Chapter 3.46
NON-ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES

Sections:

3.46.010    Contracts for services.

3.46.020    Consultant roster for non-architectural and engineering services.

3.46.030    Exception to selection processes.

3.46.010 Contracts for services.

Except as required by federal law or Chapter 3.36 SVMC, the following requirements apply:

A. Chapter 3.46 SVMC shall not apply to architectural and engineering services, the procurement of which is governed by Chapter 3.45 SVMC.

B. When entering into a contract for services where the contract is expected to exceed $200,000, a competitive selection process shall be used. This process may include a “request for qualifications” or “request for proposals” process or formal competitive bidding procedures pursuant to SVMC 3.40.010.

C. When entering into a contract for services where the contract is not expected to exceed $200,000 but is expected to be greater than $25,000, the responsible department shall obtain three or more proposals for the services required, and maintain a record of the process followed. The responsible department may use the consultant roster pursuant to SVMC 3.46.020 to obtain proposals.

D. When entering into a contract for services where the contract is not expected to exceed $25,000, the responsible department is encouraged, but is not required, to use a competitive selection process, such as obtaining three proposals pursuant to SVMC 3.46.010(C). If a competitive process is not utilized, the responsible department shall seek to achieve maximum quality at minimum cost by making an award based on its experience and knowledge of the market. (Ord. 23-013 § 2, 2023; Ord. 22-017 § 1, 2022; Ord. 19-021 § 7 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 17-012 § 5, 2017; Ord. 15-022 § 9, 2015).

3.46.020 Consultant roster for non-architectural and engineering services.

Annually, or in response to specific projects or work as set forth above, the City shall encourage, through notice published in a newspaper of general circulation, non-architectural and engineering firms to submit a statement of qualifications which can be used to select firms that provide services to the City. The city clerk shall maintain the consultant roster for non-architectural and engineering services, to be called the “consultant roster for non-architectural and engineering services” or such other title as may be appropriate, and further shall maintain all statements of qualifications submitted, all of which shall be available for public inspection. Alternatively, the city clerk may maintain the consultant roster by contracting with public or private entities to maintain such roster(s) on behalf of the City. The city manager shall establish procedures for the maintenance and use of the consultant roster for non-architectural and engineering services. (Ord. 19-021 § 7 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 17-012 § 5, 2017; Ord. 15-022 § 9, 2015).

3.46.030 Exception to selection processes.

A. Notwithstanding SVMC 3.46.010 and 3.46.020, when contracting for services which have historically and traditionally been considered professional services, such as attorneys and accountants, or when contracting for services in support of ongoing or reasonably anticipated litigation, the responsible department may, when determined to be in the best interest of the City, obtain such services by negotiation without going through a competitive procurement process. Such services significantly rely upon the quality of expertise provided, rather than the cost of service.

B. If a situation should arise which requires immediate action on the part of the City to protect the best interests of the City or the health, safety or welfare of the citizens of the City, and where it is not possible to timely adhere to the procedures set forth in SVMC 3.46.010, the selection procedures set forth in Chapter 3.46 SVMC may, with prior approval of the city manager, be waived by the department director, and the contract may be awarded without following the procedures set forth in SVMC 3.46.010. The circumstances giving rise to such waiver shall be documented in writing within 14 days. (Ord. 22-017 § 1, 2022; Ord. 19-021 § 7 (Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 17-012 § 5, 2017; Ord. 15-022 § 9, 2015).