Committee approves updated transit procurement policy to align with FTA and Minnesota thresholds

Administrator Broyles told the Safety and Public Works Committee that the attached, revised procurement policy for the Brainerd and Crow Wing Public Transit System is primarily an administrative update to maintain compliance with federal and state requirements.

Broyles said the policy updates the Federal Transit Administration circular reference (from 420.1F to 4220.1G), raises the micro‑purchase threshold from $10,000 (2024) to $15,000 (2026), adjusts small‑purchase bands to mirror Minnesota’s limits, and brings the formal procurement threshold in line with state law (beginning at $175,000). "The revisions are primarily compliance updates and administrative clarification," Broyles said, and he told the committee the changes do not substantially change current city practices.

The committee discussed the update’s cadence; Broyles said the revisions are done when MnDOT requires them, and that the city last updated the policy in 2024. A member asked whether the updates are biannual; Broyles said they are performed on the schedule MnDOT requires. There were no substantive objections from council members.

A motion to approve the amended transit procurement policy was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

The committee’s approval directs staff to publish the revised procurement policy and retain current operating practices while meeting updated FTA and Minnesota requirements.