The Chair of the Council or designee shall be the authorizing authority for purchases of materials, equipment and supplies to support the duties and functions of the Office of the Pierce County Council; provided, that purchases of materials, equipment or supplies in excess of $5,000.00 shall also require approval by the Rules and Operations Committee. Such purchases shall be funded from the appropriation for the Office of the Pierce County Council except as otherwise designated by Ordinance and shall otherwise meet the requirements of this Chapter.

For all purchases of materials, equipment and supplies by the Office of the Pierce County Council in excess of the limits set by state law, the Agent or designee shall prepare bid specifications and advertise for bids as required by state law. In addition, the Agent shall mail Invitations to Bid to a sufficient number of prospective bidders to elicit adequate competition, such vendors being drawn from established vendor lists and from any other source thought to be of advantage to the County.