this Code, no city officer or employee shall order the purchase of any
supplies, equipment, materials, or contractual services, or make any contract within the
purview of this Code, other than in accordance with the provisions of this Code, the
regulations and procedures established by the city manager and with the approval of the
purchasing officer. Any purchase or contract made contrary to this Code shall be null and
void.
(d) The purchasing officer shall be the head of and have general supervision of the purchasing
division.
(e) The purchasing officer shall have the powers and duties as follows:
(1) Purchase or contract for supplies, services and equipment required by any city
department or agency in accordance with purchasing procedures prescribed by this
article, such administrative regulations as the purchasing officer shall adopt for the
internal management and operation of the purchasing division and such other rules,
regulations or purchasing manual as shall be prescribed by the purchasing officer and
approved by the city manager.
(2) Negotiate and recommend execution of contracts for the purchase of supplies, services
and equipment.
(3) Act to procure for the city the needed quality in supplies, services and equipment at the
least expense to the city.
(4) Utilize vendor sourcing to obtain as full and open competition as possible on all
purchases.
(5) Prepare and recommend to the city council rules governing the purchase of supplies,
services and equipment for the city.
(6) Prepare and recommend to the city council revisions and amendments to the purchasing
rules.
(7) Keep informed of current developments in the field of purchasing, prices, market
conditions and new products.
(8) Prescribe and maintain such forms as are reasonably necessary to the operation of this
article and other rules and regulations.
(9) Supervise the inspection of all supplies, services and equipment purchased to ensure
conformance with specifications.
(10) Recommend the transfer of surplus or unused supplies and equipment between
departments as needed and the sale of all supplies and equipment which cannot be used
by any city department or agency or which have become unsuitable for city use.
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(11) Maintain a bidder's list, vendor's catalog file and records needed for the efficient
operation of the purchasing division.
(12) Such other powers as established by rules, regulations or purchasing manual as
prescribed by the city manager and resolutions of city council.
(13) Execute contracts and documents provided for in California Government Code
section 40602 whenever such contracts and documents are within the purchasing
officer's purchasing authority or have been approved by the city council for execution by
the purchasing officer by resolution, motion, minute order or other appropriate action.
Such power shall not be delegated.
2-163. Purchasing requirements. All city departments and agencies shall make purchases in
accordance with the regulations and procedures established by the purchasing officer.
2-164. Methods of procurement; award of contract.
(a) Micro -purchase. Procurements with an estimated annual value of $25,000.00 or less may be
made using simplified and cost effective operational procedures and forms established by
the purchasing officer without use of formal or informal bids. The city manager, assistant city
manager or the purchasing officer may award contracts awarded pursuant to this subsection.
(b) Informal bidding. Procurements with an estimated annual value between $25,001.00 and
$50,000.00 may be made in accordance with the informal bidding procedures set forth in
section 2-166. The city manager, assistant city manager or the purchasing officer may award
contracts awarded pursuant to section 2-166.
(c) Formal bidding. Procurements with an estimated annual value of $50,001.00 or more shall
be made in accordance with the formal bidding procedures set forth in section 2-167. The
city council shall award contracts awarded pursuant to section 2-167.
2-165. Bidding required; exceptions.
(a) Purchase of supplies, services, equipment and the sale of personal property shall be by bid
procedures as set forth in sections 2-166 and 2-167.
(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a), bidding procedures for the purchases of supplies, services
and equipment shall not apply to the following situations:
(1) An emergency requires that an order be placed with the nearest available source of
supply;
(2) The amount involved is twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) or less;
(3) The commodity or service can be obtained from only one (1) vendor;
(4) Professional services contracts;
(5) The purchase of supplies, equipment, or services through a cooperative purchasing
agreement or program, or by using a competitively awarded agreement of another local,
state, or federal government agency or joint powers authority made up of government
agencies to obtain the same supplies, equipment or services at the same or lower prices
Ordinance No. 2020-01 Page 5 of 11
(commonly referred to as "piggybacking"). Such programs and agreements include, but
are not limited to, the California Multiple Award Schedules Program (CMAS), the U.S.
General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule Program, Sourcewell,
and the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance;
(6) When the city council determines, by minute action or resolution, that compliance with
the bidding requirements and procedures is inefficient, impractical, or not in the best
interest of the city, based on specifically identified conditions and supported by substantial
evidence in the recordi
(7) Goods and/or services obtained from or through agreement with any governmental,
public or quasi -public entity; and
(8) Procurements funded by grants, donations or gifts when the special conditions attached
to the grants, donations or gifts require the procurement of particular goods and/or
services.
2-166. Informal bidding procedure.
Except as provided in this article, purchases of supplies, equipment, contractual services and sales
of personal property of an estimated annual value in the amount of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00)
or less may be made by the purchasing officer in accordance with informal bidding procedures as
follows without observing the procedure prescribed in section 2-167:
(a) Minimum number of bids. Informal bidding purchases shall, whenever possible, be based on
at least three (3) bids and shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
(b) Request for bids. The purchasing officer shall solicit bids by written requests, facsimile or
electronic mail, to prospective vendors.
(c) Written bids. Written bids shall be submitted to the purchasing officer who shall keep a record
of all informally bid orders and bids in accordance with the city's records retention schedule.
This record, while so kept, shall be open to public inspection.
2-167. Formal bidding procedure.
Except as provided in this article, purchases of supplies, services, equipment and the sale of
personal property of estimated value of fifty thousand one dollars ($50,001.00) or more shall be by
written contract pursuant to the following procedures:
(a) Notice inviting bids. Notices inviting bids shall include a general description of the articles to
be purchased or sold, state where bid documents and specifications may be obtained, and
the time and place for opening bids.
(1) Published notice. Notice inviting bids shall be published at least ten (10) days before the
date of opening of the bids. Notice shall be published at least once in a newspaper of
general circulation, printed and published in the city, or if there is none, it shall be posted
in at least one (1) public place in the city that has been designated as the place for posting
public notices.
(2) Bidder's list. The purchasing officer shall also solicit sealed bids from all responsible
prospective suppliers whose names are on the bidder's list and other qualified suppliers.
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(3) Bulletin board. The purchasing officer shall also advertise pending purchases or sales,
by a notice posted on a public bulletin board in the city hall and on the city's website.
(b) Bidder's security. When deemed necessary by the purchasing officer, bidder's security may
be prescribed in the public notices inviting bids. Bidders shall be entitled to return of bid
security, provided that a successful bidder shall forfeit the bid security upon refusal or failure
to execute the contract within ten (10) days after the notice of award of contract has been
mailed, unless the city is responsible for the delay. The city council may, on refusal or failure
of the successful bidder to execute the contract, award it to the next lowest responsible
bidder. If the city council awards the contract to the next lowest bidder, the amount of the
lowest bidder's security shall be applied by the city to the difference between the low bid and
the second lowest bid, and the surplus, if any, shall be returned to the lowest bidder.
(c) Rejection of bids. The purchasing officer may recommend to the city manager the rejection
of any and all bids and readvertisement for bids.
(d) Notice of intent to award. The purchasing agent or purchasing officer shall post a "notice of
intent to award" on the public bulletin board located in the first floor of city hall fifteen (15)
working days prior to awarding any formally bid contract or purchase order.
(e) Award of contracts. Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible
bidder. Contracts with an annual value great than fifty thousand one dollars ($50,001.00)
shall be awarded by the city council.
(f) Performance bonds. The city shall have authority to require a performance bond before
entering into a contract in such amount as it find reasonably necessary to protect the best
interests of the city. If the city requires a performance bond, the form and amount of the bond
shall be described in the notice inviting bids.
(g) When in the best interest of the city, and when necessary to adhere to timelines established
by other agencies, the purchasing officer may recommend to the city manager to bypass the
formal bid process for the purchase of surplus property. City council will be advised by the
purchasing officer, or city manager, of procurements over fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00)
which were exempted from the formal bid process.
2-168. Bid award appeal procedure.
(a) Any bid awarded pursuant to the formal bidding procedure set forth in this chapter may be
appealed in accordance with the following procedure:
(1) The appellant shall file the written notice of appeal with the purchasing officer at least
ten (10) working days prior to bid award date specified in the notice of intent to award.
(2) The written notice of appeal must include specifics as to the nature of the appeal.
(3) The appellant must provide any and all documentation to support the appeal.
(4) The purchasing officer will respond in writing to the appellant within five (5) working
days.
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(5) In the event the appeal is denied by the purchasing officer, the appellant may appeal
the purchasing officer's ruling to the city council at the next available council meeting.
(b) Any appeal to city council shall comply with the requirements of Chapter IX of this title.
2-169. Inspection and testing.
(a) The purchasing officer or the city department or agency may inspect supplies and equipment
delivered and contractual services performed to determine their conformance with the
specifications set forth in the order or contract. The purchasing officer shall have authority to
require chemical and physical tests of samples submitted with bids and samples of deliveries
which are necessary to determine their quality and conformance with specifications.
(b) Any supplies, equipment or services not in conformance with the specifications in the order
or contract may be rejected by the purchasing officer.
2-170. Disposition of surplus supplies and equipment.
(a) All city departments shall submit to the purchasing officer, at such times and in such form as
the purchasing officer shall prescribe, reports showing all supplies and equipment which are
no longer needed or which have become obsolete or worn out. The purchasing officer shall
have authority to sell all supplies and equipment which cannot be used or which have become
unsuitable for city use, or to exchange the same for, or trade in the same on, new supplies
and equipment. Such sales shall be made pursuant to section 2-167, or section 2-168,
whichever is applicable. If there are no bids, the property may be sold at private sale.
(b) The amount received for any property sold pursuant to this Code shall be deposited in the
general fund or other fund so designated by the purchasing officer.
(c) Except as provided by state code, the purchasing officer shall determine the disposition of
unclaimed or abandoned property in the possession of the police department.
2-171. Emergency purchases.
(a) Conditions. While the need for occasional emergency purchases is recognized, the practice
must be curtailed as much as possible by anticipating needs so that the normal purchasing
procedure utilizing bidding may be used. An emergency shall be deemed to exist if:
(1) There is a great public calamity.
(2) There is immediate need to prepare for national or local defense.
(3) There is a breakdown in machinery or an essential service which requires the immediate
purchase of supplies or services to protect the public health, welfare and safety.
(4) An essential departmental operation affecting the public health, welfare and safety would
be greatly hampered if the prescribed purchasing procedure would cause an undue delay
in procurement of the needed item or service.
(b) By purchasing officer. In case of an emergency which requires immediate purchase of
supplies, equipment or services, the city manager may authorize the purchasing officer to
secure, by informal bidding procedure, as prescribed in section 2-166, at the lowest
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obtainable price, any supplies, equipment or services regardless of the amount of the
expenditure.
(c) By department head.
(1) Purchases between $25,001.00 and $50,000.00. In case of an emergency which requires
immediate purchase of supplies, equipment or services, the head of any department may,
with approval of the purchasing officer or the purchasing agent, purchase directly any
supplies, equipment or services in the amount of $25,001.00 to $50,000.00. The head of
such department shall, not later than the next regular business day thereafter, submit to
the purchasing officer a requisition, a tabulation of bids received, if any, a copy of the
delivery record and a full written report of the circumstances of the emergency.
(2) Purchases of $50,001.00 or more. In case of an emergency which requires immediate
purchase of supplies, equipment or services in an amount of $50,001.00 or more, the city
manager may authorize the department head to purchase directly any supplies,
equipment or services, provided the department head submits a full report of the
circumstances of all emergency purchases in excess of fifty thousand one dollars
($50,001.00) with the purchasing officer not later than the next regular business day
thereafter. As soon as practicable following such purchase, the department head shall
provide a report to the city council detailing the emergency purchase.
2-172. Local vendor preference.
City of Costa Mesa vendor preference. The city shall extend a bidding advantage to Costa Mesa
vendors in the form of a five percent (5%) preference in the evaluation of bids when the city
purchases supplies, equipment or services. A "Costa Mesa vendor' is a business entity with one or
more fixed offices and/or locally taxable distribution points within the boundaries of the City of Costa
Mesa which holds a current and valid city business license with a Costa Mesa business street
address.
2-173. Professional services.
In procuring professional services, all city departments are to comply with the provisions of sections
4526 through 4529.5 and 37103 of the Government Code, the administrative regulations by the city
manager, and the purchasing manual of the purchasing officer or other policies adopted by resolution
of city council. All persons or entities to render professional services to the city shall render such
services pursuant to a professional services agreement in a form approved by the city attorney. All
persons or entities under agreement with the city to render professional services shall not be subject
to Chapter VI of this title and shall be considered independent contractors and not an employee of
the city.
2-174. Ethics.
(a) Statement of Policy. City employees shall discharge their duties impartially so as to ensure
fair competitive access to city procurement opportunities by responsible contractors.
Moreover, they shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to foster public confidence in
the integrity of city procurement activities.
(b) Gratuities. No person shall offer, give or agree to give any city employee any gratuity or offer
of employment in connection with a procurement by the city. The purchasing officer and every
officer and employee of the city are expressly prohibited from soliciting, demanding,
Ordinance No. 2020-01 Page 9 of 11
accepting, directly or indirectly, or agreeing to accept, from any person, company, firm or
corporation to which any purchase order or contract is, or might be awarded, any gratuity,
offer of employment or anything of value whatsoever as set forth in Chapter X of this title in
connection with a procurement by the city.
Section 2. Amendment to Article 2 of Chapter IV. Article 2 (Powers and Duties) of
Chapter IV (City Manager) of Title 2 (Administration) of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code is hereby
amended to add a new subsection 2-129 to read as follows:
2-129. Execution of contracts.
The city manager shall have the power and authority to execute contracts and documents provided
for in California Government Code section 40602 whenever such contracts and documents are within
the city manager's purchasing authority or have been approved by the city council for execution by
the city manager by resolution, motion, minute order or other appropriate action. The city manager
may delegate in writing the authority to sign any contract or agreement to the assistant city manager
or a deputy city manager.
Section 3. Environmental Compliance. This Ordinance has been reviewed for
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the CEQA Guidelines, and the
City's environmental procedures, and has been found to be exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3)
(General Rule) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the passage of this Ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 4. Inconsistencies. Any provision of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code or
appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such
inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to effect the
provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion
of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court
of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
Ordinance. The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby declares that it would have adopted
this Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases or
portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its final
passage.
Section 7. Certification. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published or posted in the manner required by law.
Ordinance No. 2020-01 Page 10 of 11
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of February, 2020.
ATTEST:
Brenda Green, dity Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF COSTA MESA )
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
"
Kimberly Hag Barlow, City Attorney
I, BRENDA GREEN, City Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the
above and foregoing Ordinance No. 2020-01 was duly adopted at the regular meeting of the City
Council of the City of Costa Mesa held on the 41h day of February, 2020, by the following roll call
vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHAVEZ, MANSOOR, MARK, REYNOLDS,
STEPHENS,FOLEY
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: GENIS
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereby set my hand and affixed the seal of the City of Costa
Mesa this 5" day of February, 2020.
aw(4 jrff4-
Brenda Green, C to Clerk
Ordinance No. 2020-01 Page 11 of 11