Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council presses staff on procurement, contractor penalties after delayed FEMA-funded demolitions
Summary
Council members pressed staff about bidding rules, contractor delays on FEMA-funded demolitions and the need to add penalties and bonding; corporation counsel said indemnification and performance bonds are standard in federal procurement.
Council members used the study session to press staff about procurement practices after recent demolition contracts (FEMA-funded) experienced delays. Director Debeja described a recent contractor who missed completion dates and offered excuses; "They had excuse after excuse after excuse," she said, and staff told council that they now evaluate "lowest and best" rather than automatically taking the lowest bid.
Corporation counsel advised that federal-funded contracts typically include warranty and performance bonds and that indemnification clauses are normal. Council asked whether contract documents can include penalties for missed timelines; counsel said penalties are permissible but must be clearly specified in the bid and contract documents, and staff confirmed they added such penalty language to new contracts.
