REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
July 14, 2016
FROM: MICHAEL LIMA, Controller/Finance Director
Finance Department
BY: GARY WATAHIRA, Purchasing Manager
Finance Department
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Submitting to City Electors a proposal to amend the Charter addressing the City's procurement process to allow submission of bid proposals electronically in addition to the currently permitted bid submission method of a hard copy and providing for the placement of the measure on the November 8, 2016 General Election.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve the resolution for submission to the City Electors a proposal to amend the Charter relating to the City's procurement process by allowing submission of bid proposals electronically via internet connection in addition to the currently permitted bid submission method of a hard copy and providing for the placement of the measure on the November 8, 2016 General Election.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For the current and future convenience of submitting formal bid proposals, online bidding will be an effective and efficient option for vendors. The Charter specifically requires hard copies of formal bids to be delivered to City Hall prior to the bid deadline. The Purchasing Unit's software for procurement administration has the ability to accept formal bids via the internet. This charter amendment will give bidders the option to submit formal bid documents via the internet.
BACKGROUND
As the functionality of technology and internet services improves, submitting formal bids online will be a convenient option for vendors. The City of Fresno's Purchasing Unit's software, Planet Bids, has the capability to electronically online accept formal bids (bids in excess of the $133,000 based on the consumer price index). However, the Charter currently requires that all formal bids be submitted to the City in writing as a hard copy. In order to accept formal bids electronically online, a charte...
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