Columbia Trade-in or sale of surplus material ordinance (§ 2-463)

(a) A department head having charge of any surplus, obsolete or unused supplies, materials or equipment may request the purchasing agent to dispose of the property. The purchasing agent is authorized to sell the property in any form of open market competition to the highest bidder. The purchasing agent may set a minimum sale price and may reject any bid that, in the purchasing agent's judgment, is not a fair sale price.

(b) The purchasing agent, with the approval of the city manager, is authorized to sell any surplus, obsolete or unused supplies, materials or equipment to any governmental entity without open market competition.

(c) A department head having charge of any used material, good or software license may request the purchasing agent to trade in the material, good or software license as part of the purchase of a new or upgraded replacement purchase. The purchasing agent, with the approval of the city manager, is authorized to trade in the material, good or software license. The purchasing agent shall follow the applicable bidding process required by this article, and shall factor in the trade in value when selecting the vendor.

(d) Surplus cell phones, tablets, and computer equipment may be offered for sale to city employees for the personal use of such employee provide such employee agrees to pay the market rate for such equipment and follow the terms and conditions set forth herein. The city employee who had been utilizing the equipment shall be given the right of first refusal to purchase the equipment at the market rate established by the purchasing agent in consultation with the director of information technology or designee. If such employee elects not to purchase the equipment, the equipment may be offered for sale to any and all other employees using an open process that allows every employee an opportunity to purchase such equipment at the market rate. If more than one (1) employee desires to purchase an item, the employee allowed to make such purchase shall be determined by random drawing. Such items are intended for the use of employees and immediate members of the employee's household. An employee shall not give, sell or offer to sell any surplus technology equipment acquired pursuant to the benefit afforded by this subsection for a period of at least twenty-four (24) months following purchase. The director of finance may establish additional rules or regulations to ensure fair and open access to the purchase of such surplus equipment and compliance with this subsection.

Secs. 2-464, 2-465. - Reserved.