Board adopts procurement code update adding five‑year limit on software contracts and clarifying procurement thresholds

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 18 adopted changes to the county procurement code that add a five‑year term limit for software or technology contracts unless staff follows an internal procedure to justify longer terms. The resolution (BOS 2025‑024) also clarifies thresholds for simplified construction procurement and streamlines the procurement appeals process.

Procurement staff explained the changes would require departments to justify multiyear software subscriptions after five years and to use a prescribed internal procedure that documents business needs, vendor lock‑in risks, and replacement planning. The changes leave room for the county manager, procurement and IT to develop a procedural checklist and approval steps that would apply when a longer contract term is proposed.

Why it matters: supervisors cited technology‑budget transparency and vendor‑management concerns. Supporters said a firm policy will force departments to evaluate alternatives periodically and reduce long‑term unreviewed renewals. Public comment included a reminder that procurement decisions must follow state law and an argument that exceptions treated unevenly could open the county to claims of unequal treatment.

Vote: the board voted to adopt BOS resolution 2025‑024. The motion passed by voice vote; the record reflects unanimous approval in the meeting’s voice vote. Procurement staff said they will write the procedures that implement the five‑year limitation and return to the county manager for administrative review.

Implementation: procurement will draft the procedural checklist with IT and finance, define documentation required for any extension beyond five years, and present the internal procedures to the manager for execution. The board also approved language enabling simplified construction procedures consistent with Title 34.