Following a public hearing, the Legislature by unanimous vote (Legislator Rich John was excused) adopted a new Local Law that authorizes the use of the “best value awards process” as authorized by New York State General Municipal Law. The Local Law provides additional procurement options to the County that may expedite the procurement process and result in cost savings.
“Best value” indicates that criteria other than price may be considered when determining a bid, request for proposal, or request for qualification award—examples include lower cost of maintenance, durability, higher quality, and longer product life, based on objective, quantifiable analysis. The basis for determination may also identify factors such as small business, or certified minority- or women-owned business enterprises as defined in New York State Executive Law. The law also opens the opportunity for the County to “piggyback” on bids led by national cooperatives and other government agencies that have awarded contracts through the best value method, if found to be in the best interests of the County and County taxpayers, opening procurement options which previously had been unavailable.