Sponsor: Finance
Title
title
Amendments to Administrative Code Chapter 3 - Contracts and Procurement Solicitations
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve amendments to the Administrative Code to provide for County Manager delegated approval of expenditure grant agreements and single source purchases.
2. Direct the Chief Clerk to amend the Administrative Code to reflect approved amendments.
end
Background and Rationale
body
This request for board action (RBA) seeks approval from the Ramsey County Board for two updates to the County Manager delegated administrative code authorities.
Administrative Code 3.40.27(c) allows the County Manager to approve all professional and client service contracts, including supplemental agreements, amendments, and/or change orders, in conformance with state statutes and federal regulations as long as funds are available within the budget. This change to Administrative Code 3.40.27(c) adds expenditure grant agreements to the categories of contracts delegated to the County Manager for approval.
Administrative Code 3.40.33(c) allows the County Manager to approve sole source purchases of supplies, equipment, and services in conformance with state statutes and federal regulations without formal competitive solicitations under the provisions of the Minnesota Uniform Municipal Contracting Law and/or the Administrative Code upon determination that only one qualified vendor is available. This change to Administrative Code 3.40.33(c) replaces the term “sole source purchases” with “single source purchases” to be in conformance with state statutes and federal regulations.
These changes will enable Ramsey County to streamline purchasing and contracting processes and increase Ramsey County’s efforts to grow and sustain small and diverse businesses. The changes support the county’s strategic initiative to create pathways for intergenerational prosperity for racial and economic inclusion by making process improvements in countywide purchasing and contracting that are transformational, user-friendly, relational, equitable, efficient and transparent. Bringing Ramsey County purchasing policies and procedures into conformance with state statutes and federal regulations will result in public procurements that are more consistent and less confusing to community contractors.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Ramsey County is committed to increasing contract opportunities for the purchases of goods and services from contractors that reflect the diversity of businesses in our community, including nonprofits and community-based organizations. The county continues to create new and expanded opportunities to grow and sustain small and diverse businesses.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Updating these administrative code sections allows for greater support of the purchasing and contracting division and departments that are directly involved in purchasing, contracting, and the contractor selection process. The changes support the county’s efforts to create pathways for intergenerational prosperity for racial and economic inclusion by expanding contract opportunities for diverse businesses to strengthen the economic vitality of the community.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with this request.
Last Previous Action
On September 17, 2019, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners authorized changes to the Administrative Code to provide authority to approve all agreements and contracts with certified small business enterprises and to allow departments to make small order purchases, in conformance with state statutes and federal requirements; and to approve exemptions to Administrative Code delegations of authority pertaining to procurement (Resolution B2019-306).
Attachments
1. Administrative Code Edits Redlined
2. Administrative Code Proposed Final