Is SF competitive bid process really ‘competitive’?
l3wis 
Especially when the mayor has final say;
Section 34 1/2-6. Contracts to be let to lowest bidder.
The mayor may reject any and all bids and readvertise for proposals if none of the bids are satisfactory, or if the mayor believes any agreement has been entered into by the bidders to prevent competition.
Section 34 1/2-7. Publication of advertisement for bids.
In all notices, the mayor shall reserve the right to reject any and all bids or proposals.
Section 34 1/2-8. Emergency award of contract without advertising.
The mayor may make an emergency procurement without advertising the procurement if rentals are not practicable and there exists a threat to public health, welfare, or safety or for other urgent and compelling reasons.
Golly gee, why even have a process if the Mayor can just veto any of it anyway? Or better yet, just give department heads the power to spend, spend, spend;
Section 34 1/2-12. Items exempt from competitive bidding.
The city may purchase or lease storm-caused debris removal services, sewer clean up services, art as defined by SDCL 1-22-9, chemical products, biological products, laboratory apparatus and appliances, library books, medical supplies, lubricating oils and grease, snow removal services, personal computers, telecommunication equipment, any equipment repair, tableware or perishable foods, surplus property from another municipality, any animals, asbestos removal and emergency response action, services provided by individuals or firms for consultants, audits, legal services, ambulance services, architectural services and engineering, insurance, real estate services, auction services, peripheral computer hardware, printers, networking components, software, and related connectivity without advertising for competitive bids.
Competitive bids? Don’t make me laugh. And we sit around and wonder where the city debt came from . . .
