Local Preference

A purchasing preference shall be afforded to local vendors in accordance with the following criteria:

  1. When written quotations (less than $50,000.00) are solicited, and the lowest price is offered by a vendor located outside the City of Bartow Utility Service Area (BUSA), and the next lowest price is offered by a vendor located within the BUSA and is within ten percent (10%) of the lowest price offered, then the BUSA vendor shall be given the opportunity to match the lowest price offered. If the BUSA vendor agrees to match the lowest price offered, the BUSA vendor will be awarded the quote if they are otherwise fully qualified and satisfy all related city requirements.
  2. When sealed bids (less than $500,000.00) are solicited, and the lowest price is offered by a vendor located outside the BUSA, and the next lowest price is offered by a vendor located within the BUSA and is within ten percent (10%) of the lowest price offered, then the BUSA vendor shall be given the opportunity to match the lowest price offered. If the BUSA vendor agrees to match the lowest price offered, the BUSA vendor will be awarded the bid if they are otherwise fully qualified and satisfy all related city requirements.
  3. When sealed bids ($500,000.00 or more, but less than $1,000,000.00) are solicited, and the lowest price is offered by a vendor located outside the BUSA, and the next lowest price is offered by a vendor located within the BUSA and is within seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the lowest price offered, then the BUSA vendor shall be given the opportunity to match the lowest price offered. If the BUSA vendor agrees to match the lowest price offered, the BUSA vendor will be awarded the bid if they are otherwise fully qualified and satisfy all related city requirements.
  4. When sealed bids ($1,000,000.00 or more) are solicited, and the lowest price is offered by a vendor located outside the BUSA, and the next lowest price is offered by a vendor located within the BUSA, and is within five percent (5%) of the lowest price offered, then the BUSA vendor shall be given the opportunity to match the lowest price offered. If the BUSA vendor agrees to match the lowest price offered, the BUSA vendor will be awarded the bid if they are otherwise fully qualified and satisfy all related city requirements.

 The term BUSA vendor means any business whose commercial activities have been regularly transacted from a physical location within the boundaries of the City of Bartow Utility Service Area (BUSA) for a period of at least six months, including the date of quote or bid award.

 A local vendor preference shall not be afforded in any quote or bid award where it is precluded by law, administrative rule, policy, regulation or related funding agreement.