(a) Purchases at a sales price of $50,000 or less in accordance with administrative procedures approved by the Finance Director and the City Manager;

(b) Emergency Purchases. “Emergency” as used in this section shall be defined as (1) an unforeseen occurrence or condition, usually a sudden, unexpected happening, and is something more than expediency or convenience. In an emergency, the Council may waive the competitive bidding or price quote requirement by resolution, which shall identify the emergency; or (2) if the City Manager, as Incident Commander, implements the Saint Paul Emergency Preparedness Plan as provided by CCO Title 8.

(c) Sole Source Purchases. The City Council may waive the competitive bidding or price quote requirement by resolution, which shall identify which one (or more) of the following conditions are met: (1) a vendor is the original equipment manufacturer and there are no regional distributors; (2) the parts or equipment are not interchangeable with similar parts or equipment available from another manufacturer; (3) no other equipment is available to perform the intended function that will meet the specialized needs of the division, department, or project; (4) detailed justification is obtained that establishes beyond a doubt that the vendor is the only source available to provide the item or service required.

(d) Contracts for Equipment Maintenance and Repair. Contracts for maintenance, repair or overhaul of City equipment do not require a competitive bidding or price quote process when the furnishing of parts or materials is incidental to furnishing of services or labor. The term “equipment” for these purposes shall mean a single unit whether or not attached as a fixture.

(e) Contracts for Professional Services. When the City Manager determines there is a single source of the expertise or knowledge required, or that one person or firm can clearly perform the required task more satisfactorily because of the person or firm’s prior work experience with the City; or the Manager has made the determination that public necessity will not permit delay in conducting a formal request for sealed competitive bidding or proposals, a contract for professional services may be awarded. Professional services may include, but are not limited to, auditing, accounting, insurance, medical, legal, engineering, architectural, investments, banking, lobbying and other professional consultants as may be needed and determined by the City Manager. [Code 1979 § 06.06.040.]