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Denver council adopts large on-call contracting package after heated debate over oversight and small-business access
Summary
The Denver City Council voted to adopt a block of multi-year on-call construction and professional-services contracts totaling roughly $600 million over five years, despite objections from council members who said the approach limits competitive bids and council oversight. Related procurement items, including a Gartner membership and Urban Alchemy items, were postponed or discussed for further briefings.
Denver City Council on Monday approved a broad set of multi-year on-call contracts for construction and professional services after hours of debate over oversight, competition and small-business participation. Supporters said the on-call structure is necessary for city operations; opponents said it pre-authorizes too much spending and shuts out non-preferred bidders.
Councilmember Hines, a vocal critic, said the on-call package — which he characterized as “about $600,000,000 over the next five years” for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure — effectively removes council oversight for many large projects and precludes competitive bidding for strategic work such as the 5280 Trail. "We…
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