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Surry County adopts updated purchasing policies to streamline procurement
Summary
The board approved new county purchasing policies Feb. 5, designating a purchasing agent, increasing small‑purchase flexibility, and authorizing use of the state EVA solicitation system to expand vendor reach, with an emphasis on SWaM and veteran‑owned businesses.
Surry County supervisors adopted an updated purchasing policy on Feb. 5 designed to align county procurement with state law and expand access to vendors.
County attorney Ms. Perkins presented the policy, telling the board that "The Virginia code provides localities with the ability to enact their own purchasing policies as long as they do not deviate from certain state law requirements." The draft designates the deputy county administrator of operations and infrastructure (or designee) as the county’s purchasing agent, increases flexibility for small purchases up to $10,000, and sets posting requirements consistent with state law.
The policy also directs staff to use the state’s Electronic Virginia (EVA) solicitation system to widen outreach to vendors and contractors, which staff said should help attract more bidders to Surry County work. The draft includes written practices to recruit SWaM (small, women‑ and minority‑owned) and veteran‑owned businesses.
If adopted, staff and legal will implement the policy through employee training, website updates and quick‑reference guides; staff said related ordinance amendments will follow. Dr. Elliott moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and the board approved it by voice vote.
The adopted policy changes how the county solicits and awards contracts and aims to make procurement more efficient while complying with state requirements.
