Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1240 - Human Services
Subtitle 1240-06 - Tennessee Business Enterprises
Chapter 1240-06-17 - Procurement Requirements
Section 1240-06-17-.02 - EQUIPMENT PURCHASES

(1) The department will purchase necessary equipment using funds collected pursuant to 1240-6-9-.01 and 1240-6-14-.02 and federal vocational rehabilitation dollars if such federal funds are available. Written bids may not be required when purchasing equipment; however, TBE staff has an obligation to ensure that purchases are made in a cost effective manner. In making decisions about which equipment to purchase, the staff person shall consider costs as well as delivery time, quality, past performance of the equipment and/or supplier, trade-in allowance, decor if machines are being matched with other machines in a location, and the preferences of the licensed blind manager who will be servicing the machines.

(2) Although written bids are not required, the department may elect to solicit annual price quotes from vending machine distributors. TBE shall treat these price quotes as bids and will purchase the least expensive piece of equipment when practical if it meets the needs of the facility and the licensed blind manager.

(3) Purchases $1,000 and Less- TBE Consultant / Specialist may make these purchases without prior supervisory approval and without the need to solicit competitive bids.

(4) Purchases from $1,001 up to and including $5,000 - TBE Consultant / Specialist must obtain supervisory and the department's Fiscal Services approval before making purchases. Written bids are not required except that any price quotes received pursuant to subsection (2) above will be considered when making purchasing decisions.

(5) Purchases Over $5,000 - Any purchase that exceeds $5,000 requires prior supervisory and Fiscal Services approval. Competitive bids will be required in accordance with the TBE's internal policies and procedures.