The board supports economic development in Iowa. Purchases by the District will be made in Iowa for Iowa goods and services from a locally-owned business located within the District or from an Iowa-based company which offers these goods or services if the cost and other considerations are relatively equal and they meet the required specifications.
All Projects
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to approve purchases, except those authorized by or requiring direct board action or requiring other action under the law. The superintendent shall have the authority to authorize purchases without competitive bids for goods and services costing under $7,500 without prior board approval. For goods and services costing more than $7,500 the superintendent shall receive, at a minimum, competitive quotes of the goods and services to be purchased, and shall submit all quotes to the board for its review.
The superintendent may coordinate and combine purchases with other governmental bodies to take advantage of volume price breaks. Joint purchases with other political subdivisions will be considered in the purchase of equipment, accessories or attachments with an estimated cost of $50,000 or more.
Public Improvement Projects
For goods and services utilized in public improvement projects, as defined under Iowa law, costing less than the competitive quote threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $55,000), the superintendent shall receive quotes or proposals of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval by the superintendent or the board. The purchase will be made from the party selected by the superintendent or the board.
For goods and services utilized in public improvement projects, as defined under Iowa law, costing equal to or more than the competitive quote threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $55,000) and less than the competitive bid threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $135,000) the superintendent shall receive competitive quotes of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval by the board. The purchase will be made from the party submitting the lowest responsive, responsible quotation based upon total cost considerations including, but not limited to, the cost of the goods and services being purchased, availability of service and/or repair, delivery date, and other factors deemed relevant by the board.
For goods and services utilized in public improvement projects, as defined under Iowa law, costing more than the competitive bid threshold amount required under Iowa law (for 2015, $135,000), the superintendent shall receive competitive sealed bids of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval of the board. The purchase will be made from the party submitting the lowest responsive, responsible bid based upon total cost considerations including, but not limited to, the cost of the goods and services being purchased, availability of service and/or repair, delivery date, and other factors deemed relevant by the board.
The board and the superintendent shall have the right to reject any or all quotes or bids, or any part thereof, and to seek additional quotes or bids. The board will enter into such contract or contracts as the board deems in the best interests of the District.
The award of construction contracts will, generally, be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. The board, however, in its discretion, after considering factors relating to the construction, including, but not limited to, the cost of the construction, availability of service and/or repair, completion date, and any other factors deemed relevant by the board, may choose a bid other than the lowest bid.
The procurement of all supplies, equipment, and services shall be initiated by the issuance of an official purchase order signed by the superintendent or by an authorized staff member. Only those supplies, equipment, and services procured by formal contract shall be exempt.
Approved: 1997-1998
Reviewed: 2009-2010
Revised: 2007-2008; 2012-2013; January 26, 2015