HomeMy WebLinkAbout20 - Council Policies F-5 & F-14CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 20
(January 25, 2011)
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: David R. Hunt, City Attorney
Ext..3131, dhunt(a)-newportbeachca.gov
Dana Smith, Assistant City Manager
Ext. 3002, dsmith(Wriewportbeachca.gov
SUBJECT: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO COUNCIL CONTRACTING POLICY F -14
AND PURCHASING POLICY F -5
61.4111',
Provide an amended draft of the City Council's contracting policy (F -14) and purchasing
policy (F -5) that will result in clearer policy directives and gain operational efficiencies for
the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Council adopt the amended Council Policies F -14 and F -5
appended to the staff report as Attachment 1 through the passage of the corresponding
resolution appended to the staff report as Attachment 2.
DISCUSSION:
Background
Charter Section 421 vests the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the City with
the City Council with the exception of entering into contracts with regular employees of
the City.' It also authorizes the City Council to delegate contacting authority to the City
Administration through adoption of ordinances and resolutions that provide council
guidance. These two very important policies have not been updated in a number of years.
The redrafting of council policies F -14 and F -5 establishes updated and explicit policy
directives to the City Manager, updates contracting types and authority levels for
executive staff, and removes implementing language not appropriate for a policy
document.
Discussion
The authority to enter into agreements with regular employees of the City is vested solely by the City
Manager pursuant to Charter Section 421.
Updating Council Contracting Policy F -14 And Purchasing Policy F -5
Council Meeting January 25, 2011
Contracting and purchasing are critical to the functions of the City. The current F -14 policy
defines the delegated authority of City staff to enter into and amend contracts and
describes the types of authorized contracts. Council Policy F -14 goes beyond the normal
bounds of a policy document by including detailed administrative contracting procedures.
The inclusion of specific administrative details such as proscribed bid processes,
procedures for approval of contracts, retention practices, and detailing processes for the
selection of consultants is impractical. Policies by their very nature are adopted and
approved by legislative bodies, in this case the Council, and procedures are created and
approved by the administration responsible for carrying out the function. This amended
draft of policy F -14 proposes removing the administrative procedures and focuses on
clear policy directives.
The City Manager has directed staff to insert the administrative procedures removed from
policies F -14 into the City's Administrative Procedures Manual. The City Council's current
Purchasing Policy F -5 already separates policy from the City Manager's administrative
procedures. The updated F -5 policy attached simply clarifies the delegated spending
authority of the City Manager and Department Directors.
Summary of Recommended Changes
Proposed changes to Policy F -14 are detailed below. These changes address unique
contracting needs, contract authority and delegation levels, policy guidance for
accountability and transparency, and maintenance of a competitive contracting
environment.
1. Independent Instructional and Recreation Contractors
It is recommended that a section be added to Policy F -14 to address the unique
contractual relationship the City has with independent contractors who provide
instructional and recreational services. The Recreation and Senior Services Departments
use these types of contractors in their programs. The contractors are paid either a
percentage of the amount their classes bring in or sometimes on a "piece work" basis, for
examples umpires are paid by the game. This type of contractual relationship was not
specified in the old policy language as there is no "contract amount" that can be identified
at the outset of the agreement. The new policy expressly authorizes these types of
contracts and establishes reporting protocols should the amounts paid on a percentage
basis exceed Director and City Manager authority.
2 "On -Call' Agreements
"On- call" agreements have also been clarified and limited in the recommended Policy.
The policy has been written so that staff may enter into "on- call" agreements for services
that are recurring in nature and do not warrant entering into individual contracts for the
provision of the services for each individual project. That authority, however, is limited to
the authority delegated to the department director and the City Manager and limited to a
Updating Council Contracting Policy F -14 And Purchasing Policy F -5
Council Meeting January 25, 2011
time span of two years. Thus, at the outset of an on -call agreement and at least every
two years thereafter, staff must review the contract and enter into a process that assures
the City that it is receiving a fair, reasonable and competitive price for the contracted
performance. This approach simplifies the entering into agreements that are necessary
for providing repetitive and emergency services for the City. For example, Utilities may
use on -call agreements for repetitive electrical and other maintenance and repair services
and can address emergency services such as repair of pipelines in the event of failure.
3. Contract Authority delegation levels
The current contract spending. authority granted to the City Manager ($50,000) and
department directors ($30,000) has not been updated in many years. The executive staff
manages many lines of business that make up the $240 million dollar city corporation.
The relatively low contracting authority level hinders efficient conduct of routine business
activity. A review of surrounding cities showed that Newport Beach was at the lower end
of the contracting spending authority and the trend for medium size cities is to set
contracting limits between $75,000 and $125,000. To modernize our policies and
practices and to be consistent with the updated Charter, staff recommends increasing the
contracting authority of the City Manager to $120,000 and $75,000 for Department
Directors.
4. Amended Contract Amounts
There are problems with managing contract amendments under current Policy F -14. The
definition of the term "original contract amount' was not clearly understood.. The revised
F -14 policy defines 'original contract amount' as the initial compensation agreed to under
the contract or the latest amount approved by the City Council, whichever is greater.
The proposed Policy clarifies staffs authority to amend a contract. A contract executed by
the City Manager or a Department Director may be amended up to their specified limit.
For example, the City Manager may amend a $79,000 contract he executed up to his
authorized limit of $120,000. And, the City Manager may amend contracts signed by
Department Directors whose limits are $75,000 up to a maximum of $120,000 (again, his
limit under the amended policy). The City Manager, under the new policy, may also
amend contracts that were originally approved by City Council up to 125% of the "original
contract amount" provided the amended amount does not exceed his contract spending
authority of $120,000.
5. Accountability and Transparency
The proposed policy is clear that the Office of the City Attorney, consistent with Charter
obligations, must sign and approve as to form all contracts entered into within the City.
The Office of the City Attorney and will continue to oversee the compliance of contracts to
Council policies.
3
Updating Council Contracting Policy F -14 And Purchasing Policy F -5
Council Meeting January 25, 2011
Additionally, Administrative Services requires all contracts and purchases to be consistent
with the City's contracting and purchasing policies before it will issue funds on an
obligation. The department requires that accounting best practices are followed and
documents the financial responsibility of the purchaser.
The City Clerk will continue to be the office of record for all City contracts as outlined in
the City Charter. Copies of all original contracts are routed to the City Clerk. The Clerk
maintains the originals and posts copies into the City's public electronic data base. This
ensures transparency for all contracts entered into by the City.
6. Unique contracting arrangements
Confusion existed as to the application of F -14 for contracts entered into, and on behalf
of, applicants and developers. The updated policy clarifies that all contracts, including
those entered into, and on behalf of applicants and developers, must adhere to Council's
F -14 Policy.
7. Contract Authority for the City Attorney
Under the existing Policy, the City Attorney does not have a defined spending limit. This
policy amendment clarifies that the City Attorney shall keep the City Council informed
regarding any litigation expense that exceeds $120,000 on not less than a quarterly basis
and shall seek budget updates, if needed, within a timely basis. Non - litigation spending
authority for the City Attorney shall be $75,000.
Recommendation of Finance Committee
Staff brought many of the recommended changes to F -14 to the Finance Committee in
July of 2010. The Finance Committee supported raising the contract authority levels and
the separation of administrative procedures from the Council policy. The Committee
further stressed that accountability and transparency were important attributes to be
maintained in both the policy and the administrative procedures. The Committee
reaffirmed the City's need to seek competitive pricing in its contracting procedures.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: This is not a project under CEQA.
PUBLIC NOTICE: This agenda item has been noticed according to the Ralph M. Brown
Act (72 hours in advance of the public meeting at which the City Council considers the
item). It was posted at City Hall and on the City's website.
FUNDING AVAILABILITY:
This recommended action does not require funding.
L�
Updating Council Contracting Policy F -14 And Purchasing Policy F -5
Council Meeting January 25, 2011
CONCLUSION:
Based upon the above discussion, staff recommends the adoption of the attached
Resolution amending contracting and purchasing policies F -14 and F -5 of the City
Council.
Prepared & Submitted by:
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
David R. Hunt, City Attorney
DRH:rh
Submitted by:
Dana Smith, AssistanY City Manager
Attachment 1: Proposed Council Policies F -14 & F -5
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
5
F -14
AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
1 I. PURPOSE AND LIMITATION
T-G set forth the City's The purpose of this policy is to set out the City's policy
establishing authority for committing City funds for Service Contracts. This policy
applies to all contracts for services, whether entered into through standard or
emergency procedures, including but not limited to professional services, audit services,
public works project services, public property maintenance and repair services, and
maintenance, custodial and repair services for all City facilities.
II. LIMITAT-IANGENERAL AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR
SERVICES
Provisions of the Charter govern the methods through which the City may be bound by
contracts. Under the Charter, all contracting authority, with the exception of services
rendered by a person in the employ of the City at a regular salary, rest with the City
Council. The Charter states that the City shall not be bound by any contract or
amendment thereto, unless the same shall be made in writing, approved by the City
Manager to bind the City, with or without a written contract, for the acquisition of
equipment, materials, supplies, labor, services or other items included within the budget
approved by the City Council, and may impose a monetary limit upon such authority,
Gentmets fGF seMees are distinct from contracts for prorurernent of specific maternal
ifemo If the only purpose of a contract is for the City to obtain goods, .tech. OF
maintename of goods, mateFials and equipment shall also be formed under the
■T[S�
21101li-
G ■
■ ■ ■ ■
■ ■ ■ ■
■T[S�
21101li-
G ■
F -14
The Citv Council herebv delegates its authoritv to contract for services to the Cit
Manager and through him or her to Department Directors, and to the City Attorney as
set out below. All formalities required under the provisions of the Charter shall be
applied to these contracts. As such, the City Attorney shall review, approve and sign all
such contract documents prior to contract award and execution and the City Clerk shall
accountability.
A. Authority to Enter Contracts
The authority to enter into original contracts is delegated as set out below.
1. The -City Manager.
4 The City. Manager is authorized to sign and award and sign contracts for services
without- prior Council approval, in an amount not
emeed in excess of $69120,000 provided that the services and funds are
available-mere approved by the C- ity Council as part of the annual Department budget or
are available in an applicant deposit account. This authority shall not be delegated
below the Assistant City Manager level.
2
m
RR
1. The -City Manager.
4 The City. Manager is authorized to sign and award and sign contracts for services
without- prior Council approval, in an amount not
emeed in excess of $69120,000 provided that the services and funds are
available-mere approved by the C- ity Council as part of the annual Department budget or
are available in an applicant deposit account. This authority shall not be delegated
below the Assistant City Manager level.
2
m
F -14
rrOM _ . .
.....
2. Department Directors.
2- Department Directors are authorized to award and sign Witten contracts for
services without prior City Manaaer or Council approval in an amount that de not in
excess ofexeeed $3975,000 without furtheF Council review, as Iong-as- provided that the
services and funds were approved by the City Council as part of the annual Department
budget or are available in an applicant deposit account. This authority may not be
delegated below the Department Director level. The City Glad( shall sign all s eh
3. City Attorney.
The City Attorney is authorized to award and sign contracts for all services for outside
counsel and experts related directly to and necessary for prosecution and defense of
pending litigation as- defined in the Brown Act, and for services for outside counsel and
experts necessary to address other pending or potential legal claims or legal issues so
long as funds for outside counsel, experts and related legal services were approved by
the City Council as part of the approved annual budget- presess. The City Attorney shall
keep Council informed reaardina any such expense that exceeds $120.000 on not less
than a quarterly basis and shall seek budget updates, if needed, within a timely fashion.
B. Authority to Amend Contracts
If circumstances arise that were are not reasonably foreseeable by the parties at the
time of contracting-,-and which make extra work necessary for the proper completion of
the service originally contracted for, a contract amendment and corresponding increase
in total contract amount may be necessary. Under those circumstances, the City
KM
F -14
Manager and Department Directors are authorized to amend a contract as set out
below. For purposes of this policy, "total contract amount" shall be defined as the total
consideration paid over the term of the agreement, including any previous amendments
to the contract. "Original contract amount" shall be defined as either the amount of
compensation agreed upon when the contract was first entered into or the amount of
compensation last approved to by the City Council, whichever is greater.
1. City Manager.
For all contracts entered into within the City Manager's authority, the Citv
Council, Tthe City Manager may sign and award thea contract amendment if the total
cost of services will not exceed 125% of the original contract amount, or Of the increase
the....__origina0ta1 contract by more than $120,000, whichever amount does - not xeeed
$50,000, whiGhever is greaterlesser.
4-
2. Department Directors.
The Department Director overseeina the contract may sian the contract amendment if
that amendment will not cause the total contact amount to exceed -
2-. if the original GentFaGt did not exceed $30,000 and
Fnay sign the GentraGt ameRdFnent if that amendment will not eause the total GentFa
° $75.000.
3. Amendments in Cases of Possible Work Stoppaae or Undesirable
Delay.
a- In certain situations, the City Manager and the Department Director in charge of
the contract may determine that an amendment is needed that will cause the total
contract amount to exceed the City Manager's amendment signing authority, and that
the timing is such that awork stoppage or other undesirable consequence will - result -if --
approval of the change is delayed until the next City Council meeting. _In those
situations, the City Manager may approve an amendment that increases the total
contract amount up to 150% of the original contract. _However, the City Manager will
notify all City Council Members individually if this situation develops, and if any
individual Council Member objects to the increase, a special meeting of the City Council
will be called to address the issue.
4. Amendments Necessary to Address Emergency Situations
3- In event of emergency work that requires an amendment to an existing contract,
the emergency contracting policy outlined below shah -may be followed.
IV. TYPES OF SERVICES CONTRACTS AND HOW TO AWARD THEM
■I
F -14
i'ddina It is recognized that by their nature, service contracts cannot always be
awarded as a result of a competitive bid process. However, competitive "proposals
should be obtained whenever possible before resorting to negotiated awards.
A. Professional Services Consultant Selection
Professional consultant services differ from other services in that they are of a
professional nature, and due to the ethical codes of some of the professions involved,
as well as the nature of the services provided, do not readily fall within the competitive
bidding process. _Professional consultants should be individually selected through a
qualifications -based selection process for a specific project or service on the basis of
and with the objective of selecting the most
_qualified consultant at a fair -and reasonable and verifiably appropriate cost. The
procedures for achieving this goal shall be adopted and applied by the City Manager in
the Administrative Procedures Manual.
fGIIOWing Procedures shall be used in the selection of professienal Gensulting seWices.
This policy shall include, but not be limited to, services in the following fields:
• Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, traffic, geotechnical,
etc.)
• Building plan review and grading plan review and /or inspection services
• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
_ • Construction Project Management Firms
• Environmental
• Planning
• Economic Analysis
• Property Appraisals
• Land Surveying
Financial Services
5
i�
F -14
• Data Processing Services
• Legal Services not.otherwise authorized in Section A(3) of this Policy
B. General Services Agreements
General Services Agreements are not strictly professional in nature, but arise where
operations, repair and maintenance services, or other services of a non - professional
nature, are provided to the City. Agreements that typically fall into this category are for
repair and maintenance of roadways, landscape maintenance, repair and maintenance
of City faculties, and other such non - professional services.
The City shall select general services contractors though a request for proposal process
awarding such contracts.
C. Capital Improvement Program
Contracts for public works shall be awarded consistent with the provisions of Charter
Section 1110 and Chapter 15.75 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code as updated and
amended from time to time. Under the terms of City Charter Section 1110, contracts for
D. Independent Instructional and Recreation Contractors
Where contractors are paid for services from fees collected for the services provided,
Department Directors are authorized to award and sign contracts with independent
such independent contractors may be up to two (2) years in duration.
Should fees paid to any contractor exceed $75.000 during the term of the contract. the
Department Director shall provide written notice to the City Manager identifying the
program, independent contractor and anticipated total fees to be paid. The City
Manager shall give written notice to the City Council should fees paid exceed $120000.
E. On -Call and Emergency Contracts for Services
Under limited circumstances the use of formal contracting procedures to procure
services is not an effective or an efficient use of City resources. The following
0
F -14
contracting procedures are authorized for entering into on -call agreements for services
as needed and for procuring services in times of emergency.
1. On -Call Agreements.
The City Manager and Department Directors are authorized to enter into on -call
agreements for obtaining services on an as needed basis, including, but not limited to,
professional services and repair and maintenance services, that are needed from time
to time where the size of the iob does not warrant the expense of entering into individual
agreements for each service. On -call agreements must be within the authority of the
call agreements shall be consistent with the award procedures for the type of contract
being awarded as set out above. Procedures for entering into on -call agreements shall
be prescribed by the City Manager in the Administrative Procedure Manual.
7
d-
- -
:u
.'J -L1J
2. E—.Emergencv Contracts for Services.
F -14
If a contract for services is necessary under the provisions of Newport Beach Municipal
Code Section 2.20.020, ^•^^� he City Emergency Procedures shall be
followed.
If a contract for services is entered into in times of urgent Aecessafy- necessity under the
authority of Newport Beach City Charter Section 1110, and the contract amount
exceeds the signing authority of the relevant Department Director or City Manager as
authorized in this Policy, then that contract shall be brought to the City Council at its
next regularly scheduled meeting for review.
Whenever possible, the City shall enter into Emergency On -Call Agreements with
contractors or consultants who can be relied upon to assist the City in advance of any
actual emergency. Emergency On -Call Agreements shall be submitted to Council for
approval after being reviewed and approved by the G49L � Office of the City
Attorney._ After the Emergency On -Call Agreement is approved, services provided on
an emergency basis under an Emergency On -Call Agreement may be retained by oral
commitment of the City Manager (or, in the case of an emergency described by
Municipal Code Section 2.20.020, the Director or Assistant Director of Emergency
11
4d
F -14
Services), to be memorialized in a Letter Agreement between the parties as soon as
possible thereafter.
When a written contract has been entered into in order to address an emergency,
copy of the written contract shall be provided to the City Clerk as soon as possible.
V. GENERAL PROCEDURES
A. Contract Retention
The City Clerk shall retain the-all original executed service contracts in accordance with
the City's current adopted Records Retention Schedule. Contracts shall be posted into
�Ra T tl,. nre:Rl.,r.Z,rJr_r.ZSmTr.�a:L,�c rS.PTV
Mw. - ... _ .
: -
..
- ;.
..
XB_Insurance
All contracts shall be accompanied by proof of the appropriate level of insurance at the
time of execution. The insurance level required shall be in accordance with the City's
published Schedule of Insurance
of +Kr.� „s_. Polley), or as otherwise approved by the City's Risk Manager.
F -14
FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO POLICY
Any future changes in the provisions of this Policy shall be made by resolution of the
City Council
Adopted - January 24,1994
Amended - April 13, 2004
Amended by Resolution No. 2006 -35 - May 9, 2006
Amended by Resolution No. 2011- - January 25, 2025
12
F -14
AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
I. PURPOSE AND LIMITATION
The purpose of this policy is to set out the City's policy establishing authority for
committing City funds for Service Contracts. This policy applies to all contracts for
services, whether entered into through standard or emergency procedures, including
but not limited to professional services, audit services, public works project services,
public property maintenance and repair services, and maintenance, custodial and repair
services for all City facilities.
II. GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS FOR SERVICES
Provisions of the Charter govern the methods through which the City may be bound by
contracts. Under the Charter, all contracting authority, with the exception of services
rendered by a person in the employ of the City at a regular salary, rest with the City
Council. The Charter states that the City shall not be bound by any contract or
amendment thereto, unless the same shall be made in writing, approved by the City
Council and signed on behalf of the City by the Mayor and City Clerk or by such other
officer or officers as shall be designated by the City Council (Charter § 421). The City
Attorney shall approve the form of all contracts made by or amendment thereto and all
bonds given to the City, endorsing his or her approval thereon in writing (Charter §
602(e)). The City Council may, however, by ordinance or resolution authorize the City
Manager to bind the City, with or without a written contract, for the acquisition of
equipment, materials, supplies, labor, services or other items included within the budget
approved by the City Council, and may impose a monetary limit upon such authority.
III. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AND AMEND CONTRACTS
The City Council hereby delegates its authority to contract for services to the City
Manager and through him or her to Department Directors, and to the City Attorney as
set out below. All formalities required under the provisions of the Charter shall be
applied to these contracts. As such, the City Attorney shall review, approve and sign all
such contract documents prior to contract award and execution and the City Clerk shall
sign all such contracts attesting to their being entered into by the City. Additionally, the
City Manager shall adopt and enforce administrative procedures that assure all
contracts are: (1) entered into at a reasonable, fair and competitive price to the City; (2)
all necessary formalities are followed and the requirements of federal, state, and local
laws, including Council policies, are met; (3) best accounting practices are followed; and
(4) the contracting process of the City is open and transparent, and provides
accountability.
A. Authority to Enter Contracts
The authority to enter into original contracts is delegated as set out below.
I
I[17
F -14
City Manager.
The City Manager is authorized to award and sign contracts for services without prior
Council approval in an amount not in excess of $120,000 provided that the services and
funds were approved by the City Council as part of the annual Department budget or
are available in an applicant deposit account. This authority shall not be delegated
below the Assistant City Manager level.
2. Department Directors.
Department Directors are authorized to award and sign contracts for services without
prior City Manager or Council approval in an amount not in excess of $75,000 provided
that the services and funds were approved by the City Council as part of the annual
Department budget or are available in an applicant deposit account. This authority may
not be delegated below the Department Director level.
3. City Attorney.
The City Attorney is authorized to award and sign contracts for all services for outside
counsel and experts related directly to and necessary for prosecution and defense of
pending litigation as defined in the Brown Act, and for services for outside counsel and
experts necessary to address other pending or potential legal claims or legal issues so
long as funds for outside counsel, experts and related legal services were approved by
the City Council as part of the approved annual budget. The City Attorney shall keep
Council informed regarding any such expense that exceeds $120,000 on not less than a
quarterly basis and shall seek budget updates, if needed, within a timely fashion.
B. Authority to Amend Contracts
If circumstances arise that were are not reasonably foreseeable by the parties at the
time of contracting which make extra work necessary for the proper completion of the
service originally contracted for, a contract amendment and corresponding increase in
total contract amount may be necessary. Under those circumstances, the City Manager
and Department Directors are authorized to amend a contract as set out below. For
purposes of this policy, "total contract amount" shall be. defined as the total
consideration paid over the term of the agreement, including any previous amendments
to the contract. "Original contract amount" shall be defined as either the amount of
compensation agreed upon when the contract was first entered into or the amount of
compensation last approved to by the City Council, whichever is greater.
City Manager.
For all contracts entered into within the City Manager's authority, the City Manager may
sign and award a contract amendment so long as the total contract amount as amended
does not exceed $120,000. For contracts entered into by the City Council, the City
Manager may sign and award a contract amendment if the total cost of services will not
exceed 125% of the original contract amount, or increase the original contract by more
than $120,000, whichever amount is lesser.
— _ — - -- _ 2
a
F -14
2. Department Directors.
The Department Director overseeing the contract may sign the contract amendment if
that amendment will not cause the total contract amount to exceed $75,000.
3. Amendments in Cases of Possible Work Stoppage or Undesirable
Delay.
In certain situations, the City Manager and the Department Director in charge of the
contract may determine that an amendment is needed that will cause the total contract
amount to exceed the City Manager's amendment signing authority, and that the timing
is such that a work stoppage or other undesirable consequence will result if approval of
the change is delayed until the next City Council meeting. In those situations, the City
Manager may approve an amendment that increases the total contract amount up to
150% of the original contract. However, the City Manager will notify all City Council
Members individually if this situation develops, and if any individual Council Member
objects to the increase, a special meeting of the City Council will be called to address
the issue.
4. Amendments Necessary to Address Emergency Situations
In event of emergency work that requires an amendment to an existing contract, the
emergency contracting policy outlined below may be followed.
IV. TYPES OF SERVICES CONTRACTS AND HOW TO AWARD THEM
It is recognized that by their nature, service contracts cannot always be awarded as a
result of a competitive bid process. However, competitive proposals should be obtained
whenever possible before resorting to negotiated awards.
A. Professional Services Consultant Selection
Professional consultant services differ from other services in that they are of a
professional nature, and due to the ethical codes of some of the professions involved,
as well as the nature of the services provided, do not readily fall within the competitive
bidding process. Professional consultants should be individually selected through a
qualifications -based selection process for a specific project or service on the basis of
demonstrated competence and qualifications for the types of services to be performed
and with the objective of selecting the most qualified consultant at a fair, reasonable and
verifiably appropriate cost. The procedures for achieving this goal shall be adopted and
applied by the City Manager in the Administrative Procedures Manual.
This policy shall include, but not be limited to, services in the following fields:
• Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, traffic, geotechnical,
etc.)
Vo
F -14
• Building plan review and grading plan review and /or inspection services
• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Construction Project Management Firms
• Environmental
• Planning
• Economic Analysis
• Property Appraisals
• Land Surveying
• Financial Services
• Data Processing Services
• Legal Services not otherwise authorized in Section A(3) of this Policy
B. General Services Agreements
General Services Agreements are not strictly professional in nature, but arise where
operations, repair and maintenance services, or other services of a non - professional
nature, are provided to the City. Agreements that typically fall into this category are for
repair and maintenance of roadways, landscape maintenance, repair and maintenance
of City faculties, and other such non - professional services.
The City shall select general services contractors though a request for proposal process
that is implemented in order to determine the most qualified proposer and obtain the
most competitive price. Both qualifications and pricing shall be considered when
awarding such contracts.
C. Capital Improvement Program
Contracts for public works shall be awarded consistent with the provisions of Charter
Section 1110 and Chapter 15.75 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code as updated and
amended from time to time. Under the terms of City Charter Section 1110, contracts for
public works that exceed $120,000 in total expenditures must be awarded by the City
Council through the conducting of a formal bidding process. At its option, the City
°7r i
F -14
Council may direct that such contracts be signed by the Mayor, the City Manager or the
Public Works Director.
D. Independent Instructional and Recreation Contractors
Where contractors are paid for services from fees collected for the services provided,
Department Directors are authorized to award and sign contracts with independent
contractors for instructional, educational, cultural, or recreational purposes where the
fees paid by the City are based upon either a percentage of fees collected by City for a
program or on a flat rate basis for tasks performed by the contractor. Contracts with
such independent contractors may be up to two (2) years in duration.
Should fees paid to any contractor exceed $75,000 during the term of the contract, the
Department Director shall provide written notice to the City Manager identifying the
program, independent contractor and anticipated total fees to be paid. The City
Manager shall give written notice to the City Council should fees paid exceed $120,000.
E. On -Call and Emergency Contracts for Services
Under limited circumstances the use of formal contracting procedures to procure
services is not an effective or an efficient use of City resources. The following
contracting procedures are authorized for entering into on -call agreements for services
as needed and for procuring services in times of emergency.
On -Call Agreements.
The City Manager and Department Directors are authorized to enter into on -call
agreements for obtaining services on an as needed basis, including, but not limited to,
professional services and repair and maintenance services, that are needed from time
to time where the size of the job does not warrant the expense of entering into individual
agreements for each service. On -call agreements must be within the authority of the
individual entering into the agreement on behalf of the City and they cannot extend
longer than two (2) years. Funds shall be encumbered on a per project basis as
opposed to a contract basis. Selection of consultants and contractors for award of on-
call agreements shall be consistent with the award procedures for the type of contract
being awarded as set out above. Procedures for entering into on -call agreements shall
be prescribed by the City Manager in the Administrative Procedure Manual.
2. Emergency Contracts for Services.
If a contract for services is necessary under the provisions of Newport Beach Municipal
Code Section 2.20.020, the City Emergency Procedures shall be followed.
If a contract for services is entered into in times of urgent necessity under the authority
of Newport Beach City Charter Section 1110, and the contract amount exceeds the
signing authority of the relevant Department Director or City Manager as authorized in
this Policy, then that contract shall be brought to the City Council at its next regularly
scheduled meeting for review.
Z
F -14
Whenever possible, the City shall enter into Emergency On -Call Agreements with
contractors or consultants who can be relied upon to assist the City in advance of any
actual emergency. Emergency On -Call Agreements shall be submitted to Council for
approval after being reviewed and approved by the Office of the City Attorney. After the
Emergency On -Call Agreement is approved, services provided on an emergency basis
under an Emergency On -Call Agreement may be retained by oral commitment of the
City Manager (or, in the case of an emergency described by Municipal Code Section
2.20.020, the Director or Assistant Director of Emergency Services), to be memorialized
in a Letter Agreement between the parties as soon as possible thereafter.
When a written contract has been entered into in order to address an emergency, a
copy of the written contract shall be provided to the City Clerk as soon as possible.
V. GENERALPROCEDURES
A. Contract Retention
The City Clerk shall retain all original executed service contracts in accordance with the
City's current adopted Records Retention Schedule. Contracts shall be posted into the
City's electronic document data base in order to maintain transparency in contracting.
B. Insurance
All contracts shall be accompanied by proof of the appropriate level of insurance at the
time of execution. The insurance level required shall be in accordance with the City's
published Schedule of Insurance (or as otherwise approved by the City's Risk Manager.
F -14
FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO POLICY
Any future changes in the provisions of this Policy shall be made by resolution of the
City. Council.
Adopted - January 24,1994
Amended - April 13, 2004
Amended by Resolution No. 2006 -35 - May 9, 2006
Amended by Resolution No. 2011 -_ - January 25, 2025
6
L �?
F -5
PURCHASING AUTHORITY FOR GOODS AND S ERVIGES MATERIALS
PURPOSE
Tehe purpose of this policy is set out the City's policy establishing authority for
II. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR
PURCHASE REQUSITIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF GOODS AND
MATERIALS
The City Council hereby delegates its authority to contract for the acquisition of
the Charter shall be applied to these contracts. Additionally, the City Manager shall
1
�r f
f
F -5
formalities are followed and the requirements of federal, state, and locals laws, including
Council policies, are met: (3) best accounting practices are followed: and (4) the
purchasing process of the City is open and transparent and provides accountability
( "Purchasing Procedures ").
A. Authority to Enter Contracts or Purchase Requisitions
acquisition of goods and materials is designated below.
F -5
1. City Manager
2. Department Directors
— u4��ua� a�c4, cyy�r
J — Februa"ry 26, 2996
— Mach 14, 2000 (Purchasing Procedures Only)
ik ,, ember 22, 2005 (Purchasing Procedures Only)
2
as
F -5
PURCHASING AUTHORITY FOR GOODS AND MATERIALS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is set out the City's policy establishing authority for
purchasing goods, supplies, materials or equipment.
POLICY
Contracts or purchase requsitions for the procurement of specific, matenat` ite s are
distinct from contracts for services. If the predominant purposeaof xontract;rs or the
City to obtain goods, supplies, materials or equipment, this Policy antl,,j P'u`rchasing
Procedures, as adopted and enforced by the City Man ger's,.Office, shall1f�e'adhered to.
Contracts entered for the purpose of obtaining related see ice, installation, repair or
maintenance of goods, supplies, materials or equipment shall'al o 66, entered into in a
manner consistent with the Purchasing Procedure •,?
f1'n
I. GENERAL AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CO)TRACTS OR PURCHASE
REQUISITIONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF GOOS AND MATERIALS
Provisions of the Charter govern the thods i ".,u "which the City may be bound by
contracts. Under the Charter,R,all con tr,�``tin g authority, with the exception of services
rendered by a person in the.,e ploy o ity amt a regular salary, rests with the City
Council.
II. DELEGATION "OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR
PURCHASE REQ ONS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF GOODS AND
MATERIALS.:
The City rq he y delegates its authority to contract for the acquisition of
equipment,O „matWials, r supplies to the City Manager and through his or her
Departm�e t �3%reor�et out below. All formalities required under the provisions of
the harter;�hallbe applied to these contracts. Additionally, the City Manager shall
adop nd enta,ce purchasing procedures that ensure all purchases are: (1) entered
into at reaso = able, fair and competitive price to the City; (2) ensure all necessary
formalitiesaeIlowed and the requirements of federal, state, and locals laws, including
Council policies, are met; (3) best accounting practices are followed; and (4) the
purchasing process of the City is open and transparent, and provides accountability
( "Purchasing Procedures ").
A. Auth ority to Enter Contracts or Purchase Requisitions
The authority to enter into original contracts and purchase requisitions for the
acquisition of goods and materials is designated below.
a�
F -5
1. City Manager
The City Manager is authorized to award and sign contracts or purchase requisitions for
the acquisition of goods and materials without prior Council approval in an amount not
in excess of $120,000, provided that funds are available within the approved City
budget. This authority shall not be delegated below the Assistant City Manager level.
2. Department Directors
Department Directors are authorized to award and sign
requisitions for the acquisition of goods and materials with prior
approval in an amount not in excess of $75,000 provided that I
by the City Council are available within the annual Departmer
this authority shall be outlined in the Purchasing Procedures.
III. FUTURE AMENDMENTS TO POLICY
Any future changes in the provisions of this
City Council.
F -5
Adopted — January 24, 2994
Corrected — February 26, 299
Amended — March 14, 2000 (_
Amended — November 22ja
Amended — January 2580`11
a � IE�gE 1 �4,
v m
Policy shall be r
6 4.
a�Y
16j
Only)
Tres Only)
contracts,a r purchase
dF
ty Manager, or Council
PIN
"d unds weVr pproved
bua'ggt. Deletion of
by resolution of the
2
Resolution No. 2011-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH AMENDING COUNCIL POLICY'S F -14 AND F -5
(AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT AND PURCHASE, PURCHASING AUTHORITY FOR
GOODS AND MATERIALS)
WHEREAS, Section 421 of the City Charter provides that by ordinance or
resolution the City Council may authorize the City Manager to bind the City, with or
without a written contract, for the acquisition of equipment, materials, supplies, labor,
services or other items included within the budget approved by the City Council, and
may impose a monetary limit upon such authority.
WHEREAS, Section 421 of the City Charter provides that the City Council may
designate and direct other officers of the City to bind the City through written contracts.
WHEREAS, Section 1106 of the City Charter provides that under the control and
direction of the City Manager there shall be established a centralized purchasing system
for all City departments and agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach hereby
resolves as follows:
Section 1: Council Policy F -14, Authority to Contract and Purchase, attached
hereto is hereby approved and adopted.
Section 2: Council Policy F -5, Purchasing Authority for Goods and Materials,
attached hereto is hereby approved and adopted.
Section 3: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution.
ADOPTED this 25th Day of January, 2011.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
�Z
COUNCIL POLICY F -5 & Fl 4
January 25, 2011
Contracting &Purchasing Goals
E To obtain
the
highest
possible value in
exchange
for
public
funds;
E To provide for the fair and equitable
treatment of all suppliers and
contractors; and
E To safeguard the quality and integrity
of the purchasing process.
*Pertains to Purchase of Goods and Materials
*Hasn't been updated since November 22, 2005
Council Policy F -5
Required adherence to
the Purchasing
Procedures and the
Procedures for
Processing Payables.
[Was silent on
purchasing dollar
limits.]
Defines levels of
authority:
City Council > $1 20K
City Manager > $75K
Dept Directors up to
$75K
Administrative Policies
Will identify threshold levels for informal bidding,
bidding by departments, and formal bidding by
Administrative Services' Purchasing staff. (See
attached chart.)
Up to $5,000
$5,001 - $10,000
$10,001 - $25,000
$25,001 - $75,000
>$75,001
No competitive
Informal Quotes
Formal Written Quotes
Formal R.F.Q., R.F.P or
Formal R.F.Q., R.F.P or
quotes required
Bid
Bid
• No quotes
0 Minimum of three
Minimum of three
• Minimum three
Minimum three
required
price estimates or
quotes on
quotes.
quotes.
• Depts should
quotes
vendor's
. R.F.Q. has opening
• R.F.Q. has
ensure best
0 May be verbal or
letterhead or
date & time by
opening date &
pricing by
written
quote form.
requesting division.
time by requesting
obtaining
Submit notes or
' Faxed, e- mailed
No negotiation or
division. No
quotes
written estimates
or Internet quotes
discussion.
negotiation or
with purchase
are acceptable
0 R.F.P. has closing
discussion.
paperwork
and are to be
date & time and
• R.F.P. has closing
attached to the
allows for
date & time and
requisition.
negotiation.
allows for
• Attach approved
a Formal legal
negotiation.
insurance and
advertising
Formal legal
single or sole
advertising
source letter if
• Opening & recording
p 9
applicable.
by City Clerk
• Opening &
• Attach approved
recording by City
insurance and
Clerk
contract signed by
• Award by City
the Department
Manager if over
Director, City
$75,000, or by
Attorney, and City
City Council if
Clerk are part of the
over $120,000
official contract file
(pending Charter
(pending Charter
Update vote)
Update vote)
. Staff report,
approved
insurance and
signed contract
are part of the
official contract file
*Pertains to Contracting for Services
*Hasn't been updated since May 9, 2006
Council Policy F -14
Defined the delegated
authority of City staff.
Described contract
types.
Included detailed
administrative
procedures.
Defines levels of authority:
+.i City Council > $1 20K
o City Manager < $120K
o Dept Directors up to $75K
Includes discussion of unique
contractual relationship with
instructors & recreation
contractors.
Clarifies on -call agreements.
Defines original contract
amount which will improve
process of amending
contracts.
Council Policy F -14: Authority to Amend
Defines levels of authority based on
"original contract amount"
❑ Does not account for phased projects
r City Council: Total cost not exceed
125% of original contract
o City Manager: Total cost not exceed
125% of original contract
L Dept Directors: Original contract <_
$30k then increase up to 125% of
original contract
Defines levels of authority
based on "total contract
amount," accounting for
phased projects
City Council > $1 20k increase
City Manager:
Total contract as amended
cannot exceed $1 20k; or
Original Contract awarded
by Council, authorized to
increase up tot 25% or
$1 20k, whichever is less
Dept Directors total contract
amount <_ $75K
Administrative Policies
The administrative policies related to F -14 will include:
Difference between Request for Proposal (RFP), Request
for Qualifications (RFQ), and the bidding process.
Requirements in each process for department & for
Administrative Services.
Links to contract templates prepared by City Attorney.
Qualification Based Selection standards.
Evaluation process for RFPs.
Insurance requirements /verification.
Links to Charter limits for public works contracts and
makes spending limits consistent with recently approved
Charter limits for public works contracts.