Legal Documents of Jefferson City

Upon recommendation of the city manager, that it is clearly to the advantage of the city not to contract by competitive bidding, the requirements of competitive bidding may be waived under the following circumstances:

1. Single source of supply. The availability of only one vendor of a product or service within a reasonable distance of the city as determined after a complete search by the using department and the purchasing department. A written statement must be filed verifying single source supplier.
2. State Department of General Services. These are purchases made through or in conjunction with the State Department of General Services (state contract). Municipalities may take advantage of the so-called "state prices" regardless of any charter or general law requirements, as provided by Tennessee Code Annotated, § 12-3-1001. These bids may be viewed on the monthly microfiche file received from the State of Tennessee.
3. Purchases from other governments. Any municipality may purchase from any federal, state or local governmental unit or agency, second-hand articles of equipment or other materials, supplies, commodities, and equipment. The purchasing agent, all department heads, and city staff will be authorized to sign for these purchases. These purchases may be made without competitive bidding and public advertising regardless of charter requirements, as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated, § 12-2-1003.
4. Purchases from non-profit corporations. Any municipality may purchase from any non-profit corporation whose sole purpose is to provide goods and services specifically to municipalities, such as Local Government Data Processing, as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated, § 12-2-1003.
5. Purchases from Tennessee State industries.
6. Purchases from instrumentalities created by two or more cooperating governments as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated, § 12-9-101.
7. Certain insurance. Municipalities may purchase tort liability insurance, without competitive bidding from the Tennessee Municipal League, or any other plan authorized and approved by any organization by governmental entities representing cities and counties as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated, § 29-20-407.
8. Investments in or purchases from the pooled investment fund established pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, § 9-17-105.
9. Purchases of fuels, fuel products, or perishable commodities.
10. Professional service contracts. Any services of a professional person or firm, including attorneys, accountants, physicians, architects, and consultants required by the city, whose fee is $500.00 or more, shall be evidenced by written contract. The contract will be awarded on the basis of recognized competence and integrity, rather than on competitive bids. Competitive bidding shall be prohibited for such services as provided for in Tennessee Code Annotated, § 29-20-407.
11. In those cases where city council indicates by formal unanimous resolution of those present at the meeting, based upon written recommendation of the city manager, that it is clearly to the advantage of the city not to contract with competitive bidding, it may authorize noncompetitive contracts. (1996 Code, § 6-517)