Supervisors approve three-year generator-maintenance contract extension with waiver of three-quote rule

Washington County supervisors approved a three-year extension for generator maintenance with Brownell Electric and granted a procurement waiver that exempts the contract from the county—s standard three-quote requirement.

The Buildings and Grounds presenter told the board that Matt (Buildings & Grounds) requested the waiver because Brownell Electric already performs scheduled battery replacements and routine service for the county—s standby generators and because recent solicitations produced little competitive interest. "He is requesting a waiver from the procurement policy, which requires 3 quotes," the meeting transcript records.

Staff said the annual contract amount is modest, under $10,000 and likely under $5,000, and that past solicitations yielded only one other bidder in prior procurements. Supervisors asked whether the contract covers mechanical as well as electrical maintenance; staff confirmed the vendor provides full generator maintenance including oil and filter changes.

Board action: The board voted to waive the procurement policy requirement and to extend the generator maintenance contract with Brownell Electric for three years. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Context and next steps: Staff noted prior renewals and recommended future re-bidding after several renewals, and supervisors asked to keep the procurement records on file for future competitive solicitations. The county will continue routine preventive maintenance under the extended contract while monitoring competition for future solicitations.