AGENDA DATE: 12/11/2024
TITLE:
Title
Purchasing Manual Update
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution to amend and readopt the County's Purchasing Manual
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Bessette, Sumner, McNally, Vaughan
PRESENTER (S): Sumner, McNally
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Albemarle County's most recent Purchasing Manual was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October 2018, and amended in March 2020, August 2021, and September 2022. It governs County government and public school procurement in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA).
Following an extensive review of the Manual, staff from the Office of Procurement embarked on a redraft of the entire document. Having completed a new draft in Fall 2024, staff recommend the adoption of this updated version of the Manual, which 1) aligns County policies with recent revisions to the VPPA, 2) reflects current best practices, and 3) increases the clarity of the Manual's content.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: Staff recommends that this proposed revised Manual be adopted with an effective date of April 1, 2025, to coincide with the implementation of the new financial management system. Differences between the current and proposed version of the Manual are listed in Attachment A. The most notable changes include:
Changes intended to align the Manual with amendments to the VPPA:
- Increase the small purchase threshold from $100,000 to $200,000.
- Increase the non-transportation construction threshold to require solicitation from $100,000 to $300,000
Changes intended to implement best practices:
- Creating an independent chapter covering ethics in public procurement.
- Designating specific responsibili...
Click here for full text