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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS-17-038 - Purchasing By-Law Review REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: 2017-10-02 SUBMITTED BY: Michelle Palmer,Director of Supply Services,519-741-2200 ext. 7214 PREPARED BY: Michelle Palmer, Director of Supply Services, 519-741-2200 ext. 7214 WARD(S) INVOLVED: N/A DATE OF REPORT: 2017-09-20 REPORT NO.: FCS-17-038 SUBJECT: Purchasing By-law Review ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: Thatthe Purchasing By-law attached as Appendix 2 to Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-17-038, be approved; and Thatthe contents of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapter 170, Purchasing and Materials Management be repealed and replaced with the provisions of the Purchasing By-law; and further, ThatBy-law 2014-109 being a By-law to cover Purchasing and Materials Management policies be repealed. BACKGROUND: The Municipal Act, Section 270(1), requires that policies are adopted with respect to the procurement of goods and services. The existing Purchasing By-law, which forms the basis of Chapter 170 (Purchasing and Materials Management) of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code, outlines policies and procedures to be followed in order to obtain the best value when procuring goods and services. While the existing Purchasing By-law has served the City well, evident by the few challenges received, it only contemplates specific procurement processes: tenders, quotes and proposals and restricts the implementation of innovative and progressive procurement tools. Staff have heard from Council that there is interest in exploring and implementing innovative approaches to public procurement which can be accomplished with the proposed Purchasing By-law. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 4 - 1 The proposed Purchasing By-law will provide a policy framework to: ensure best value for public money provide a clear, open and transparent process for suppliers allow adaptability to explore innovative approaches to public procurement; and, enable the procurement processes to be efficient and effective The intent as set out within this report, and the proposed Purchasing By-law, is to strengthen the policy aroundprocurement while enabling the deployment of various procurement tools and continuing to safeguard the principles of openness, fairness, transparency and accountability.This will ensure that the City will continue to experience few challenges related to purchasing policies and practices while exploring and implementing innovative and changing best practice in public procurement. Reinforcing the policy around procurement through the proposed Purchasing By-law will also ensure compliance with trade agreements. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (formerly the Agreement on Internal Trade) came into effect July 1, 2017 and included updated requirements related to procurement to align with the Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement which came into effect provisionally on September 21, 2017. A few of the key changes related to public procurement contained within these trade agreements are: inflationary adjustments every two years to the thresholds that require open competitive bidding; experience can only be a requirement when it is essential to the procurement, past performance can be taken into account when documented; exemption for existing suppliers (e.g. software) where procurement would cause significant duplication of costs for the agency; allowance for the correction of unintentional errors made in submissions and rules around abnormally low bids; detailed timeline for the number of days bid solicitations are publicly posted and for the posting of award information; details around the utilization of buying groups; rules around public-private partnerships rules around the use of negotiations; value must include all potential contract terms; impartial authority to provide judicial review for supplier complaints (related to trade agreements); single point of access (being developed by the federal government) where all agencies will need to post a notice of procurement (available to suppliers for free); and, a listing all agencies which must comply. 4 - 2 REPORT: The proposed Purchasing By-law,Appendix 2,was developed through collaboration with suppliers, Council and staff from across the organization. Staff identified potential changes by reviewing:feedback provided during debriefings with suppliers; findings in the comprehensive audit of the purchasing section completed in 2015; undertaking purchasing process review work; purchasing By-laws of municipalities across the province; trade agreements including the Trade and Cooperation Agreement of Quebec and Ontario, the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, the Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement as well as the Broader Public Sector Procurement Directive. From this, four potential key changes were identified and discussed with Council and the Senior Leadership team to gather feedback on the existing purchasing By-law and processes; as well as to discuss the proposed changes and identify potential accountability measures to incorporate. Key Changes 1. Change the Purchasing By-law to be a policy framework The existing Purchasing By-law identifies which procurement process will be utilized based on the value of the Procurement and has served the City well, evident by the few challenges received. utilize various emerging procurement processes and tools (e.g. reverse auctions as identified within the Digital Kitchener strategy and negotiated request for proposals as well as electronic bidding). The Purchasing By-law will continue to identify when a procurement process is to be utilized, but broadens the ability of staff to utilize innovative procurement processes and tools based on each specific project and increases innovative products and services while ensuring best value for public money. An example of this is the removal of the reference to public openings. With the upcoming implementation of electronic bidding, public openings will no longer be required, but instead transparency is ensured through submissions being placed in a virtual lock box where they cannot be viewed by staff until the specific closing date and time. Once the closing date and time has passed, the unofficial results are posted automatically to the public website. 2. Document the role of Staff and Council within the Procurement process This addition to the proposed Purchasing By-law captures into policy what has been the practice within the City for many years. By clearly documenting the separation of the political and administrative functions related to procurement, suppliers and the public have enhanced clarity minimizing financial and legal risk to the City from any perceived appearance of bias. This documented role clarity also enhances accountability of staff involved in the procurement process by clearly outlining the responsibilities related to 4 - 3 developing the procurement tool and specifications, facilitating the procurement process, managing supplier performance, and resolving disputes. 3. Adjust thresholds for open competition and approval The threshold for when an open competition is required has decreased in order to be aligned with trade agreement requirements.In order to balance that decrease and ensure efficient processes, approval thresholds have been increased with clear accountability measures to ensure that Council will continue to have visibility and decision making on contracts of concern to Council. In reviewing contract award reports, and through discussion with Council, contracts which require greater Council scrutiny were identified and common themes noted: single bidder award amount over budget project not specifically identified within the approved budget The proposed Purchasing By-law will continue to have recommendations proceed to Council for approval when the themes noted above occur. By delegating approval of procurements which meet the accountability requirements outlined, efficiencies will be gained by reducing the amount of time for bid solicitation approval.The approval thresholds proposed are still below benchmarks / industry standards, which leaves a larger role for Council than is typical (Appendix 1). However, staff feel that this incremental change is an important step in providing efficient and effective service. 4. Implement dispute resolution supplier performance processes A methodology to formally review and document performance within contracts is essential to best practice in contract management. By implementing defined performance and dispute resolution processes, the City ensures that relationships between the City and suppliers are non-adversarial while improving performance and reducing cost and risk to the City. Feedback is critical to the success of contracts and the ability for the City to continually improve practice. By clearly defining expectations and holding both suppliers and Staff accountable, the City can ensure best value for public money. Other Changes 1. Revised definitions of terms and interpretations The definitions within the proposed Purchasing By-law have been revised and expanded to enhance clarity and ensure understanding related to requirements. Specific changes which should be noted are: 4 - 4 presented for consideration and decision-making, and are generally acquired to obtain information, advice, training or direct assistance; bids is issued to at least three (3) suppliers; entities which the City has a minority or majority share and where City Councilors may be members of the governing Board for that entity (e.g. Centre in the Square, Kitchener Housing Inc.); bids through a publicly posted Solicitation Document; and, involve the delivery or supply of products incidental to the provision of the services, and includes professional, construction or maintenance services. 2. Revised list of exemptions The exemption listing has been updated to reflect emerging requirements (e.g. the purchase of carbon tax credits) and captures requirements to ensure business continuity while conforming to trade agreements (e.g. software license renewals / upgrades and performance / artist fees). 3. Regular review of the Purchasing By-law By-law has been reviewed periodically (2001, 2012 and 2014) to ensure that it meets the needs of the City. By implementing a formal review at a minimum every five (5) years, the City can ensure that changes in legislation, trade agreements and best practices are continually incorporated. Staff are confident that the collaborative approach undertaken has made certain that the proposed Purchasing By-law is aligned with trade agreements, legislated requirements and best practices and will enable the City to continue ensuring that procurement is conducted in an effective, open, fair, transparent, accountable and efficient manner while enabling innovative approaches to the procurement of goods, services, construction and consulting services. 4 - 5 ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: Strategic Priority: Effective and Efficient City Services Strategy: 5.4 Ensure the responsible stewardship of public funds within a supportive policy framework Strategic Action: CS29 Purchasing By-law Revision FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM advance of the council / committee meeting. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer 4 - 6 Appendix 1 - Municipal (Local) Comparison on Approval Thresholds DescriptionRegion of City of City of City of City of WaterlooWaterlooCambridgeKitchener Kitchener existingproposed Goods/ Services$150,000 -$200,001 -$100,001 -$25,000 -$100,000 - $1,000,000$600,000$500,000$124,999$750,000 CAO ApprovalCAO ApprovalPurchasing Director of Director of Manager Supply Supply ApprovalServices Services ApprovalApproval $1,000,000+$600,001+$500,001+$125,000+$750,001+ Council Council Council Council Council ApprovalApprovalApprovalApprovalApproval Consulting $150,000 -$200,001 -$100,001 -0-$25,000$25,000 - Services$500,000 $600,000$500,000$99,999 CAO ApprovalCAO ApprovalPurchasing Director of Director of Manager Supply Supply ApprovalServices Services ApprovalApproval $500,001+$600,001+$500,001+$25,000+$100,000+ Council Council Council Council Council ApprovalApprovalApprovalApprovalApproval Disbursement of Up to 10% or If within Up to Up to 10%Up to 10% or Additional Funds$100,000 budget$250,000Director of $100,000 whichever is CAO ApprovalCFOSupply whichever is higherApprovalServiceshigher CAO ApprovalApprovalDirector of Supply Services Approval In excess of If budget is not In excess of In excess of In excess of 10% or available$250,000+ 10%10% or $100,001Council or when a Council $100,001 Council ApprovalCapital ApprovalCouncil Approvalbudget Approval Increase Council Approval Note* the following accountability measures are in place for the delegated approval authority at the Region of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge: provided a minimum of 3 bids are received; within budget; awarded to lowest compliant / highest scoring bidder 4 - 7 APPENDIX 2 PURCHASING BY-LAW 4 - 8 BY-LAW NUMBER OF THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER (Being a By-law to repeal and replace Chapter 170 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code with respect to Purchasing and Materials Management). WHEREAS it is deemed expedient to exercise the powers conferred on Council by the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kitchener enacts as follows: 4 - 9 Table of Contents 170.1 Definitions and Interpretations 170.2 Purpose 170.3 Goals and Objectives 170.4 Applications 170.5 Authority and Responsibility 170.6 Conduct and Conflict of Interest 170.7 Standard Procurement 170.8 Non-Standard Procurement 170.9 Emergency Procurement 170.10 Pre-Qualification of Suppliers 170.11 Bidder Debriefings 170.12 Procurement Complaint Resolution 170.13 Contract Management and Supplier Performance 170.14 Unsolicited Proposals 170.15 Cooperative Purchasing 170.16 Green Procurement 170.17 Protection of Confidential / Personal Information 170.18 Disposal of Surplus 170.19 By-law Administration 170.20 Schedules 4 - 10 170.1DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION Words within this By-lawhave the following meanings, unless expressly stated otherwise: means to obtain Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services; means a written document, executed by the City and the Supplier, outlining the Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services being procured; means the authority to approve and award Procurements, as well as any assignment or corporate change requests related to such Procurements, up to the ProcurementValues for the respective body or person(s) set out in Section 170.7 Standard Procurementand Section 170.8 Non-Standard Procurement; means the person who has been delegated by Council an Approval Authority and includes any other person further sub-delegated such Approval Authority in accordance within the Procurementprocedures. An Authorized Delegate includes a person authorized to act on their behalf temporarily; means the optimal balance of performance and cost determined in accordance with pre-defined evaluation criteria; means an offer or submission in response to a Solicitation Document; means a Supplier that submits a Bid; means the Chief Administrative Officer of the City or designate; means The Corporation of the City of Kitchener; means either an Open Competition or an Invitational Competition; means information of commercial value, the disclosure of which is likely to have the effect of either impairing the City's ability to obtain such information as is necessary to perform its statutory functions, or causing substantial harm to the competitive position of the Supplier or other organization from which the information was obtained, unless the City is required by law to disclose such information; means the process of using labour to build, alter, repair, improve or demolish any structure, building or public improvement, and generally does not apply to routine maintenance, repair or operations of existing real property means the provision of expertise or strategic advice that is 4 - 11 presented for consideration and decision-making, and are generally acquired to obtain information, advice, training or direct assistance; Contract means a commitment by the City for the Procurement of Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services from a Supplier which may be evidenced by: a Solicitation Document; an Agreement executed by the Supplier and the City; or a purchase order; issued to the Supplier by a duly authorized employee of the City; means a variety of arrangements whereby two or more publicly funded entities combine their requirements in a single Procurement process to obtain advantages of volume purchases from the same Supplier(s); consists of the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO of Finance and Corporate Services, Deputy CAO of Community Services andDeputy CAO of Infrastructure Services; as outlined within Chapter 115 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code; means the Council of the City; means any department within the City; means the Deputy CAO of a Department or an appointed designate thereof; designate; means an act through which the City gives up title to property or ownership of goods; means a situation, or the threat of an impending situation, which may affect the environment, life, safety, health or welfare of the general public, or the property of the residents of the City, or an action taken to prevent serious damage, disruption of work, or to restore or to maintain essential service to a minimum level; includes supplies, equipment, materials, products, structures and fixtures to be delivered, installed or constructed; means harmonized sales tax; means the spouse, child or stepchild of the individual and the father, mother, sister, brother, stepmother, stepfather, grandchild and grandparent of either the individual or their spouse; means the City Division initiating orrequesting the Acquisition of the Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services; 4 - 12 means a competitive process in which an invitation to submit Bids is issued to a minimum of three Suppliers; means an association of two or more persons who combine their expertise and resources in a single joint business enterprise to qualify, Bid, and perform the Contract. Joint Ventures, sometimes referred to as a consortium, may take the form of a partnershipor special purpose vehicle; means the Acquisition of Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services through a process where Bids are solicited from less than three Suppliers when a Standard Procurement would require an Invitational or Open Competition for the type and Procurement Value of the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services; means municipally or provincially established corporate entities in which the City has a minority or majority share and where City Councillors may be members of the governing Board for that entity (eg. Centre in the Square, Kitchener Housing Inc.); -means using a process for Acquisition of Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services directly from a particular Supplier without conducting a Competitive Process when a Standard Procurement would require an Invitational Competition or an Open Competition for the type and Procurement Value of the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services; -Standard Procurementmeans the Acquisition of Goods, Services, Construction and/or Consulting Services through a process other than the process normally required for the type and Procurement Value of the Goods, Services, Construction and/or Consulting Services as set out in Section 170.8. means the solicitation of Bids through a publicly posted Solicitation Document; refers to personal information as defined within the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act,R.S.O. 1990, c. M. 56; Procurementor means the Acquisition of Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services by purchasing, renting or leasing; Procurementmeans the estimated amount (excluding taxes) for budget or planning purposes in acquiring particular Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services which amount may be higher, lower or equal to theactual cost of the Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Serviceswhen ultimately acquired. For greater certainty, when multi-year Contracts are awarded for the Acquisition of Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services, the estimated valueof the Goods, 4 - 13 Services, Construction or Consulting Servicesfor such multi-year Contracts is the estimated amount to be paid for the Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Servicesover the entire Contract, and is not limited to the amount which may be payable in any particular budget year. The ProcurementValue must include all anticipated costs to the City, including, as applicable, Acquisition, maintenance, replacement, Disposal, and training, delivery, installation and extension options, less applicable rebates or discounts and shall excludeHST or other taxes; Contractmeans Contracts whereby the City receives a portion of revenues, sales or profits earned by a third party under Contractwith the City; employee of the City to a Supplier formalizing all theterms and conditions of the purchase and supply of the Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services; identified on the face of the Purchase Order; means a corporate credit card provided by the City to a duly authorized employeeof the City for use as a payment method to purchase directly from Supplierswhere permitted under this By-lawand in accordance with a written card holder agreement and applicable procedures; Contractmeans a legal Agreement between the City and a third party that yields a financial return for the City. Revenue Generating Contracts include, but are not limited to: Service Revenue Contracts; Profit Sharing Contracts; and Advertising Contracts; means the furnishing of labour, time or effort by a Supplier, which may involve the delivery or supply of products incidental to the provision of the services, and includes professional, construction or maintenance services; Solicitation Documentmeans the document issued by the City to solicit Bids from Bidders; means the Acquisition of Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services in accordance with the procedures and requirements set out in section 170.7 of this By-law; means a person carrying on the business of providing Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services; means the detailed description ofand written requirements and standards for Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services and also includes any drawings, designs and models; 4 - 14 is a management decision-making process that examines a specific common need or requirement and then selects Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services that best fills that need to become the standard; is the division within the City responsible for Procurementand inventory management; Personal Irefers to the transference of computerized domestic data (electronic information) containing Personal Information as defined within the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act outside the geographical borders of Canada to another country or jurisdiction. For further clarification, transborder data flow of information does not include any data which does not contain Personal Information or data which is not crossing any international border to a foreign jurisdiction (i.e., stays in Canada but outside of Ontario). 170.2 PURPOSES OF THIS BY-LAW The purposes of this By-laware: 170.2.1tProcurementof Goods, Services, Construction and Consulting Services; 170.2.2t Procurementoperations; and, 170.2.3to comply with the requirements of Section 270(1) of the Municipal Act,S.O., 2001,S.O. c. 25, as amended from time to time. 170.3GOALS & OBJECTIVES The goals and objectives are to: 170.3.1provide Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services through Procurementand inventory management in an efficient, timely and cost effective manner, while maintaining the controls necessary for a public agency, in accordance with this By-lawas approved by Council; 170.3.2encourage an open and competitive bidding process for the Acquisition and Disposal of Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services and the objective and equitable treatment of all Supplierswhile ensuring the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability are reflected in the Procurementprocesses; 4 - 15 170.3.3ensure the Best Value of an Acquisition is obtainedby determining the total cost of an Acquisition. Factors to consider mayinclude, but shall not be limited to, the determination of the total cost of performing the intended function over the lifetime of the task, Acquisition cost, installation, Disposal value, Disposal cost, quality of product, training cost, maintenance cost, quality of performance and environmental impact; 170.3.4support effective business planning such that Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services will only be acquired after consideration of need, alternatives, timing and appropriate life cycle management issues; 170.3.5adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and to avoid conflicts and elected officials; 170.3.6ensure compliance with all applicable trade agreements, laws and regulations; 170.3.7practice reciprocal non-discrimination and geographic neutrality with respect Suppliers; 170.3.8avoid creating situations or relationships which may result in a continuous reliance on a particular Supplier; and, 170.3.9 encourage the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services with due regard to the preservation of the natural environment. 170.4APPLICATION 170.4.1This By-lawapplies to all divisions within the City and may be adopted in principle, and at their own discretion, by Local Boards and Affiliates of the City. 170.4.2This By-lawapplies to the Procurementof all Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services except By-lawalso applies to the Disposal of assetsowned by the City. 170.4.3By-lawdoes not apply to the Acquisition or Disposal of real property. 170.4.4In addition to this By-law, the City has procedures, templates and forms for use during the Procurementcycle. All tools for engaging in Procurementwill be maintained and updated by Supply Services as required. 4 - 16 170.5AUTHORITYAND RESPONSIBILITY 170.5.1Specific responsibilities pertaining to all stages of a Procurementprocess, from the initial identification of requirements through to the management of Contracts with Suppliers, are detailed in this By-law Procurementprocedures. In addition to those specific responsibilities, the officers and employees are set out below. 170.5.2Council In accordance with best practices in municipal Procurement, Council recognizes the need for a clear separation of political and administrative Procurementoperations. It is the role of budget approval process. Through this By-law, Council delegates to the accordance with approved budgets through the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction and Consulting Services in accordance with the rules and processes set out in this By-law. specific Procurements by identifying Procurementprojects of interest, such as Procurements that are of a high Procurement Value or involve significant risk, security concerns or significant community interest. To avoid the potential appearance of bias or political influence in ProcurementContractaward decisions, members of Council will have no involvement in competitive Procurementprocesses from the time those Procurementprocesseshave been initiated through the advertisement or issuance of the Solicitation Documentuntil a Contracthas been entered into with the successful Bidder, except where Council considers or approves the Contractaward in accordance with this By-law. 170.5.3 CAO As per Chapter 115 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code (Corporate Leadership Team By-law), the CAO shall be given delegated authority to approve any Contract awards each year during the months of June, July and August, provided that the total costs are within the relevant approved budget and that an information only report regarding these Contract awards is brought to Council at its next meeting. 4 - 17 The CAO shall be given delegated authority to approve any Contract award that would not be permitted for approval by Council under Sections 275 (1) to (4.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 approved budget adopted by the Council before nomination day in the election and that an information only report regarding these Contract awards is brought to Council at its next meeting. 170.5.4 Treasurer / Deputy CAO of Finance and Corporate Services The Treasurer/ Deputy CAO of Finance and Corporate Services is responsible for overseeing Supply Services and providing support and guidance to the Director of Supply Services, as required. 170.5.5 Director of Supply Services Procurementand inventory managementoperations. In fulfilling this role, the Director of Supply Services, or designate, is responsible for: a.researching developments in Canadian public Procurementrequirements and best practices and, through collaboration with the Internal Business Partners, recommending updates to this By-law Procurementprocedures to reflect such developments and support the Procurementgoals and objectives; b.providing Procurementadvice and related services, including developing and maintaining the necessary forms and Solicitation Document templates, for the purposes of fulfilling the Procurementneeds of the City; c.developing Procurementstrategies and continually analyzing the business requirements and spending patterns to identify opportunities for more strategic sourcing, including: i.the Standardization of goods and services in conjunction with Internal Business Partners, where appropriate and feasible; and ii.the consolidation of all similar goods andservices where appropriate and possible; d.ensuring the consistent application of Procurementprocedures and providing Procurementservices and inventory management in an efficient and diligent manner; e.addressing and, where possible, resolving issues or concerns that arise in 4 - 18 respect of a Procurementprocess or the application and interpretation of this By-lawProcurementprocedures and seeking guidance and advice from the Treasurer / Deputy CAO of Finance and Corporate Services and Legal Services, as required; f.referring unresolved complaints from Bidders or Suppliers to the Procurementcomplaint resolution procedure,as necessary, or where required in accordance with applicable procedures; g.ensuring compliance with this By-lawand reporting non-compliance, in writing, to the appropriate Deputy CAO and/or the CAO where warranted; h.providing appropriate orientation, training and tools to City employees involved in Procurementactivities; i.Cooperative Purchasing groups and organizations, where such membership is determined to be in the best interests of the City; and, j.executing all Agreements, amendments to Agreements, assignments of Agreements and related documents concerning the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services, where the Contracthas been awarded as outlined within this By-law,regardless of who the Approval Authority for the Acquisition is. 170.5.6 Legal Services It is the role of Legal Services to provide legal advice and assistance in Procurementactivities and its relationships with Suppliers. In fulfilling this role, Legal Services is responsible for: a.advising the Director of Supply Services as required, in relation to legal issues arising from Procurementactivities, and reviewing and approving specific Procurementdocumentation referred for legal review by the Director of Supply Services; b.providing advice on the finalization of Contracts and Agreements, and and conditions, Agreements,and Solicitation Documenttemplates; c.providing opinions during the Procurementcomplaint resolution procedure, as requested; and d.providing legal advice and counsel to the City in the event of a Contract dispute or legal challenge flowing from a Procurementprocess. 4 - 19 170.5.7 Deputy CAOs and Executive Directors It is the role of the Internal Business Partners to ensure that their requirements for Goods, Services, Construction and Consulting Services are met in accordance with the goals and objectives of this By-law. In fulfilling this role, the Deputy CAOs and Executive Directors, or their designates, are responsible for: a.exercising theirApproval Authority for all Procurementactivity within the prescribed limits of this By-law; b.delegating Authority Approval limits to staff in compliance with this By-law and all applicable procedures; c.ensuring that all Procurementactivities and decisions are authorized by this By-lawProcurement procedures; d.ractor Safety Program in the Acquisition of Services, Construction, or Consulting Services to which the Program applies; e.monitoring all Contractexpenditures to ensure compliance with financial limits; f.identifying and addressing non-compliance with this By-lawand applicable procedures within their Departments; and g.upon discovery of instances of non-compliance, notifying Supply Services and consulting with Legal Services to obtain advice with respect to mitigating potential risks to the City arising from the non-compliance. 170.5.8 Corporate Leadership Team It is the role of the Corporate Leadership Team to provide strategic and operational governance for the City as outlined within Chapter 115of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code (Corporate Leadership Team By-law).In fulfilling this role with respect with respect to the Procurementactivities of the City, the Corporate Leadership Team is responsible for: a.approval of Procurementprocedures developed by the Director of Supply Services. 170.5.9 Department Employees Employees of all Departments are responsible for complying with this By-law. 4 - 20 Department employees involved in Procurementactivities must clearly understand their obligations and responsibilities under this By-lawand all applicable procedures, and should consult with Supply Services in respect of any questions regarding the application or interpretation of this By-lawor the Procurementprocedures.Department employees involved in Procurement activities are encouraged to develop and foster productive and cooperative professional relationships with their colleagues inSupply Services. 170.5.10 Supply Services Employees Employees of Supply Services are responsible for complying with this By-law and ensuring all Procurementprocedures are applied consistently. Supply Services employees must clearly understand their obligations and responsibilities under this By-lawand allapplicable procedures and should consult with the Director of Supply Services in respect of any questions regarding the application or interpretation of this By-lawor the Procurement procedures. Supply Services employees are expected to provide purchasing and inventory management services to Internal Business Partners in an efficient and diligent manner, and are encouraged to develop and foster productive and cooperative professional relationships with their colleagues in all Departments. 170.6 CONDUCT AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST 170.6.1 Council and City Employees Procurementactivities must be conducted with integrity so as to Procurementactivities undertaken by the City must be conducted in accordance with: a.& Advisory Committees (Policy#GOV-COU-005), as applicable; b.Conflict of Interest Policy (Policy#II-45)for employees, as applicable; c.cy (Policy#II-40), as applicable; d.the Statement of Ethics for Public ProcurementBy- law); and e.the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act,R.S.O. 1990, c.M.50, as applicable. 170.6.2 All participants in a Procurementprocess, including any Suppliers acting on 4 - 21 interest. 170.6.3 No purchase will be processed for personal items of direct benefit to any member of Council, employees of the City and their Immediate Family, except where permitted by policy, or under the auspices of a City-sponsored employee program or with the prior written approval of the CAO. 170.6.4 No Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services will be purchased from an employee of the City, or any associate or Immediate Family of an employee, unless the extent of the interest of such individual has been fully disclosed to the Director of Supply Services and the purchase has been subsequently approved in writing by the CAO. 170.6.5 The following activities are prohibited, unless specifically approved by Council: a.Any attempt to evade or circumvent the requirements of the Procurement Policy including, but not limited to, the division of purchases to avoid the requirements of the ProcurementPolicy by any method, which includes purchases made using Procurementcards. b.The purchase of any surplus goods by a City employee, elected City official or a member of the Immediate Family of a City employee or elected City official if that City employee or elected City official: i. or ii.is otherwise involved in the Disposal of goods needs. 170.6.7 Members of Council are required to declare anydirect or indirectpecuniary interest, and its general nature, which may result in a conflict of interest pursuant to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Actand the member of Council shall otherwise comply with that Act. 170.6.8 Any Contractwith the City in which a member of Council or any employee of the City has an undeclared direct or indirect pecuniary interestmay be voided. 170.6.9 Suppliers The City expects its Suppliers to act with integrity and conduct business in an ethical manner.The City may refuse to do business with any Supplier that: a.has engaged in illegal or unethical Bidding practices; 4 - 22 b.has an actual or potential conflict of interest; c.has an unfair advantage in the Procurementprocess; or d.fails to adhere to ethical business practices. 170.6.10 Where a Supplier is retained to participate in the development of a Solicitation Documentor the Specifications for inclusion in a Solicitation Document, that Supplier will not be allowed to respond, directly or indirectly, to that Solicitation Documentunless the Director of Supply Services is satisfied that there is not a reasonable alternative or that there isnot a competitive advantage to be gained. 170.6.11Illegal or unethical Bidding practices include: a.Bid-rigging, price-fixing, bribery or collusion or other behaviours or practices prohibited by federal or provincial statutes; b.attempting to gain favouror advantage by offering gifts or incentives to City officers and employees, members of Council or any other representative of the City; c.lobbying members of Council or City officers and employees or engaging in any prohibited communications during a Procurementprocess; d.submitting inaccurate or misleading information in response to a Procurementopportunity; and, e. fair Procurementprocess. 170.6.12The City will report any suspected cases of collusion or other Bid-rigging offences under the Competition Act,R.S.C., 1985, c. C-34to the Competition Bureau or to other relevant authorities. 170.6.13In providing Goods, Services, Construction or Consulting Services to the City, Suppliers are expected to adhere to ethical business practices, including: a.performing all City Contracts in a professional and competent manner and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract; and b.complying with all applicable laws, including safety and labour codes (both domestic and international as may be applicable). 4 - 23 170.7 STANDARD PROCUREMENT 170.7.1Standard Procurementdepends on the type and ProcurementValue of the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services required. Standard Procurementprocesses include: a.conducting an Invitational Competition by soliciting Bids from a minimum of three Suppliers; or b.conducting an Open Competition by publicly advertising and posting the Solicitation Document. RequirementProcurementValueProcurementProcess Approval Authority Excluding Taxes Goods, Up to $24,999Non-CompetitiveDeputy CAO or Services, designate Construction, Consulting Services Goods, $25,000-$49,999Invitational Competitive Director, Supply Services, facilitated by the Services ConstructionDepartment requiring Acquisition Goods, $50,000-$99,999Invitational Competitive Director, Supply Services, facilitated by Supply Services ConstructionServices Goods, $100,000-$750,000Open Competition Director, Supply Services, Services Construction Goods, Greater than Open CompetitionCouncil Services, $750,000 Construction Consulting $25,000 -$99,999Invitational CompetitiveDirector, Supply ServicesServices Consulting Greater than Open CompetitionCouncil Services$100,000 170.7.2All standard Procurementprocesses must be conducted and reported in accordance with this By-lawincluding the table set out in section 170.7.1 and all applicable procedures. 170.7.3Regardless of Procurement Value, the Director of Supply Services shall submit a report to Council recommending award of a purchase greater than $100,000 if any one or more of the following conditions apply: a.the value of the Bid being recommended for award including any 4 - 24 contingency allowance are in excess of the Council approved budget; b.the projectis not specifically identified within the Council approved budget; c.there are other orders of government or granting agencies which require Council approval; or, d.only one Bid was received in response to a Solicitation. 170.7.4 only report to Council on Solicitations awarded where the Procurement Value is between $100,000 and $750,000 and the Director of Supply Services approved the award. 170.7.5The issuance and approval of award of a Revenue Generating Contractof any value requires the approval of the Deputy CAO of the Internal Business Partner. It will be at the discretion of the Deputy CAO of the Internal Business Partner and the Director of Supply Services whether to also seek Council approval on the issuance and/or approval of award of a Revenue Generating Contract. 170.7.6 Where any purchase of Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services has been authorized under this By-law, the Director of Supply Services may authorize disbursement of additional funds provided that the additional funds: a.shall not exceed the greater of $100,000 or ten percent(10%) of the original Contractprice; b.are available within the relevant budget; and c.are required to complete works that are necessary as part of the original Contract. The conditions above do not apply where the additional funds required are provided to the City. 170.7.7 The Procurementprocessesshown in the table in section 170.7.1 are minimum standards. Although the table indicates that the Procurement process shall become progressively more formal as the estimated ProcurementValueincreases, the Internal Business Partner or the Director of Supply Services may always choose to use amore formal Procurement processthan the process indicatedin the table. 4 - 25 170.8NON-STANDARD PROCUREMENT 170.8.1Non-Standard Procurement processes for Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services includes,without limitation: a.Non-Competitive Procurement; and b. Limited Competition Procurement. 170.8.2The use of a Non-Standard Procurementprocess is only permitted under the following circumstances: a.where a Standard Procurementprocess was conducted in accordance with this By-lawand applicable procedures and has not resulted in the receipt of any Bids; b.where only one Supplier is able to meet the requirements of a Procurementin order to: i.ensure compatibility with existing products; ii.recognize exclusive rights, such as exclusive licenses, copyright and patent rights; or iii.maintain specialized products that must bemaintained by the manufacturer or its representative; c.where there is an absence of competition for technical reasons and the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services can only be supplied by one particular Supplier and no alternative or substitute exists; d.for the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services relating to matters withConfidential Information or privileged nature where the disclosure of those matters through an open competition could reasonably be expected to compromise government confidentiality, cause economic disruption or otherwise be contrary to the public interest; e.for the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services from a publicly funded agency or a non-profit organization; f.for the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services through a Vendor of Record (VOR) Program, where analysis supports Best Value; g.for the Procurementof Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services under exceptionally advantageous circumstances such as bankruptcy or receivership, but not for routine purchases; 4 - 26 h.for the Procurementof a prototype of Goods, Services, Construction and/or Consulting Services to be developed in the course of, and for a particular Contractfor research, experiment, study or original development, but not for any subsequent purchases; or, i. for the Procurement of Goods, Services, Construction and/or Consulting Services that is financed primarily from donations that are subject to conditions that are inconsistent with a standard Procurement process conducted in accordance with this By-law and applicable procedures. 170.8.3All non-standard Procurementprocesses must be approved and conducted in accordance with this By-lawincluding the table set out in this section and all applicable procedures. RequirementProcurementProcurementApproval Authority ValueProcess Excluding Taxes Goods, Up to $99,999Non-Competitive or Director of Supply Services, Limited CompetitionServices Construction, Consulting Services Goods, Greater than Non-Competitive or Council Services, $100,000Limited Competition Construction, Consulting Services 4 - 27 170.9 EMERGENCY PROCUREMENT 170.9.1Notwithstanding any other provisions of this By-lawand provided time does not permit the use of a Standard Procurement process, Goods, Services, Construction and Consulting Services may be purchased on an Emergency basis where they are required as a result of an unforeseen situation or event occurs that is a threat to any of the following: a.public health or safety; b.the maintenance of essential City services or to prevent the disruption of essential City services; c.the welfare of persons or of public property; or d.. 170.9.2Where an Emergency purchase is required as described above, the Director of Supply Services has the Approval Authorityto issue a Purchase Order for the requirements. When the Procurement Value of the Emergency purchase exceeds $100,000., the Director of Supply Services shall provide a report to Council as soon as reasonably possible under the circumstances. 170.9.3Subject to the application of the provisions of By-law93-200 as amended and a major Emergency and Emergency Plan is implemented, the Director of Supply Services or a Deputy CAO shall authorize any required purchases. For amounts exceeding $100,000., the Director of Supply Services shall issue an information report to Council. 170.10 PRE-QUALIFICATION OF SUPPLIERS 170.10.1 The purpose for prequalification of Suppliers is to ensure that each Supplier intending to perform work on a City Contractcan demonstrate its ability to provide the necessary expertise and resources to satisfactorily complete the work required. 170.10.2 Prequalification of Suppliers may be issued by Supply Services and will only be considered when one or more of the following circumstances exists: a.the work will require substantial project management by the City ifthe Supplier is not appropriately experienced and could result in a substantial cost to the City; b.the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services to be purchased must meet national safety standards; 4 - 28 c.the work involves complex, multi-disciplinary activities, specialized expertise, equipment, materials, or financial requirements; d.there could be a substantial impact on City operations if the work is not satisfactorily performed the first time; e.time requirements necessitate efficient use of time and expertise; or f.any other circumstances deemed appropriate by the Director of Supply Services. 170.10.3Prequalification requires Suppliers to provide such information as requested by the City to determine that the Supplier has the capability in all respects to perform the Contractrequirements. This information may include such things as: a.previous experience on similar work (Supplierand/or anystaff assigned); b.capacity to fulfill the Contractrequirements; and c.the facilities and/or equipment to perform the work. 170.11 BIDDER DEBRIEFINGS 170.11.1Where the City has conducted a competitive Procurementprocess, unsuccessful Bidders may request a debriefing from Supply Services. debriefing procedure. The City will allow unsuccessful Bidders 60 calendar days following the date of the Contractaward notification to request a debriefing. 170.12 SUPPLIER COMPLAINT RESOLUTION 170.12.1The City encourages open, competitive Procurementprocesses and the objective and equitable treatment of all Suppliers. 170.12.2Suppliers may formally protest the outcome of a Procurementprocess. Formal protests must be made by Suppliersand responded to by the City in Procurementprotest procedure. 4 - 29 170.13 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AND SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE 170.13.1All Contracts must be managed by the respective Department employee acting as the project lead in accordance with this By-lawand all applicable procedures to ensure that both the City and the Supplier fulfil the requirements of the Contract. Department Employees must involve Supply Services and Legal Services in the management of Contractdisputes, as required by applicable procedures. 170.13.2The respective Department Employee is responsible for monitoring and documenting Supplier performance and compliance with Procurement Contractperformance evaluation procedure. 170.13.3Documented poor performance or non-performance on any City Contractwill be used to determine the eligibility of a Supplier to continue to provide Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services to the City on a current Contractand to determine their ability to participate on future City Contracts. The City may suspend Suppliersfrom participating in future Solicitations for a suspension procedure. 170.13.4The Director of Supply Services shall apprise Council where any Supplier has suspensionprocedure. 170.13.5NoSolicitation Documentwill be awarded to any Supplier which has a claim, or has instituted a legal proceeding against the City or against which the City has a claim, or has instituted a legal proceeding with respect to any previous Contract, without prior approval of Council. 170.14UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS 170.14.1All unsolicited proposals, including any offers for presentations or product/service trials submitted to the City with the expectation on the part of the submitter of obtaining consideration for an ensuing Contractor purchase by the City, must be directedto the Director of Supply Services for review and approval for acceptance. 170.14.2Any Procurementresulting from the receipt of an unsolicited proposalmust comply with the provisions of this By-law. 170.14.3If it is determined that there is a legitimate need for the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services offered by way of an unsolicited proposal, then an Acquisition process shall be conducted in accordance with this By-lawand all applicable procedures. 4 - 30 170.15 COOPERATIVE PURCHASING 170.15.1The City may participate with other publicly funded agencies inCooperative Purchasingfor Goods, Services, Construction and Consulting Services when it is in the best interests of the City to do so. 170.15.2In the event that the Cooperative PurchasingContractwas led by a publicly funded agency other than the City, the Procurementprocessmust be consistent with the requirements of this By-lawand the resulting Contract must permit the City to purchase from that Supplierunder the same terms and conditions. 170.16 GREEN PROCUREMENT 170.16.1The City is committed to the purchase of goods and services with due regard to the preservation of the natural environment and to encourage the use of environmentally friendly products and services. 170.16.2All Departments, in conjunction with Supply Services, are encouraged to seek additional ways of achieving the goal of being environmentally safe and responsible by thorough review of each Procurementprocess to ensure that, wherever possible and economicalSolicitation Document includes Specifications that reflect environmentally friendly attributes of the Solicitation Document drafting procedure. 170.17 PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIAL / PERSONAL INFORMATION 170.17.1 as part of the provision of the Goods, Services, Construction, or Consulting Services, the City will ensure that the Solicitation Document and/or terms and ensure privacy of the Confidential Information. 170.17.2 Where Personal Information, including the Transborder Data Flow of Personal purchasing process shall ensure that any Personal Information produced by or resulting from services provided by a Supplier to the City, collected, shared, stored, processed, provided, converted, manipulated, or enhanced, whether by or on behalf of the City will be protected in accordance with Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act regardless of location. The Department responsible for the Personal Information shall ensure that individuals are made aware if their Personal Information will be collected, managed, processed,or stored by aSupplier. 4 - 31 170.18 DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS ASSETS 170.18.1The Department Head must submit to the Director of Supply Services, a written report of all City assets, including but not limited to, furniture, vehicles, equipment, supplies, and other goods and material, which are deemed surplus or which have become obsolete, worn out, or otherwise incapable of use. 170.18.2The Director of Supply Services, shall have the Approval Authority to sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of City assets declared as surplus or obsolete to the needs of the City. The Director of Supply Services may first offer the surplus assets to other Departments. Any surplus assets not required by Departments and that are deemed by the Director of Supply Services as having a residual value may be disposed of by any of the following Disposal methods: a.by auction or solicitation; or b.by donation to a non-profit agency; or c.by recycling; or d.in the event that all efforts to dispose of the goods by sale are unsuccessful, by scrapping or destroying if recycling is unavailable. 170.18.3No City employees, officers or elected officials, or any member of a City Board will personally obtain any City asset that has been declared surplus unless it is obtained through a public process. 170.18.4The Disposal of artifacts is exempt from the requirements of this By-law. 170.19 INCORPORATION OF ACCESSIBILITY DESIGN, CRITERIA AND FEATURES 170.19.1 The City will promote, and incorporate, whenever possible, the requirements of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and specifically, Ontario Regulation 429-07 and Ontario Regulation 191-11 made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 in procurement activities of the City. 4 - 32 170.20 BY-LAW ADMINISTRATION 170.20.1This By-lawBy-law 170.20.2Under this By-lawand associated procedures, the Director of Supply Services is authorized to make all decisions, save and except where Council is specifically identified in this By-lawas the authority. Any Supplier shall have the right to appeal that decision to Council 170.20.3Council may waive any provisions or requirements of this By-law. 170.20.4This By-lawwill be reviewed every five (5) years, or such earlier date as the Director of Supply Services, or Deputy CAO of Finance and Corporate Services or Council may deem it appropriate to evaluate its effectiveness. 170.20.5It is hereby declared that each and every ofthe foregoing sections of this By- lawis severable and that, if any provisions of this By-lawshould for any reason be declared invalid by any court, it is the intention and desire of Council that each and every of the then remaining provisions hereofshall remain in full force and effect. 170.20.6That the following By-lawandthe contents of Chapter 170 ofThe City of Kitchener Municipal Code be repealed and replaced: By-law2014-109, 15 September 2014; 170.20.7Notwithstanding its repeal, any purchases begun but not yet completed by the effective date of this By-lawshall be completed in accordance with the terms of the previous Chapter 170 of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code as if it were still in effect. 170.20.7The Clerk of the City is hereby directed to make this By-lawa part of The City of Kitchener Municipal Code by adding it to the Concordance and arranging and numbering it as Chapter 170 so as to fit within the scheme of the Code. 4 - 33 170.21SCHEDULES 170.21.1ScheduBy-lawExcluded Procurements forms an integral part of this By-lawand is attached hereto. 170.21.2By-lawStatement of Ethics for Public Procurement forms an integral part of this By-lawand is attached hereto. 4 - 34 Excluded Procurements This By-lawdoes not apply to the Acquisition of the following: 1.Training and Education conferences and conventions courses, workshops and seminars memberships and subscriptions, periodicals, books training and development including course development and delivery computer software for educational purposes 2. employee expenses (professional dues / license renewals, meal allowances, travel, advances, miscellaneous) petty cash replenishmentand cash advances workers safety insurance board payments health benefits, medical notes and exams tax remittances insurance premiums damage claims legal settlements arbitration awards charges to, and from, other publicly funded agencies or administrativeauthorities mandated by the government Council approved grants and / or donations severance) payroll deduction remittances honorariums debentures / debt / sinking funds payments to Local Boards and Affiliates real property including land, building, leasehold interests, easements, encroachments, licences and rentals investments refunds (such as property tax refunds, building permit refunds, and refunds for cancelled services, programs or events) license fees (regular maintenance fees for vehicles, elevators, communications, software, etc. to maintain existing products and systems) utilities (such as water, sewer, hydro, natural gas, telecommunications, postage, and cable services) temporary staffing agencies and services assessments and tools where positions and/or individuals are assessed for recruitment and selection purposes, including tools and assessments which would assist in the accommodation of individuals election equipment, materials and supplies media / advertising 4 - 35 software upgrades/ maintenance costs 3.Special Services: legal counsel fees financial services fees related to financial assets and liabilities, including banking services, ancillary advisory and information services as well as management of investments, whether or not delivered by a financial institution witness fees committee fees arbitrator fees appraisal fees real estate fees land transfer taxes registry office fees insurance claims revenue collected on behalf of a third party utility relocates railway crossing maintenance collection agency fees 4.Acquisitions which will be reimbursed in full by a third party. 5.Acquisitions related to Local boards and Affiliates 6.Expenses related to partnerships that are primarily coordinated by volunteers 7.Goods or Services in which the supply is controlled by a statutory monopoly 8.Work to be performed under the provisions of a warranty or guarantee held in respect of the original work. 9.Goods or Services purchased on a commodity market (such as carbon tax allowances and offset credits, natural gas for re-sale) 10. Goods and Services related to cultural or artistic fields, such as: events supporting local non-profit organizations entertainers for theatre or special events original works of art aContract to be awarded to the winner of a design contest antiques or artifacts 11. Sponsorships 12. Construction costs of developer build parks when the City is reimbursing a developer for construction costs related to a park in the early stages of subdivision development 4 - 36 Statement of Ethics for Public Procurement The following ethical principles should govern the conduct of every City employee related to the Procurement of Goods, Services, Construction and Consulting Services: a. open and honest dealings with everyone who is Involved in the purchasing process; b. fair and impartial award recommendations for all Contracts; c. an irreproachable standard of personal integrity on the part of all those involved in the Procurement of goods, services, construction and consulting; and, d. cooperation with other publicly funded agencies in order to obtain the Best Value for public money. 4 - 37