a.To prepare a written purchasing manual that implements the requirements of this chapter. The purchasing manual shall describe in detail the operational procedures and processes for the procurement of materials, supplies, services, equipment, and public works contracts;

b.To purchase and execute contracts for materials, supplies, services and equipment, as limited in this chapter, required by any department. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the authority of the Purchasing Agent to execute contracts may not be delegated (other than to the Acting City Manager in the event of the City Manager’s absence or disability) except that the Purchasing Agent may delegate in writing to department heads (as defined in Chapter 25 of this code) the authority to execute contracts for their respective department that are below the threshold requiring informal bids or proposals;

c.To act to procure the needed quality in supplies, materials, services and equipment at the least expense to the City;

d.To obtain as full and open competition as possible on all purchases;

e.To keep informed of current developments in the field of purchasing, prices, market conditions and new products;

f.To prescribe and maintain such forms as are reasonably necessary to the purchasing operation; and

g.To supervise the inspection of all supplies, services, and equipment purchased to ensure conformance with the specifications. (Ord. 3624 § 2, 2020)