Page 10 - The Edge - Spring 2018

VENDOR/BUYER CONFERENCE

BY DON HARRIS

An Insider’s Advice on Avoiding Disputes

Between School Districts and Vendors

Scott Holcomb

A veteran of resolving disputes between vendors and school purpose of inviting competition, guarding against favoritism, and
districts provided attendees at AASBO’s Vendor-Buyer Conference to secure the best work or supplies at the lowest price practicable.”
on January 30 with reason to expect a positive outcome. at statement applies to school districts as well, and Holcomb,
“Most protests are resolved before they are led,” said Scott added: “It makes sense, even though it was written by lawyers and
Holcomb, and attorney with the Phoenix law rm of Dickinson legislators.”
Wright PLLC. e main reason for an early resolution is what Historically, competitive bidding focused on two key terms –
is contained in writing in a request for proposal (RFP) and an responsible and responsive, which means: does the bidder meet
invitation for bid (IFB). the quali cations in the solicitation, such as being licensed and
Holcomb, who is the town attorney for Queen Creek, has nancially sound, and does the bid comply with what the school
served as a hearing o cer for school districts and has prosecuted district wants? Holcomb said.
and defended many bid protests, cited as guiding principles by the at’s no longer the only criteria. “Options have expanded,”
League of Arizona Cities and Towns the following statement: Holcomb said. Quali cations may be based on quality of the
“It should be noted that the practice of requiring competitive product or service and experience of the vendor, not necessarily
biddings in the letting of municipal contracts is generally for the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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10 THE EDGE SPRING 2018

THE EDGE |