Kalamazoo County commissioners on Sept. 2 approved an amendment to the county’s Purchasing Policies and Procedures Manual (Section 13), adopting a Responsible Bidder policy that commissioners and administration said will simplify the procurement pathway for large construction projects while adding value-based criteria.

Vice Chair Taylor, who moved the motion, described the rewrite as a simplification of a previously more complex two-step process. “It's easier for local businesses,” he said during debate, adding the change should allow local contractors to compete more effectively with larger firms from outside the county. Commissioners and administration also cited the policy as a tool to advance wage and benefit standards, local hiring, and other “community benefit” criteria in contracts for major county projects.

County staff and counsel had worked on the rewrite for months, and the board praised Purchasing staff for preparing the revised approach. The ordinance-style amendment passed on a roll-call vote in the regular meeting; the clerk recorded eight yes votes and no no votes.

Why it matters: The Responsible Bidder policy changes how the county evaluates bidders on qualifying procurements, weighing not only price and technical qualifications but also workforce, benefits and local economic impact. County leaders said the new policy is intended to increase local participation and make county construction projects “value-driven,” not just low-cost.

Action details
Motion: Approve amendment to purchasing policies and procedures manual, Section 13 (Responsible Bidder policy). Moved by Vice Chair Taylor and supported by Commissioner Wheeler. The clerk recorded an 8-0 roll-call in favor.

Attributions: Vice Chair Taylor and county purchasing staff led the discussion; county counsel and Deputy Administrator were credited with drafting and refining the policy language.