Barton Community College’s Board of Trustees looked at bidding procedures during its study session last Thursday.
Board members asked to review the policy and procedures on bidding back in April, after a local vendor complained about not being invited to bid on a paving project.
Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman said the document that outlines the procedures “still hits the mark,” but agreed that some additional wording could be added. He said a draft with suggested changes could be presented at the June study session.
Board policy states: “(P)urchases cannot be made without seeking at least three competitive quotes or sealed bids, submitted on prepared specifications. No purchase shall be made except on the basis of quality, cost, and service. Preference shall be given to local vendors who can provide like quality products and services, and who meet bid specifications within 5 percent. Any purchase or expenditure of $50,000 or more requires board approval.”
According to the written procedure, vender lists are made up of:
• Vendors that have previously done work for the college
• Local Yellow page listing
• Regional Yellow page listing
• Internet business listings
• Vendors that have contacted Barton and requested to be added to the vendors list
• Vendors that respond to plan rooms, architects, newspaper requests for bids, etc.
Board chairman Mike Johnson said the procedure for obtaining bidders could be expanded, by using the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce plan room, for example.
“No major tweaking is needed – just enhancements,” Johnson said.