Columbia Bidding process; contracts for five thousand dollars or more but less than twenty-five thousand dollars ordinance (§ 2-467)

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, the purchasing agent shall not contract for the purchase of any supplies, materials, equipment or services costing five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or more but less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) unless the minimum bidding process of this section has been followed.

(b) The purchasing agent shall solicit by electronic or other written communication at least three (3) bids, if three (3) independent vendors are available. The purchasing agent may authorize a department to conduct the solicitation required by this section and provide documentation of such solicitation to the purchasing agent.

(c) Bids shall be awarded or rejected as provided in section 2-466.

(d) The purchasing agent shall keep a record of all solicitations made under this section.