Corpus Christi City Council engaged in another first for the city, providing incentives for local businesses to bid on local projects. Courtesy photo
Local preference policy seeks to keep money close to home
Corpus Christi professional services can earn bonus points in the procurement process for city work through a Local Preference Policy enacted by the Corpus Christi City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Upon the second reading of the ordinance to create the policy, it was approved by Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo and the council.
The ordinance provides local preference consistent with the council’s goal of promoting city-located businesses when allowed by state statute.
“Your City Council recognizes that local businesses are the lifeblood of our community,” Guajardo said. “We want to maximize the amount of resident tax dollars that remain in our local economy.”
Up to 10 bonus points may be awarded to an organization that meets the definition of a local business in the city’s process for awarding contracts. Requirements include having an established place of business performing a substantial part of its operations in the city limits. Joint ventures may receive up to five discretionary points during the evaluation.
The extra points give local business an advantage in the city procurement process over out-of-town companies vying for city contracts.
Those interested in doing business with the city can go to the city of Corpus Christi website to review current procurement opportunities and register as a vendor.
