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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08. Local Vendor PreferenceF6111, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District March 31, 2015 TO: ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE VIA: DAVID HEATH, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION FROM: STEPHANIE KING, PURCHASING MANAGER 'S K SUBJECT: LOCAL VENDOR PRACTICES The Board had previously directed staff to evaluate options the District may have in creating a local vendor preference policy. Staff brought this information to the Administration Committee on January, 13, 2015. The Administration Committee directed staff to bring this issue to the full Board to see if there was an interest in pursuing a policy to allow preference to local vendors. Staff presented this information to the Board of Directors on February 19, 2015 and the majority of the Board was not in favor of pursuing a policy. The Board was, however, interested in staff bringing back information to the Administration Committee related to the informal District practices that help to encourage local vendor participation in District business. There are a variety ways to help encourage local businesses to participate in District business, all of which we currently practice at the District when applicable: • Depending on the cost of the purchase, we can limit the number of vendors submitting quotes to local vendors only, as long as there are enough local vendors that supply the particular product /service requested. • Some national government contracts allow credit to be given to local distributers. • We may include the cost for freight, delivery, or other transportation costs in the evaluation to determine low bid. This benefits local companies. • Response time requirements for service contracts often give an advantage to local companies. • Our online bidding system allows us the ability to limit the solicitations to a specified geographical area when applicable. • Local companies are more likely to attend job walks, giving them a better understanding of the job and may also allow them to propose alternative plans at a lower cost for confined space entry jobs. Utilization of procurement cards allows for low dollar purchases to be awarded to local companies by District staff due to convenience.. • To the extent available, award lower dollar purchases not subject to the competitive quotations requirements, to local companies. • We may give consideration to local consultants when awarding agreements for professional consulting services.