Officials say state procurement rules shape city hiring; city to offer contractor outreach to boost local bids

Residents asked why local builders sometimes do not win city projects; Mayor Cal Sheehy and City Manager Jessica Knudson explained the city's procurement process is governed by Arizona statutes and competitive solicitation rules that require documented qualifications and formal bids. “We have to follow a very specific process in doing so... Chapter 36 of the Arizona Revised Statutes guides the entire process,” Knudson said. Sheehy acknowledged local contractors often express frustration with the administrative side of bidding and said the city is planning outreach to bridge that gap. Knudson added the city and the Chamber/Building Alliance will host training sessions to explain how to submit qualifications and bids; she said such outreach is scheduled in the coming weeks to help local firms participate in projects like the Main Street Commons shade structures, the second pool and road work. Officials said the city wants local firms to bid and win where they qualify, but procurement rules are intended to ensure transparency, fairness and appropriate insurance and licensing standards for projects using public funds.