HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-22 - Resolution No. 2021-20 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-20
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT
AMENDING THE DISTRICT'S PURCHASING POLICY AND
RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2018-37
WHEREAS, from time to time it is necessary for the Board of Directors to review the
Purchasing Policy and make modifications that reflect current District
procedures, public policy demands, and economic conditions; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to modify the Purchasing Policy last adopted
by Resolution No. 2018-37 on December 11, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of Yorba Linda Water District does find,
determine, and resolve:
SECTION 1: The Yorba Linda Water District Purchasing Policy as attached hereto is
hereby adopted and shall be deemed effective June 22, 2021.
SECTION 2: That Resolution No. 2018-37 is hereby rescinded effective June 22, 2021.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of June 2021 by the following called vote:
AYES: Directors DesRoches, Jones, Lindsey, and Miller
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Director Hawkins
J. Wayne Vice President
Yorba Linda Water District
ATTEST:
Annie Alexander, Board Secretary
Yorba Linda Water District
Reviewed as to form by General Counsel:
Andrew B. Gagen, Esq.
Kidman Gagen Law LLP
Resolution No.2021-20 Amending the District's Purchasing Policy and Rescinding Resolution No.2018-37
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PURCHASING
Dept/Div: Finance Approved By: Resolution No. 2021-20
Effective Date: June 22, 2021 Applicability: Districtwide
Supersedes: Resolution No. 2018-37 See Also: N/A
1.0 General Policy
1.1 The Yorba Linda Water District Purchasing Policy (this “Policy”) establishes policies and
procedures for acquiring services and materials, equipment and supplies (referred to collectively
as “Services and/or Materials”), and for Public Works projects, for the Yorba Linda Water District
(the “District”), pursuant to Government Code Section 54201 et seq.
California Government Code Section 54202: requires every local agency to adopt policies and
procedures, including bidding regulations, governing purchases of supplies, materials and
equipment and that said purchases shall be in accordance with said duly adopted policies and
procedures.
California Government Code Section 54204: requires that if the local agency is other than a city
or county, policies provided for in Section 54202 shall be adopted by means of a written rule or
regulation, copies of which shall be available for public distribution.
1.2 This Policy establishes the Board of Directors’ (the “Board”) approved policies with respect to the
procurement of Services and Materials and for Public Works projects, including expenditure
authorization and limits, competitive proposal and bidding requirements, and general
procurement procedures. All purchases of Services or Materials and Public Works projects to be
paid for by the District must adhere to the authority level and dollar limits of this Policy as set forth
in Section 2, except as otherwise provided by specific terms and exceptions set forth in this Policy.
2.0 Authorization
2.1 By adoption of this Policy, the Board is authorizing the General Manager and other designated
representatives to exercise certain duties and responsibilities that are essential for the day-to-day
operation of the District.
2.2 The General Manager may delegate the procurement of Services and Materials and the provision
of Public Works projects to those staff members given specific authority, consistent with the terms
of this Policy.
2.3 Delegation of purchasing authority may be through the authorized use of Purchasing Cards,
Purchase Orders, check requests, or other written authorization. All such purchases will be made
in conformity with the policies and procedures prescribed within this Policy.
2.4 The Board-established procurement limits and Contract signatory authorities are listed in Table 1
below. These limits are applicable on a per-expenditure/per-Contract basis, not on an aggregated
basis, for unrelated activities.
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Table 1
Procurement Limits and Contract Signatory Authority
Title Expenditures Contract Signature Authority
General Manager Up to $75,000
$75,001 and over with Board
Authorization; up to $75,000
without Board Authorization.
Assistant General Manager Up to $50,000 Up to $50,000
Department Managers Up to $25,000 Up to $25,000
Budget Analyst, Customer Service
Billing Administrator, Executive
Assistant, Principal Engineer, Senior
Accountant, Senior Engineer, Senior
Executive Assistant, Superintendents
Up to $5,000 None
Administrative Personnel Up to $2,000 None
3.0 Definitions
The terms referenced in this policy shall have the meanings as defined below:
3.1 Administrative Personnel – District administrative employees authorized by the General
Manager to purchase miscellaneous items, food and travel in support of District functions includes
Human Resources Analyst, Operations Lead Staff, and any other administrative position as
authorized by the General Manager.
3.2 Amendment – A written change or addition to a legal document which, when properly executed,
has the same legal validity of the original document.
3.3 Board – The Board of Directors of Yorba Linda Water District.
3.4 Change Order – A written Amendment modifying the terms of an existing Contract or Purchase
Order.
3.5 Consultant – An individual, firm or entity that provides or offers to provide Professional Services
to the District.
3.6 Contract - Written agreement authorizing a contractor, Consultant, supplier or service provider to
provide Services or Materials, or Public Works, in accordance with the material requirements,
conditions or scope of work stated in the Contract.
3.7 Contractor – Shall mean any person who submits a bid, proposal, or contract in connection with
a procurement or service. This term also includes any person who conducts business as an agent
or representative of the contractor.
3.8 District – Yorba Linda Water District.
3.9 Emergency – A situation in which unforeseen circumstances present an immediate risk of harm
or hazard to the public health, safety, welfare, or District personnel or property, or threaten serious
interruption of District operations.
3.10 General Manager – General Manager of the District or the person appointed by the Board to act
in the capacity of the General Manager and authorized to administer this Policy on his/her behalf.
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3.11 Invitation to Bid - A formal process for soliciting sealed bids from qualified prospective suppliers
or Public Works contractors. Typically involves a formal bid opening, and the awarding of a
Contract to a responsive and responsible supplier or contractor based on price, demonstrated
competence and qualifications necessary to perform the services required, demonstrated quality
of the goods required, other specified factors, and as otherwise required by law.
3.12 Multiple Year Contract - A Contract for the purchase of Services, Materials, or Public Works for
a multiple year term or that may contain provisions to extend performance by exercising optional
renewal periods. A Multiple Year Contract does not obligate the District beyond the initial award
period and shall not provide for a cancellation payment to the contractor if options are not
exercised
3.13 Non-Discretionary Purchases – Payments to utilities, temporary employment services,
insurance providers, healthcare providers and national, federal, state or local agencies that relate
to routine obligations and expenses essential to the District’s ability to provide service to
customers and that have been approved in fiscal year operating or capital budgets.
3.14 Non-Professional Services – Services other than Professional Services, including, but not
limited to, supply and maintenance services.
3.15 Procurement - The purchase or lease of materials, supplies, equipment, services, or Public
Works.
3.16 Procurement Card - A form of charge card (also referred to as a P-Card or Purchasing Card)
that allows for goods to be purchased without using a Purchase Order
3.17 Professional Services – Any type of special service or advice in financial, economic, accounting,
engineering, legal or administrative matters by persons specially trained and experienced and
competent to perform the special services required. (Gov’t Code § 53060.) Such services include
but are not limited to architectural; engineering; environmental; financial; land surveying;
construction management; audits; training services; legal services; preparation of planning or
studies; SCADA integration; technology application development; and personnel, job classification
and benefit studies.
3.18 Public Works – As defined by California Public Code Section 22002, public projects include
construction, reconstruction, alteration, renovation, improvement, demolition, and repair work
involving any publicly owned, leased or operated facility. Maintenance work is not considered a
public project for purposes of this definition.
3.19 Purchase Order (PO) – An authorization, under a standardized form in which the party
designated as the “provider” is to provide Services and Materials for which the District agrees to
pay.
3.20 Request for Proposal (RFP) - A solicitation used for the Procurement of Professional Services
and Non- Professional Services. Prospective suppliers or Consultants submit proposals based on
requested information and are evaluated/awarded based on pre-established criteria.
3.21 Request for Quotes (RFQ) - A solicitation used for Procurement of construction services,
maintenance services, supplies, materials, or equipment.
3.22 Requisition (REQ) - The procedural method by which departments may request a PO for the
purchase of materials, supplies or equipment. Requisitions are entered into the District’s ERP
system application.
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3.23 Single Source Purchase - Procurement where: (1) there is a compelling reason for only one
source, a preferred brand, like material, homeland security goods, services, etc., to be procured;
or (2) the commodity is unique, including, but not limited to, acquisition of data processing,
telecommunications and word processing equipment, goods and services; or (3) the purchase of
a specific brand name, make or model is necessary to match existing District equipment or facilitate
effective maintenance and support; or (4) when it is in the best interest of the District to extend
or renew a Contract from a previous contract period, based on satisfactory service, reasonable
prices, avoidance of start-up costs, avoidance of interruptions to District business, or good
business practices. Such a Procurement of $25,000 or greater must be presented to the Board of
Directors at the next regular scheduled meeting.
3.24 Sole Source Purchase - Procurement where only one viable source exists. This is usually due
to legal restrictions of patent rights and copyrights, a proprietary process, warranty issues, original
equipment, etc. Such a Procurement of $25,000 or greater must be presented to the Board at the
next regular scheduled meeting.
4.0 General Procurement Policies
4.1 Procurement practices shall comply with laws, regulations and guidelines of the State of California
and any other applicable law, and the provisions of grant or funding contracts, if applicable.
4.2 Any employee/individual affecting any Procurement outside of the policies and procedures
established by this Policy and without General Manager or Board authorization to do so, shall be
subject to disciplinary action and/or termination in accordance with District policies.
4.3 Expenditures and Contract awards must be authorized by the appropriate authorization level
indicated in Table 1.
4.3.1 Separating or dividing Contracts into smaller components for the purpose of bringing the
cost of one or more Contracts below any specified sum to avoid a requirement in any
section of this Policy or any policy incorporated herein is strictly prohibited. Contracts may
be divided only to meet unique scheduling of a project or to accommodate necessary time
frames. In addition, no specifications shall be drafted in such a manner as to limit
competitive bidding or solicitation directly or indirectly to any one specific vendor, or any
specific brand, product, thing, or service, except for those items that are approved as
exempt from competitive bidding or solicitation requirements as provided in Section 7.1.3.
4.4 Purchase amounts include taxes and the cost of shipping, freight fees and any other charges
billed by the supplier or contractor for purposes of the authorization limits under this Policy.
4.5 Purchase authorization and expenditure limits in Table 1, and competitive solicitation
requirements in Table 2 and as further set forth in this Policy, are on a per purchase/per contract
basis and shall not be applied as an aggregate limit to any vendor, supplier, contractor or
Consultant.
4.6 With the exception of the General Manager, in the absence of an authorized signatory for a given
request, authorization will be obtained from the next highest authority in Table 1. In the case where
the next highest authority is absent, then authorization will be obtained by an authorized signatory
in order of rank and availability.
4.7 The District may use electronic commerce whenever practicable or cost-effective. The District
may accept electronic signatures and records in connection with the District Procurement, as
permitted by applicable law.
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5.0 Procurement Methods
The following methods are available to initiate a purchase request or to pay for Services and Materials
or Public Works:
5.1 Requisition/Purchase Order - Staff that require Services and Materials to carry out the defined
duties of their positions shall submit Requisitions, in advance, for purchases in accordance with
this Policy and other applicable procedures and policies of the District. Staff will generate a
Purchase Order from the Requisition.
5.1.1 Complete the Requisition form or Requisition data entry screen to request that Services
or Materials are ordered.
5.1.1.1 Allow at least two (2) working days of lead time.
5.1.1.2 Provide complete name and address of selected vendor.
5.1.1.3 Indicate the purpose of the Purchase Order.
5.1.1.4 Describe the Services or Materials clearly and specifically. Include make, model,
manufacturer’s part number, catalog number or vendor catalog page number, if
available. Indicate color, size, or any option required.
5.1.1.5 Indicate the quantity and unit price for each Service or Material.
5.1.1.6 Note whether the Services or Materials are taxable.
5.1.1.7 Note any freight charges.
5.1.1.8 Must indicate a valid General Ledger account number(s), and correct projects
number(s).
5.1.1.9 Indicate the date the Services or Materials are needed.
5.1.1.10 Attach any required price quotes and data that supports the requested purchase,
if available.
5.1.1.11 Seek appropriate approvals as required in Table 1.
5.1.1.12 Submit Purchase Order for processing.
5.1.2 Upon approval and receipt of a fully executed purchase Requisition, the Purchase Order
will be systematically assigned the next consecutive number.
5.1.2.1 The original Purchase Order will be given back to the originator or sent to the
vendor.
5.1.2.2 A copy of the approved Purchase Order, and any supporting documents, will be
forwarded to Accounts Payable for processing.
5.1.2.3 A copy of the approved Purchase Order will be forwarded to the Warehouse
pending receipt of goods.
5.1.2.4 An electronic record of the Requisition/Purchase Order will be kept within the
purchasing system for historical purposes.
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5.2 Check Request - A check request can be used to initiate payment for certain limited Services or
Materials without a Purchase Order. Check requests can be used to request payment for Non-
Discretionary Purchases, services rendered, subscriptions, membership dues,
workshop/seminar/conference registrations, use of facilities, etc.
5.3 CAL-Card and Other Procurement Cards - Designated staff may be assigned a CAL-Card for
miscellaneous purchases. Purchases using the CAL-Card are subject to the terms and conditions
of the District Cardholder Procurement Card Agreement and any other applicable District
procurement card policies or procedures. Professional Services are not to be acquired on CAL -
Cards due to lack of insurance and indemnification language associated with these services. CAL-
Card limits may be increased for a specific authorized user with the approval of the General
Manager subject to the authorization limits as set in Table 1. Use of all other Procurement Cards
are subject to the terms of this Policy and to any set terms provided at the time of card issuance
to the designated staff and any subsequent Amendments to such terms, and other applicable
District policies (Refer to Exhibit A).
5.4 Contracts - Provisions shall be made, either through specifications or procedures established by
the District, for verification of the references and financial responsibility of the contracting parties
prior to the award of a Contract. After award, all Contracts shall be executed on behalf of the
District by the appropriate authorized signatory indicated in Table 1. In no case shall any Contract
be made if sufficient funds are not budgeted and appropriated and not available to make payment
promptly upon delivery or completion, or in accordance with a progress payment schedule, unless
otherwise authorized and approved by the Board or approved by the General Manager as provided
for in Section 6.2 (Emergency).
5.4.1 Contracts for Non-Professional Services, Professional Services and Public Works shall be
executed when an expenditure exceeds $5,000 (except in the event of an Emergency).
5.4.2 Multiple Year Contracts are allowed when in the best interests of the District as
determined, and executed by the General Manager.
5.4.2.1 For purposes of Procurement authorization, the dollar value of a Multiple Year
Contract shall be the total contract value, including optional renewal periods.
Once initially approved in accordance with the Policy requirements, any optional
renewals may then be authorized by the General Manager at the time of renewal,
regardless of the dollar amount, provided the pre-priced option is consistent with
the terms of the Contract as initially approved.
6.0 Exceptions to Pre-Authorization
6.1 Non-Discretionary Purchases - Do not require Board approval for payment, including those that
exceed the General Manager limit of $75,000. Purchase Orders are not required for Non-
Discretionary Purchases that pertain to payments to utilities, insurance providers, heath care
providers, payroll, and national, federal, state or local agencies that relate to routine obligations
and expenses essential to the District’s ability to provide service to customers and that have been
approved in fiscal year operating budgets.
6.2 Emergency Work/Services - The General Manager, Assistant General Manager or the assigned
Operations Manager may authorize Emergency expenditures for work, services, and/or supplies
where the cost exceeds $75,000 without prior Board approval. The Board shall be notified of any
expenditures for Emergency work, services and/or supplies exceeding the General Manager’s
authorization limit at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
6.3 Purchase Requests - Require no prior authorization or signatory approval under Table 1 to
replenish the District’s warehouse inventory within established inventory re-order levels.
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7.0 Competitive Selection Process
7.1 General - A competitive selection process for procurement of Services and Materials, and for
Public Works projects, is required in accordance with the limits as set forth in Table 2 below
(subject to certain exceptions, qualifications or limitations as further set forth below).
Table 2
Competitive Solicitation Process - Requirements
Purchase Amount Solicitation Requirement
$25,000 and under One Quote
$25,001 - $50,000 Two Quotes
$50,001 - $75,000 Three Quotes
$75,001 and over RFP or RFQ or Invitation to Bid Process Required
7.1.1 Competitive Solicitation - Submission
7.1.1.1 All quotes, bids and proposals must be in writing. An email is acceptable for
expenditures of $75,000 and under.
7.1.1.2 RFP, RFQ, and Invitation to Bid submissions must be in writing and be in
substantial compliance with terms in the solicitation, or as otherwise required by
law, or may be disqualified.
7.1.1.3 Quotes, bids and proposal documentation shall be retained pursuant to the
District’s record retention policy.
7.1.2 Exceptions from Competitive Solicitation Process - Generally, solicitation of bids or
proposals is preferable whenever practicable. In addition to the exceptions stated under
Section 7.3.2, the competitive solicitation requirements set forth under Table 2 may be
waived when any of the following is applicable:
7.1.2.1 Sole Source Purchases.
7.1.2.2 Single Source Purchases.
7.1.2.3 Emergency expenditures.
7.1.2.4 After a reasonable attempt has been made to obtain competitive quotes/
responses and it has been determined that no additional
suppliers/providers/contractors/consultants can be located; the District has a
lack of response from suppliers/providers/contractors/Consultants to a
competitive solicitation; or, when sufficient, satisfactory bids/proposals are not
received, based on the District’s sole discretion.
7.1.2.5 Purchases to replenish the District’s warehouse inventory within established
inventory re- order levels.
7.1.2.6 As dictated by law.
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7.1.3 It shall be at the discretion of the General Manager or Assistant General Manager and the
initiating Department Manager(s) to determine whether an expenditure meets the
qualifications listed herein to be exempt from a competitive solicitation, subject to any
Board authorization. Such expenditures that meet this criteria will be presented to the
Board of Directors at publicly held meeting.
7.2 Public Works - Contracts for Public Works projects shall conform to applicable requirements for
Public Works contracts under State law, including but not limited to requirements relating to listing
of subcontractors, posting of a payment bond in an amount not less than 100% of the total contract
amount (for all Public Works contracts over $25,000) and payment of prevailing wages (for all
contracts for Public Works exceeding $1,000), or as otherwise required by statute.
Unless specifically waived by the District with the approval of the General Manager and District’s
legal counsel, the District shall require performance bonds for all Public Works Contracts in an
amount not less than 100% of the total Contract amount,. Public Works Contracts let by an
Invitation to Bid shall be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder in accordance with
State law and the District’s standard Public Works contract documents.
7.3 Professional Services (over $75,000) - RFPs will be initiated pursuant to the limits set forth in
Table 2 when the Contract is anticipated to exceed $75,000, unless the District’s needs mandate
uniquely qualified services, in which case only one proposal from a qualified firm may be solicited.
Professional Services shall be engaged in accordance with California Government Code §4525
et seq., on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications for the types of services to
be performed and at fair and reasonable prices to the District.
7.3.1 Professional Engineering Services - The District may request proposals for engineering
services when the contract amount is anticipated to exceed $25,000, and up to $75,000.
For engineering services anticipated to exceed $75,000, RFPs will be initiated pursuant
to the limits set forth in Table 2.
7.3.2 Exceptions from Competitive Solicitation Process – Professional Services - In
addition to the exception for “uniquely qualified services” set forth under Section 7.3, the
following criteria shall apply as exceptions to the competitive solicitation requirements set
forth under Table 2 for Professional Services where such requirements would otherwise
apply:
7.3.2.1 For Professional Services estimated to cost $25,000 or less, staff may request a
proposal from one (1) qualified Consultant.
7.3.2.2 For Public Works projects where the project design is scheduled in phases, the
related Professional Services may be negotiated with the Consultant that
performed the work for a prior phase, if the Consultant performed satisfactory
work on the prior phase(s) in terms of quality, schedule and estimated design
costs and a satisfactory Contract can be negotiated.
7.3.2.3 For Professional Services in which it is impracticable to comply with the selection
process because of the unique, exploratory or experimental nature of the project,
staff may request a proposal from one (1) qualified Consultant.
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7.4 Rejecting Competitive Responses - In response to an Invitation to Bid, RFQ, or RFP, the District
may reject a bid or other response which is in any way incomplete, irregular, amplified, unqualified,
conditional or otherwise not in compliance with the solicitation documents in all material respects,
and in accordance with law. The District may waive any informality, irregularity, immaterial defects
or technicalities in any bids or other responses received; and/or cancel an Invitation for Bid or
RFP/RFQ, or reject all bids or responses for any other reason, which indicates the cancellation
or rejection of all bids or responses is in the best interest of the District, and in accordance with
law. Rejection of all bids or responses or cancellation of competitive solicitations, including
determinations to re-bid, or re-solicit are subject to the same level of authority which is required
to award a Contract as provided under Table 1, and as required by law.
7.5 RFPs and RFQs - The General Manager and the Board reserve the right to award Contracts
based upon the best interests of the District, as determined by the District in its sole discretion.
8.0 Change Orders
8.1 Change Orders may be issued from time to time as required by changes in the specifications or
conditions of a project, services performed or materials to be issued.
8.1.1 Change Orders – PO Only - Change Orders up to 10% (to a maximum additional $1,000)
of the original PO amount may be issued by the appropriate Department Manager without
further approvals. A revised Purchase Order Requisition must be completed and approved
at the appropriate authorization levels under Table 1 for any Change Order request
exceeding the original amount by more than 10% or the $1,000 limit.
8.1.2 Change Orders – Formal Contracts and Amendments
8.1.2.1 For Contracts and/or Amendments under $75,000:
Change Orders up to 10% of the original Contract amount can be approved
by the appropriate authorization levels as outlined in Table 1 up to a maximum
total Contract amount of $75,000 without Board approval.
Board approval is required for Change Order requests exceeding the original
Contract amount by more than 10%, or resulting in a total Contract amount
over $75,000.
8.1.2.2 For Contracts and/or Amendments $75,001 and over:
Change Orders up to 10% (to a maximum additional $75,000) of the original
Contract amount can be approved by the appropriate authorization levels as
outlined in Table 1 without Board approval.
Board approval is required for Change Order requests exceeding the original
Contract amount by more than 10%, or resulting in a $75,000 increase.
8.1.3 Change Order Exceeding Limits
A Change Order exceeding the Change Order limits set forth in this article may be
authorized by the General Manager prior to Board approval if, in the General Manager’s
determination, any of the following circumstances exist:
8.1.3.1 A delay in Change Order authorization could result in a negative financial impact
to the District.
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8.1.3.2 A delay in Change Order authorization could result in damage to or impairment
of the operations of a District facility.
8.1.3.3 An Emergency exists which requires immediate work/services.
The Board shall be notified of any Change Order authorization exceeding the General
Manager’s authorization limit at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
9.0 Ethical Procurement Conflict of Interest
9.1 Board members, District officers and employees shall not be financially interested in any Contract
made by them in their official capacity. (Government Code Sections 1090 and 1091.5). Board
Members, District officers and employees shall not participate in any way to influence a
governmental decision in which he/she knows or has reason to know that he/she has a financial
interest. (Government Code Section 87100 et seq.)
9.2 Any District employee (other than Administrative Personnel not under Designated Positions in the
District’s Conflict of Interest Code) authorized under this Policy to make or enter into purchases on
behalf of the District will complete a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) and comply with
the District’s Conflict of Interest Code.
9.3 Confidential or proprietary information must be handled with due care and proper consideration
of ethical and legal ramifications and governmental regulations.
9.4 Purchasing activities must be performed in accordance with all applicable laws and District
policies.
9.5 Any employee/individual who violates the standards set forth in this Section shall be subject to
disciplinary action consistent with District personnel policies.
10.0 Emergency Procurement Procedures
10.1 In the event that the District declares an Emergency, the District may procure the necessary
equipment, services, and supplies in response to that Emergency without following the purchasing
procedures prescribed by this Policy.
10.2 General Manager Authority
10.2.1 The Board has authorized the General Manager, or his/her designee, to approve
Emergency Procurements described in Section 10.1.
10.2.2 If the Emergency procurement exceeds the General Manager’s approval authority, the
General Manager, or his/her designee, shall report to the Board, at its next meeting, the
reasons justifying why the Emergency did not permit time to comply with the District’s
purchasing requirements and why the purchase was necessary to respond to the
Emergency.
10.3 Board Ratification
10.3.1 After the District makes an Emergency Procurement, it shall make a finding based on
substantial evidence set forth in the minutes of its meeting that the Emergency did not
permit time to comply with the District’s purchasing requirements, and that the purchase
was necessary to respond to the Emergency.
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10.4 Federally Declared Emergencies; Procurement and Contracting Requirements
10.4.1 In the event of an emergency declared by the President of the United States, the District
must comply with Federal procurement standards as a condition of receiving public
assistance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for contract
costs for eligible work. FEMA funding is governed by Title 2 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and
Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
10.4.2 Federal Emergency Procurement Procedures
10.4.2.1 Micro Purchases
Purchases within the micro-purchase threshold (e.g. currently set at
purchases of $3,000 or less but periodically adjusted for inflation) may be
awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the District considers the
price to be reasonable.
To the extent practicable, the District must distribute micro-purchases
equitably among qualified suppliers.
10.4.2.2 Small Purchases
Purchases within the simplified acquisition threshold (e.g. currently set at
purchases of $150,000 or less) shall not be required to be formally bid.
Price quotations must be received from no less than three (3) sources.
10.4.2.3 Formal Seal Bidding
Formal, sealed bidding is required for purchases greater than the simplified
acquisition threshold, which is currently set at $150,000, or as may be
adjusted by the Federal Acquisition Regulation, pursuant to 48 CFR Section
2.101.
The District must publically advertise the invitation for Bids and publically
open all bids at the time and place prescribed in the invitation.
Any contracts awarded pursuant to this procedure shall be to the lowest
responsible bidder submitting a responsive bid and shall be for a firm fixed
price.
10.4.2.4 Solicitation of Competitive Proposals
When the nature of a procurement does not lend itself to formal, sealed
bidding (e.g. professional services), the District may solicit competitive
proposals.
A request for proposals (RFP) must be publically advertised, and the District
must solicit proposals from an adequate number of sources. The RFP must
identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance; however, the
numerical or percentage ratings or weight need not be disclosed.
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Any contract awarded based on the competitive proposal procurement
process cannot be based exclusively on price or price-related factors.
If a contract is awarded, it shall be to the responsible firm whose proposal is
most advantageous to the District (“best value”), with price and other factors
considered.
10.4.3 Federal Emergency Noncompetitive Procurements
10.4.3.1 Contracts may be procured through a noncompetitive proposal only when:
The item is only available from a single source;
The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay
resulting from competitive solicitation;
The District authorizes noncompetitive proposals, as otherwise permitted by
the Purchasing Policy; or
Competition is deemed inadequate after the solicitation of a number of
sources.
10.4.4 Federal Emergency Contracting with Small and Minority Firms, Women’s Business
Enterprises, and Labor Area Surplus Firms
10.4.4.1 The District must conduct all necessary affirmative steps to ensure the use of
minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms
when possible, as set forth in 2 CFR Section 200.321.
10.4.4.2 The District has developed contract templates that include requirements for
bidders to take those affirmative steps to secure involvement by those firms, as
outlined in 2 CFR Section 200.321(b).
10.4.5 Federal Emergency Cost or Price Analysis
10.4.5.1 The District shall perform a cost or price analysis is connection with every
procurement action, including contract modifications, in excess of the simplified
acquisition threshold. While the method and degree of analysis depends on the
facts surrounding the particular procurement situation, the District must, at a
minimum, make independent estimates before receiving bids or proposals.
10.4.5.2 The District shall negotiate profit as a separate element of the price for each
contract in which there is no price competition and in all cases where a cost
analysis is performed as required by 2 CFR Section 200.323(b).
10.4.6 Federal Emergency Payment Procedures
10.4.6.1 Contracts entered into pursuant to this Section 10.4 shall utilize only fixed-price,
cost-reimbursement, or, to a limited extent, time and materials payment
methods.
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10.4.6.2 Time and Materials (T&M) Contracts
T&M contracts should be used rarely, and the use of T&M contracts should
be limited to a reasonable time period (e.g., no more than 70 hours) based
on circumstances during which the District cannot define a clear scope of
work.
The District shall only enter into a T&M contract if all of the following apply:
- No other contract was suitable;
- The contract has a guaranteed maximum price that the contractor
exceeds at its own risk; and
- The District provides a high degree of oversight to obtain reasonable
assurance that the contractor is using efficient methods and effective cost
controls.
The District must define the scope of work as soon as possible to enable
procurement of a more acceptable type of contract (i.e., non-T&M).
10.4.6.3 Separate Invoicing
All purchases made during a proclaimed Emergency shall require separate
invoicing from routine (i.e., non-emergency related) purchases. All invoices
shall state the goods, services, or equipment provided and shall specify
where the goods or services were delivered. All invoices shall specify the
location(s) where the goods or services were used, if possible. Any invoice
which fails to properly identify the emergency nature of the purchase and
provide details as to the date(s) and location(s), as appropriate, shall not be
paid until such errors are corrected by the vendor and re-submitted in correct
form.
10.4.6.4 Auditing of Invoices for Debris Removal
All invoices for debris clearance and removal shall be audited prior to
payment to the vendor. Vendors shall be notified of the requirement prior to
award of any contract for debris clearance and/or removal. Audits shall be in
accordance with procedures for debris removal monitoring specified in
FEMAA’s Publication 325, Debris Management Guide.
11.0 County Water District Status
The District is a County Water District and therefore is not mandated by State law to competitively bid
any purchases, including those for Public Works projects and/or capital expenditures. The District has
discretion to enter into non-bid Contracts for Public Works, to procure Services and Materials, to contract
for design-build work, to utilize job-order contracting and to enter into Cooperative Purchasing
arrangements for the design, construction and maintenance of Public Works, or undertake any other
form of contracting determined to be in the District’s best interest, except as otherwise expressly
restricted by law. Notwithstanding this lack of legal mandate and contractual discretion, District staff
shall make a good faith effort to support the Competitive Selection Process described in Section 7.
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12.0 Policy Revisions
This document will be maintained and revised by the General Manager with his/her designated
representatives in consultation with the District’s legal counsel, subject to approval by the Board. This
document will be reviewed annually and revisions will occur whenever applicable Federal, State or local
regulations change or otherwise as the need arises and in the discretion of the Board.
13.0 Policy Approval and Adoption
This Policy has been reviewed by the Yorba Linda Water District Board of Directors and adopted by
Resolution No. 2021-20 on June 22, 2021.
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EXHIBIT A
PROCUREMENT CARD POLICY
1.0 Purpose
The Procurement Card Program was developed to allow designated full-time regular employees the
capability to purchase, with predefined spending limits, certain types of items directly from the merchant
thus reducing the cost associated with low-value purchasing activity. The purpose of this policy is to
identify the conditions in which employees will be issue a Procurement Card and the rules for its use.
2.0 General Information
Authorization to use this Card is restricted to the CARDHOLDER ONLY and MAY NOT BE USED FOR
PERSONAL PURCHASES.
2.1 Employees will not use District Procurement Cards for personal expenses even if the intent is to
reimburse the District later.
2.2 Procurement Cards must not be used for purchases when the cardholder has personal interest
in the merchant or knowledge that a purchase would create a conflict of interest.
2.3 Before receiving a Procurement Card, employees will sign a “Cardholder Procurement Card
Agreement” and receive a copy of the Policies and Procedures setting forth their obligations under
this program.
2.4 The Procurement Card is supplemented to the procurement process. As with other procurement
methods the following conditions must be met when using the Procurement Card:
2.4.1 The Procurement Card should be used whenever possible in lieu of petty cash or low
dollar requisitions from point of sale vendors.
2.4.2 Purchases must not be split to circumvent transaction limits of this Procurement Policy.
2.4.3 Each single purchase may be comprised of multiple items, but the total including tax and
freight cannot exceed the single purchase dollar limit on the Procurement Card.
2.4.4 Every purchase using the Procurement Card must adhere to all provisions of the
Procurement Policy.
3.0 Procurement Card Role Definitions
3.1 Cardholder – The cardholder is the District employee whose name appears on the Procurement
card.
3.2 Approver: The Approver is the person who is responsible for reviewing the charges for a group
of cardholders to ensure that purchases are appropriate and allowed.
3.3 Program Administrator: The Program Administrator provides overall administration and
oversight of the procurement card program.
4.0 Responsibilities
4.1 Cardholders: Cardholders Safeguard the Procurement Card, provide itemized receipts for all
transactions, allocate the transactions, and sign off on the transactions in a timely basis.
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4.2 Approvers: Approvers review transactions of cardholders for adherence to policies and
procedures, ensure that all transactions are properly coded, and all disputed charges are correctly
reported.
4.3 The Cardholder and Approver are required to review and approve the individual cardholder
transactions and submit to Accounts Payable with the established time frame specified by
Finance. This is critical to allow Accounts Payable to make payment within specified time limits.
4.4 Failure to meet approval deadlines can result in the following:
4.4.1 First Failure – Verbal/electronic warning.
4.4.2 Second Failure – Written warning and notification to the appropriate Department Manager
and possible suspension of card privileges.
4.4.3 Third Failure – Suspension of card privileges. Restoration of card privileges requires
approval by the Finance Manager.
5.0 Procurement Audits
To ensure the continued success of the Procurement Card Program, periodic, random audits will be
performed by the Finance Department. The purpose of the audits will be to ensure the cardholders are
adhering to established policies and procedures.
6.0 Use of Procurement Card for Travel and Meals
Procurement cards may be used for approved travel in accordance with the District’s travel policy.
7.0 Card Restrictions
The Procurement Card is not to be used for services of any kind, leases or repairs excluding auto when
traveling, due to insurance requirements and the complexity of IRS 1099 reporting. Department
Managers my apply additional restrictions on card use. It is the responsibility of the cardholder to know
what their department’s restrictions are.
8.0 Misuse of a Procurement Card
8.1 The following situation are a few examples of “misuse” of a Procurement Card:
8.1.1 Purchases using the Procurement Card for personal benefit of the employee.
8.1.2 Assignment or transfer of an individual Procurement Card to an unauthorized person.
8.1.3 Purchases from family, friends or relatives where there is personal gain or a conflict of
interest, perceived or real.
8.2 Any variance, misuse and/or violation of the policy and processes set forth will be considered
improper use of the card. This may result in card cancellation, disciplinary action, up to and
including termination.
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9.0 Return of Merchandise
In the event the cardholder determines that an item must be returned for any reason, the item and credit
card receipt must be returned to the merchant/vendor as soon as possible. At no time is the
cardholder allowed to accept a store gift card or cash in lieu of a credit adjustment to the
procurement card. Cardholder is responsible for allocating and signing off on both the purchase and
the credit transactions in a timely manner.
10.0 Disputes
All transactions should be monitored for validity and disputed transactions must be reported to the
Program Administrator. To process a dispute, consult the Program Administrator .
11.0 Lost or Stolen Cards
When a Procurement Card is lost or stolen during normal business hours the cardholder must notify
his or her Approver and the Program Administrator immediately. If it is after hours you must notify the
issuing bank directly.
12.0 Separation, Transfer or Revocation of Card Privileges
Upon leaving the District, transferring to another Department or loss of Procurement Card privileges,
the Cardholder must return his or her Procurement Card to Human Resources. Concurrent with
surrendering the card, the cardholder must deliver documentation to their supervisor of all outstanding
transactions.
The General Manager, Assistant General Manager, or Department Managers have absolute discretion
to suspend or revoke a cardholder’s privileges at any time and for any reason.