Subdivision 7. Cooperative Purchasing

It shall be the duty of the Purchasing Agent to develop, to the maximum extent feasible, a program for the joint or cooperative purchasing of common-use supplies with other organizations or jurisdictions and the Purchasing Agent shall endeavor to arrange for a program of standardization of common-use supplies. The Purchasing Agent may, as appropriate, undertake and participate in similar programs involving joint or cooperative purchases with other organizations or jurisdictions and may procure services and supplies from such parties or to utilize the contracts or schedules established by such organizations or jurisdictions when appropriate and when such actions shall be in the best interests of the County as determined by the Purchasing Agent.

In the interest of public service to the citizens of the County, the facilities and service of the Office of the Purchasing Agent may be made available to other public activities in the County which obtain their financial support in part from the County and municipalities. As a condition precedent to providing such service, the other public activity shall agree upon submission of requisition or written request to final fiscal responsibility for such purchases. The Purchasing Agent may establish a schedule of service fees as appropriate with approval by resolution of the County Council.