Presentation for Discussion, Consideration, and Applicable Action on the current process/practice utilized by the UCP cities for the procurement and award of bids and/or contracts.
1.  History / Background
2.  Current Procurement Process
3.  Directive in connection with any change to said process or practice

The Urban County Program is now using the County of Hidalgo E.I.N. and is working with the Purchasing Department to evaluate and revise portions of the procurement process utilized by the Urban County Program, as it relates to the member cities.  Language revisions addressing the Court's requirement to rate, rank and negotiate professional services have been implemented for accepting the recommended ratings for these services by the member cities.  However, because of the action taken on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 regarding the City of Edcouch item on the award of contract for the rehabilitation of the Water Tower project, the Urban County Program is requesting direction from the Court on the process/practice changes.  

Currently, the bids for construction work funded by Urban County Program funds are opened at the Purchasing Department, the bid tabulation is reviewed by the engineer/architect, a recommendation is provided by engineer/architect to the city for review and action on a bid, the city takes action to select (award) a contractor.  Although the Court has inadvertently delegated this authority to the city, this action is not binding to the Commissioner's Court but is instead added confirmation to the Court that the City is on-board with the project as identified in the One Year Action Plan.  The letter provided by the City is a confirmation that the city is accepting and endorsing the project.