Let's Go Shopping-An Idiot's Procurement Policy

Government procurement

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Government procurement, also called public tendering or public procurement, is the procurement of goods and services on behalf of a public authority, such as a goverment agency. With 10 to 15% of GDP in developed countries and up to 20% in developing countries, government procurement accounts for a substantial part of the global economy.


To prevent fraud, waste, or corruption or local protectionism, the law of most countries regulates government procurement more or less closely. It usually requires the procuring authority to issue public tenders if the value of the procurement exceeds a certain threshold.

I like Joe. He's a good guy and just dumb enough to date my sister Marcy. Can't I just throw some work his way? If I  throw enough work his way will he actually pop the question?

If you are an elected official, theoretically no and who knows. 

Of course, all of this question of a bid and procurement policy is moot if there is no incentive for the Mullett Township Board to act ethically. Supervisor MaryAnne Gale publicly stated numerous times that she wanted to have open government and a policy seeking competitive bids. 

"How's that working out for you?" Supervisor Gale. 

The Board and Supervisor Gale should first familiarize themselves with the definition of "quote": provide an estimate, and "bid": offer a competitive price. The words are not synonyms.

We have the same party plowing snow and the same Board member removing docks. And now, two former employees, "fired" less than a year ago have been rehired, one to do painting at the pavilion and the other to repair the Topinabee Library fascia and eaves trough. Both done after providing  quotes to Mullet Township Clerk Rachel Osborn with no public solicitation for bids. Where is Ralph Florenski when we need him?

Is the individual a licensed contractor or will he compete against local licensed contractors as "temporary" Mullett Township employees have done in the past? Supervisor Gale's question on another matter to David Ogg in the last meeting, "should we discuss this in public?" shows her willingness to hide actions and the on-going practice of making decisions behind closed doors.

Here is how other communities and public entities seek "competitive" bids. 

It's not rocket science. Clearly specify what you want: BIDS WANTED, and when. Use a form if needed to assure everyone "bids" the comparable work or material, and then advertise. It doesn't take 10 column inches to advertise a simple bid solicitation. 

Instead, MaryAnne Gale empowers each Mullett Board member to spend up to $500 on any perceived need without prior Board approval. That was an obvious attempt to make her fellow Board members feel empowered. Her and the Board's attempts to seek bids have all ignored standards used when seeking competitive bids. Convoluted wording, inadequately specified work,incorrect or omitted locations, advertisements without closing dates, and combined ads seeking lawn care, maybe??, irrigation shut-down and also dock install/removal.   

Here is a simple purchasing policy adapted from an on-line source. 

 

Title: Purchasing Policy

General Purpose:

The purpose of this purchasing policy is to ensure the efficient procurement of appropriate goods and services at appropriate prices. In addition, our residents expect this policy to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior.

Summary Statement of Policy:

The policy is designed to serve as a guide for all purchases by Township employees and elected officials on behalf of xxxx Township.

Actual Policy as Written:

The Township shall attempt to purchase the highest quality goods and services at the lowest price. In this process, the Township shall serve as an equal opportunity purchaser, favoring local vendors only when all other factors are equal.

All purchases are ultimately the responsibility of the Township Clerk with Board approval. All purchases must be budgeted for, and properly documented, in accordance with this policy. The Board shall not consider appropriations contained in the budget as a mandate to expend funds, nor does the budget constitute authorization to commit the Township to purchases, as such authorization originates from the provisions in this policy. This purchasing policy is based on dollar thresholds. The practice of separating the work of vendors into separate invoices is a violation of the policy. Contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. However, consideration can be given to: quality of goods/services; conformity with specifications; suitability to the requirements of the township; delivery of goods; and past performance of vendor. 

The dollar thresholds for seeking bids, advertising guidelines, and specific terms or allowances for local vendors or contractors in Mullett Township can be spelled out in a few more paragraphs with a standard advertising form adopted. Then, publish the policy. "Publish" means to make public. It's not rocket science MaryAnne. 

It's simpler than a Fireworks Ordinance and actually needed.