Article content
The Town of Cochrane has adopted new official policy for the procurement of goods and services by the municipality, replacing the narrower policy last updated in 2015.
Article content
The town expects the new more specific policy will reduce red tape and cost inefficiencies while creating more legal and legislative clarity.
“Since that time, changes to the requirements of various Trade Agreements have occurred and the prices for goods and services have increased, thus creating inefficiencies for acquiring low value goods and/or services,” a background report reads.
“This will ensure the Town and suppliers are working from the same statement of expectations, rules and commitments that clearly outline what is required when contracting with the Town of Cochrane.”
Several objectives for the policy change were laid out in the report, including ‘compliance and consistency with legislation,’ ‘transparent processes that afford equal access to all qualified suppliers,’ ‘reciprocal non-discrimination and geographic neutrality with respect to trading partners/trade treaty obligations,’ ‘best value through consideration of the full range of procurement formats and adoption of commercially reasonable business practices,’ ‘environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability,’ ‘balance between accountability and efficiency’, and ‘adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct.’
The policy was adopted unanimously by council at their January 24 meeting.
“I think this is a really great step forward,” said councillor Alex Reed.
“Probably well overdue, and that’s not a criticism, it’s just a fact. And I hope that puts us in a much better place both from administration’s perspective and those who will, as outsiders, be using the policy in terms of clarity. So I really appreciate the work that’s been done on this.”
Replied corporate services executive director Katherine Van Keimpema, “We’re actually really excited about this because it’s a great opportunity for us to put together some training and to roll this out across the organization in a really thoughtful manner.”
Cochranites (and prospective suppliers) can see the newly adopted policy on the ‘Council Meetings’ section of Cochrane.ca.
“I’m glad we’re getting clarity and providing less red tape and an easier process, clearer process for those wishing to do business with the Town of Cochrane,” said mayor Jeff Genung.
