The village board needs standardized procurement regulations and policies in its Request for Proposals (RFP), Invitation for Bids (IFB) and Request for Quotes (RFQ) process. The board clearly struggled in its decision on the contract for architectural consulting services for the Colt/Goldberg building on Monday night because it had no clear standards on which to evaluate the proposals. But this is not the only board that has encountered such problems with the RFP process. Previous boards have confronted similar problems with the RFP process, or lack thereof (Whiteco).
Although the board’s decision was based on a set of criteria set out in the RFP, the criteria, as far as I know, have not been codified into published definitized procurement regulations, thus leaving them open for varying interpretations. If they do exist, there was no reference to them or apparent use of them.
Standardized rules and policies would: simplify and clarify the procurement of goods and services by the village; allow for the continued development of policies and practices; provide consistency among the various departments; provide for increased public confidence in how public funds are being used; ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all persons involved in procurement; provide for increased economy in village procurement activities; foster broad-based competition; and provide safeguards for the maintenance of a procurement system of quality and integrity.
I call for the adoption of such regulations. There are many models out there?#34;federal, state and municipal regulations or procedures incorporating time-honored acquisition principles that can ensure ethical and fair acquisition of goods and services.
Oak Park takes pride in its reputation for being a progressive village. To continue attempting to operate without an established procurement system is embarrassing and, ultimately, unacceptable.
Al Whitaker
Citizen of Oak Park