Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort says the county’s new procurement policy clears up some issues and ensures “good government” for years to come.
County legislators passed the policy Tuesday after it was approved in committee last week.
Public Works contracts with a value of less than $2,000 may be signed by the purchasing agent. For contracts with a value between $2,000 and $7,999.99, documented verbal quotes must be obtained from at least two vendors. For contracts valued between $8,000 and $19,999, documented verbal quotes must be obtained from at least three vendors. For contracts valued between $20,000 and $34,999, formal written quotes must be obtained from at least three vendors. Contracts valued at $35,000 or more require sealed bids.
Also under the new policy, professional service contracts with a value of $24,999.99 or less require a written statement of justification for the vendor or consultant receiving the contract and approval by the county executive. For contracts valued at $25,000 to $74,999.99, written quotes from at least three vendors must be obtained, or written justification must be provided if three quotes are not obtained. All such contracts require approval by the county executive.
“This new procurement policy solves the issue of who has the authority to sign contracts,” Ossenfort said after the meeting. “The policy will ensure good government for many years to come.”
District 4 Legislator Ryan Weitz, who worked with on the policy with Ossenfort and County Attorney Douglas E. Landon, said the existing policy had to be updated in order to reflect the change in government from the board of supervisors to the county legislature.
