Public Contracting and Procurement Overview

Local governments in Oregon spend millions of dollars each calendar year to provide goods and services to their communities. Because the money being spent is taxpayer money, the highest standards of professionalism must apply. Professionalism requires that the money be spent openly and in accordance with well-vetted and established procedures, and that the purchase is at an equitable and reasonable price.

To ensure transparency in public purchasing, the Oregon Legislative Assembly requires all cities to establish, implement and follow standardized procurement rules.  Cities must comply with the provisions found in ORS Chapters 279, 279A, 279B, and 279C also knows as the public contracting code.  In addition, unless local rules are adopted cities must also comply with the provisions found Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 137, divisions 46 to 49.   

Sample purchasing and public contracting rules and ordinances:
Baker City
Bandon
Cannon Beach
Columbia City
Corvallis
Dundee