§ 19-236. Selection of consultants.

(a)

The director of finance shall call for proposals for consulting services on any consulting contract in an amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) or more, unless the city manager determines that it is not practical and advantageous to do so.

(b)

The director of finance shall publish notice of intent to seek consulting services and request for proposals at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. When the director of finance determines that it is necessary, additional publication may be made in such magazines, journals, or newspapers which may be necessary to guarantee the most broad exposure to the providers of the goods and services so desired. Such notice shall contain:

(1)

A description of the project to be performed;

(2)

The location where copies of plans, specifications, and other documents may be examined;

(3)

Time and budget limitations, if applicable;

(4)

The time and place where proposals will be received;

(5)

A statement that:

a.

After the city has selected its first preference, it will negotiate with that consultant;

b.

If negotiations prove unsuccessful, the consultant will be notified that the negotiations are terminated;

c.

Negotiations will then be commenced with the next preference; and

d.

The negotiating process will be continued until mutually satisfactory arrangement are made;

(6)

A statement that the city reserves the right to reject any or all bids or proposals and waive any informalities or irregularities therein or any portion thereof;

(7)

A statement that the director of finance may require that no consultant may withdraw a proposal for a period of up to forty-five (45) days after the deadline for submitted proposals but that a bid may be withdrawn up to twenty-four (24) hours prior to expiration of the deadline for submitted proposals; and

(8)

A statement that the proposal is prepared at the consultant's expense and becomes city property and therefore a public record.

(c)

In determining whether to accept a proposal, the applicable department head shall determine whether the consultant:

(1)

Possesses adequate technical and financial resources to perform the project or the ability to obtain the resources required for performance;

(2)

Possesses necessary experience, organization, and technical skill in the project field or the ability to obtain them, including, without limitation, arrangements with subcontractors;

(3)

Proposes a reasonable approach to achieve the project objectives;

(4)

Has a satisfactory record of performance in developing and implementing similar projects in other jurisdictions; and

(5)

Will perform the project at a reasonable cost, compared with the level of effort to be expanded.

(Ord. No. 30-1995, 11-28-95, eff. 12-8-95)