At the last general election in November, Philadelphia voters approved an amendment of the City of Philadelphia Home Rule Charter to allow for the award of contracts to, or purchases from, Philadelphia-based businesses where the contract or purchase is for less than $100,000 (which is to be adjusted annually for inflation). This local business exception does not apply, however, to contracts “for the erection, remodeling or alteration of, or addition to, any building or structure.”
According to a City Council press release, the City Charter amendment favoring local businesses “would expand access to more small businesses – especially for minority- and woman-owned establishments – and incentivize diversity and competition.”
The voters also approved an amendment to the City Charter which will increase the competitive bidding threshold from $34,000 to $75,000 (to be adjusted annually for inflation) for the award of contracts to, or purchases from, businesses not based in Philadelphia.
These amendments will take effect in January 2020.
If you need assistance on a public contracting issue, call or email me for a no-cost consultation. I’ll be happy to assist in anyway possible.
Christopher I. McCabe, Esq.
