Policy Proposes Purchasing Parameters

Hyattsville city employees could soon see new rules for purchasing goods and services if the City Council approves a new procurement policy up for debate at tonight's regular council meeting. 

The hefty, 112 page document lays out the procedures by which city employees may purchase goods and services. Within the document are templates for evaluation sheets to rank contractors, travel request forms and credit card purchase approval forms. 

City officials hope that the new policy will help assure vendors that they will receive fair and equal treatment during the procurement process as well as provide a framework to get the best bang for the city's buck on contracted services and other purchases. 

As a general guideline, the document encourages using local resources whenever possible in purchasing decisions. It also requires city staff to document the reasons why they chose a product or service over a competitor. 

It also lays out several prohibitions for employees involved in procurement. City employees must disclose any interests or family relationships they may have in any businesses which may contract or sell to the city. It also bans the purchasing of goods and services from entities owned or operated by a city employee or their direct relatives. 

The policy also calls for the creation of a new position, the Public Purchasing Agent, who would oversee the city's procurement efforts. 

Seeing as to how all products have a limited life, the policy also lays out guidelines for disposing of city equipment.