[HISTORY: Adopted by the County Legislature of Tompkins County
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted by the County Legislature 4-2-2019 by L.L. No. 2-2019]
New York General Municipal Law § 103 allows the County
to authorize, by local law, the award of certain purchase contracts,
including contracts for services, subject to competitive bidding under
General Municipal Law § 103 on the basis of "best value"
as defined in § 163 of the New York State Finance Law. The
"best value" option may be used, for example, if it is more cost efficient
over time to award the good or service to other than the lowest responsible
bidder if factors such as lower cost of maintenance, durability, higher
quality and longer product life can be documented. New York State
legislation requires counties with a population of less than 1,000,000
to pass a local law authorizing the use of the best value award process.
Tompkins County may make purchases, including purchases for
services, on the basis of "best value" as that term is defined in
New York State Finance Law § 163. The "best value" purchases
shall be permitted only through the use of a contract let by the United
States of America or any agency thereof, any state or political subdivision
or district thereof, as is recognized by Section 103 of the General
Municipal Law. "Best value" purchases shall be made in accordance
with guidelines and evaluation criteria established in Tompkins County
policy. All other purchases, whether for services or goods, must be
awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
Any inconsistent provision of Tompkins County's procurement
policy, as adopted prior to the effective date of this article by
resolution of the County Legislature, or as amended thereafter, shall
be deemed superseded by the provisions of this article.
