The board supports economic development in Iowa. Purchases by the school district will be made in Iowa for Iowa goods and services from a locally-owned business located within the school district or from an Iowa-based company which offers these goods or services if the cost and other considerations are relatively equal and they meet the required specifications.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve purchases, except those authorized by or requiring direct board action. The superintendent may coordinate and combine purchases with other governmental bodies to take advantage of volume price breaks. Joint purchases with other political subdivisions will be considered in the purchase of equipment, accessories or attachments with an estimated cost of $50,000 or more.
The superintendent will have the authority to authorize purchases without competitive bids for goods and services costing under $5,000 without prior board approval. For goods and services costing more than $5,000 and less than $25,000, the superintendent will receive quotes of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval of the board. Competitive sealed bids are required for purchases, other than emergency purchases, for goods and services that cost $25,000 or more, including school buses.
The purchase will be made from the lowest responsible bidder based upon total cost considerations including, but not limited to, the cost of the goods and services being purchased, availability of service and/or repair, delivery date, the targeted small business procurement goal and other factors deemed relevant by the board.
The board and the superintendent will have the right to reject any or all bids, or any part thereof, and to re-advertise. If it is determined that a targeted small business which bid on the project may be unable to perform the contract, the superintendent will notify the Department of Economic Development. The board will enter into such contract or contracts as the board deems in the best interests of the school district.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 18.6(9); 23A; 28E.20; 72.3; 73; 73A; 285.10(3), .10(7); 301 (2001).
261 I.A.C. 54.
281 I.A.C. 43.25.
481 I.A.C. 25.
1984 Op. Att'y Gen. 115.
1974 Op. Att'y Gen. 171.
Cross Reference: 705 Expenditures
801.4 Site Acquisition
802 Maintenance, Operation and Management
803 Selling and Leasing
Approved 01-15-90
Reviewed 08-18-03; 11-20-06; 12-15-08; 03-19-12; 07-13-16
Revised 09-17-03; 12-18-06
