COUNCILMAN HENON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO MODERNIZE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES

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Philadelphia, PA –  Councilman Bobby Henon (6th District) introduced a package of bills during City Council’s session today that would allow the Procurement Department to utilize criteria beyond than lowest cost to determine which vendor’s proposal is selected.  This expanded selection criteria method is called Best Value and is a significant change from the city’s current model, lowest responsible bidder.  The legislation was developed in partnership with the Kenney Administration and is co-sponsored by Council members Derek Green (At Large), Curtis Jones Jr. (4th District), Cherelle Parker (9th District), Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District), and Mark Squilla (1st District).

“Best value procurement is more modern and considered to be a best practice in procurement across the country.  Weighting past performance, including whether a vendor completed a project on-time and on-budget, among other factors like cost, schedule and M/W/DBSE participation, will ensure that the city is getting the best bang for its buck,” said Councilman Henon.

“I believe that this substantive change, along with other procurement reforms the Administration is undertaking, will make it easier for new vendors to do business with the City and will create a more competitive environment that will save money and produce better results.”

The bills are as follows:

  • A resolution for a proposed Charter change that would create a Best Value review process for procurement; and
  • An ordinance that would place a Charter Change question regarding Best Value procurement on the ballot in May 2017.

Councilman Henon also introduced a companion bill to the procurement bills.  This bill amends Section 17-1404 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Eligibility for Non-Competitively Bid Contracts and Financial Assistance,” which would provide requirements relating to contracts awarded pursuant to the proposed best value provision of the Home Rule Charter, under certain terms and conditions.

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Councilman Bobby Henon currently serves as the Majority Leader of Philadelphia City Council. He represents the 6th District.  More information at www.phlcouncil.com/BobbyHenon