The city wished to provide adequate and appropriate quality services at the lowest possible cost. This involved a process of evaluating the most efficient and effective way to provide public services. Fleet Services is a 50-employee department responsible for maintaining more than 1,700 pieces of city equipment. Most of these employees turn wrenches, set spark plug gaps, replace worn fan belts, top out fluids, and bleed the brakes on the cars, trucks, construction equipment, and grounds equipment. Managed competition does not necessarily mean simply giving a contract to the lowest bidder, based only upon the lowest price.
Cost is just one element which is considered.
Items such as staffing, compensation, and the financial condition of the bidding company all receive point values to determine the best submitted bid. The guidelines give the city the ability to reject a bid if the compensation package is not adequate.