Presenter
Presented by Mr. Deasy
Title
Resolution authorizing and directing the Mayor to create an Advisory Committee on Contracting Practices to conduct a comprehensive review of current City of Pittsburgh and other governmental, private, and non-profit procurement procedures and code requirements and to issue reports and recommendations to City Council regarding its findings.
Body
Whereas, as the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh it is my intent to provide efficient, impartial and transparent procurement processes; and,
Whereas, procurement is the overall process of acquiring goods, civil works and services which includes all functions relevant to the vast array of work procured by the City of Pittsburgh; and,
Whereas, each portion of the process of acquiring goods and services plays a vital role in adhering to a strict policy of an efficient, impartial and transparent procurement process from the identification of needs, selection and solicitation of sources, preparation and award of contract, and all phases of contract administration through the end of a services' contract or the useful life of an asset; and,
Whereas, in order to conduct procurement activities in a manner consistent with the strictest professional purchasing practices, it is the desire of the Mayor to adhere to the contracting policies set forth in the city code, in accordance with the home rule charter and to ensure that these policies are unbending; and,
Whereas, we have an opportunity to be the model for procurement activities to be emulated throughout our region and for governmental bodies throughout the United States; and,
Whereas, the residents of the City of Pittsburgh deserve an open and transparent procurement process.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, as follows:
Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to create an Advisory Committee on Contracting Practices to conduct a comprehensive review of current City of Pittsburgh and other governmental, private, and non-profit procurement procedures and code requirements and to issue reports and recommendations to City Council regarding its findings as further detailed in Section 6 herein.
Section 2. The Advisory Committee on Contracting Procedures shall consist of the Mayor or his designee, President of City Council or his designee, the Council Budget Director,, the City Controller or his designee, all city department heads or their designees, and three City of Pittsburgh residents appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. The Council President may shall appoint another member of Council. to serve in his place.
Section 3. The Mayor shall designate a chair of the Advisory Committee on Contracting Procedures from among the committee's members. The committee shall meet at least quarterly, but should convene on a more regular basis at its inception and in preparation for its annual report and recommendations.
Section 4. The term of each member appointed from the general public shall be for two years. Their successors shall be appointed on the expiration of their respective terms. The appointment to fill a vacancy shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 5. All Advisory Committee members shall serve without compensation.
Section 6. The Advisory Committee on Contracting Procedures shall have the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive review of current city procurement procedures and code requirements. Further, it shall review the procurement practices of other governmental, private and non-profit entities to serve as a basis from which to judge the City of Pittsburgh's protocols. On an annual basis the Committee shall issue a report and recommendations to City Council. At a minimum, the recommendations shall include proposed changes to departmental policies, regulations, and the city code. The Committee can offer these recommendations on a more frequent basis if it so chooses.