We have provided a brief overview of the City's contract award methods, process for various contract dollar amounts, preferences on source selection, and protests. For complete information the procurement process, procedures and requirements, see the City of Aspen's Municipal Code Title 4: Procurement.
Contract Award Methods
In accordance with the City of Aspen's Procurement Code Title 4, contracts are awarded through one of the following methods:
- Competitive Sealed Bids Competitive Sealed Proposals
- Negotiated procurement.
- Emergency procurement
- State bid Required
Process for Various Contract Levels
- Purchases under $5,000 require only Department Head approval.
- Purchases between $5,000 and $10,000 require City Manager approval, and must follow the competitive quotation process.
- Purchases between $10,000 and $25,000 require City Manager approval, and must follow the competitive sealed bidding process.
- Purchases over $25,000 require City Council approval, and must follow the competitive sealed bidding process.
Consideration for Source Selection
- Preference shall be given in the procurement of supplies and services produced, manufacturered, sold, distributed, offered or grown in the City of Aspen.
- Secondary preference may be given for services and supplies produced, manufactuered, sold, distributed or grown in the Roaring Fork River Valley.
- In the procurement of services and construction contracts to bidders located in the Roaring Fork River valley if all other evaluation criteria set forth heriein, or in the invitation for bids or requests for proposals, are equal to bidders located outside of said valley.
- Local preference may be in an amount not to exceed five percent (5%) of the total price.
- Minority and women owned businesses.
Protested Solicitations and Awards
Any actual or prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor who is agrrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract may protest to the City Manger. The protest must be submitted in writing within fourteen (14) days after the Award Notification.
The City Manager or designee has the authority to settle and resolve a protest of an aggrieved bidder.
If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, the City Manager or designee shall issue a decision in writing that states the reason for the action taken and their right to an adminstrative review. The decision is final unless the bidder appeals administratively to the City Council acting as the procurement appeals board. The Procurement Appeals Board decision is final and conclusive.