INTRODUCTION

WELCOME

This section describes the statutory requirements, policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and services for the departments and  divisions of City Utilities and the City of Fort Wayne.

MISSION AND GOALS

The mission of the City's Purchasing Department is to obtain supplies, equipment, and non-professional contractual services for its user departments and divisions while ensuring complete compliance with Federal, State and Local rules and regulations.  The goal in procurement of these goods and services is to obtain them at the least cost while assuring high quality and  maintaining timely delivery.  To make all purchases on the basis of fair and equitable competition.  To conduct the entire process of public purchasing in such an absolutely impeccable and crystal-clear manner, and without conflict of interest, as to eliminate any possibility or appearance of improper business relationships.  

The City of Fort Wayne is a political subdivision of the State of Indiana and is governed by the state's public purchasing statutes. 

• These statutes are developed by duly elected representatives of the people of Indiana.  These representatives pass bills, after public hearings, which are signed into law by the Governor and which the executive branch of the state government then enforces.  The third branch of government, the judiciary, reviews and interprets the statutes.

   

   

   

The activities of the Purchasing Department are governed by state law, legal ordinances adopted by the City Council, and by executive orders from the Mayor. In essence, the rules and policies serve as detailed instructions which expand the outline of the statutes.

• The Article governing public purchasing applies to every expenditure of public funds by a governmental body in compliance with Indiana Law.

   

   

   

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Purchases up to $5,000: departments may do direct.

Purchases between $5,001 - $24,999: the Purchasing staff will obtain faxed quotes from a minimum of  three vendors.

Purchases between $25,000 - $74,999: the Purchasing staff will obtain written quotes from a minimum of three vendors. 

Purchases over $75,000: the Purchasing staff will advertise an Invitation to Bid, according to State statute.  Bids are publicly opened in the Purchasing Department.

Purchases over $100,000: In addition to the above, approval must be obtained from the Fort Wayne City Council.