This Section establishes the authority, definition, and process for Small Purchases to promote efficiency, transparency, and fair competition, while ensuring appropriate oversight of low-dollar procurements. This shall be applicable to all procurements that meet the definition of a Small Purchase, except: Transactions made using the County's purchase card program, which are governed by separate policies; Procurements expressly exempted by law or regulation. Procedures Initiation The requesting agency shall prepare a purchase request to establish the basis for the procurement. Requests for Quotes Purchases between $5,000 and the small purchase threshold of $250,000 shall require at least three (3) written or electronic quotes from responsible vendors, when practicable; two (2) of which must be from a County-based small business. If quotes from a County-based small business are not available, quotes shall be required from the following: a County-based business, County-based minority business enterprise, County-located business or Locally-owned and operated business. When none of these are available, quotes will be accepted from a minority business enterprise. In the event that a County-based small business cannot offer a reasonable price, the Purchasing Agent, or the Purchasing Agent's designee, will not reserve the procurement for a County-based small business. In this Section, "reasonable price" means within ten percent (10%) above the best price on the open market. If quotes from the diverse suppliers listed under Sec. 10A-105(b)(2)(A) or Sec. 10A-105(b)(2)(B) are not available, a waiver will be required to be submitted with the purchase request. Quotes will be evaluated based on price, quality, delivery, past performance, and compliance with County requirements. All quotes, evaluations, and award determinations shall be maintained in the procurement file and be available for audit. Micro-purchases will utilize the purchase card rules and regulations. If the purchase card is not accepted, the agency will submit the procurement to the Purchasing Agent. Prior to making a written determination, the Purchasing Agent or the Purchasing Agent's designee shall review the database of County-based small businesses designated and maintained by the Supplier Development and Diversity Division to contact or otherwise gather information about the availability and pricing of County-based small businesses for the contract. Purchases that do not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) shall not be subject to Subsections (B, (C) and (D) of this Section. Award The Purchasing Agent will award a contract, purchase order or written agreement including applicable County terms and conditions. Oversight The Purchasing Agent shall issue regulations detailing forms, dollar thresholds, and approval authorities. Adjustments The Purchasing Agent may, by regulation, adjust the small purchase threshold to reflect economic conditions and shall notify all agencies in writing at least sixty (60) days prior to implementation. Non-compliance Any procurement not conducted in accordance with this Section is unauthorized, maybe invalidated, and may subject the responsible officials to corrective or disciplinary action.