The Purchasing Department provides transparent, accountable, and value-driven procurement for Amarillo.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- purchasing.email@amarillo.gov
- 806-378-3028
-
601 S Buchanan St
3rd Floor
Amarillo, TX 79101 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Transparent and Accountable Procurement for Amarillo
Our approach to procurement ensures fair competition, ethical practices, and responsible management of resources. By promoting open bidding, negotiating favorable terms, and aligning procedures with city priorities, we protect taxpayer dollars and optimize the allocation of surplus property.
Resources
Purchasing Ethics Policy
Code of Conduct for City Procurement Personnel and Vendors
This Code of Conduct establishes clear guidelines for City employees, officials, vendors, and potential vendors involved in the purchasing process. It aims to maintain public trust, ensure fair competition, and prevent conflicts of interest or impropriety.
Policy:
I. Code of Conduct for City Employees and Officials:
- Gifts and Gratuities: Refuse any gift, rebate, service, or favor of value from vendors or potential vendors, except for nominal items (less than $50).
- Conflict of Interest: Avoid situations where personal interests could influence official decisions. Disclose potential conflicts of interest and recuse oneself when necessary.
- Unilateral Purchases: Refrain from making or authorizing purchases exceeding $3,000 without prior written approval from the Purchasing Department.
- Confidential Information: Safeguard confidential information acquired through official duties and refrain from using it for personal gain.
- Employment Restrictions: City employees in management positions may not be employed by or work for current or potential City vendors.
- Professional Conduct: Maintain respectful and professional interactions with all vendors and colleagues, promoting a positive and ethical work environment.
II. Code of Conduct for Vendors and Potential Vendors:
- Fair Competition: Abide by all bidding and proposal regulations outlined in City procurement policies.
- Ethical Interactions: Avoid offering or providing gifts, gratuities, or favors to City employees or officials in exchange for preferential treatment.
- Transparency and Honesty: Disclose all relevant information accurately and truthfully during the procurement process.
- Compliance: Adhere to all applicable laws and regulations governing public contracts.
- Reporting Concerns: Report any suspected violations of this Code of Conduct to the City Ethics Officer or designated authority.
III. Enforcement:
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, contract termination, or legal prosecution as deemed appropriate by the City.
IV. Review and Updates:
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
V. Acknowledgement and Signature:
All City employees, officials, vendors, and potential vendors involved in the City’s procurement process must acknowledge and abide by this Code of Conduct.
PURCHASING FAQs
How does my company participate in online bidding with the City of Amarillo?
To participate in online bidding, access the City of Amarillo online bidding system through the Bonfire platform. Register as a vendor for free and follow the steps to set up your account. Once registered, you’ll receive electronic notifications of current bidding opportunities from the City of Amarillo. For assistance, watch this training video or click here to visit the Bonfire Portal.
Where can I find current bidding opportunities for the City of Amarillo?
Current bidding opportunities are posted on the City of Amarillo Purchasing Department webpage and the Bonfire platform. Registered vendors will also receive email notifications of new opportunities.
What is the process for bid evaluation and award?
The City of Amarillo evaluates bids based on criteria outlined in the bid solicitation documents. This may include price, quality, delivery time, and other factors. The contract is typically awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder that meets all specifications.
What are the insurance requirements for vendors working with the City of Amarillo?
Vendors must have current insurance on file with the Purchasing Department, complying with City Standard Insurance Spec 2.04 or have a waiver of insurance. Before starting any work on City property, vendors must ensure their insurance is up to date. Failure to maintain current insurance may result in work suspension and placement on the City’s Excluded Parties List. For further inquiries, contact the Purchasing Department at purchasing.email@amarillo.gov.
What are NIGP Codes, and why are they important?
NIGP Codes are standardized codes used to classify products and services. Selecting the appropriate NIGP codes that align with your business profile ensures alignment with the City of Amarillo’s procurement system. Existing members can use their current credentials for seamless integration with the Bonfire Platform.
What ethical standards must vendors adhere to when working with the City of Amarillo?
Vendors must abide by the City’s Code of Conduct, which includes fair competition, ethical interactions, transparency, compliance with laws and regulations, and reporting any suspected violations. This ensures a fair, transparent, and ethical procurement process.
Can I appeal a bid decision made by the City of Amarillo?
Yes, if you believe there has been an error in the bid process or evaluation, you can file an appeal with the Purchasing Department. Detailed instructions for filing an appeal are provided in the bid solicitation documents.
How can I contact the City of Amarillo Purchasing Department?
You can contact the Purchasing Department by email at purchasing.email@amarillo.gov or by phone at 806-378-3028 or by. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
How does the City of Amarillo handle surplus property?
Surplus property from the City of Amarillo is disposed of through a local auction site. You can view available items and participate in auctions by visiting the external Auction Site. Click here to view the auction site.
What is the City of Amarillo's policy on gifts and gratuities for vendors?
The City of Amarillo has a strict Code of Conduct that prohibits City employees and officials from accepting any gift, rebate, service, or favor of value from vendors or potential vendors, except for nominal items (less than $50). Vendors should avoid offering gifts or gratuities to City employees or officials to ensure fair and ethical procurement processes.