Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO DISCUSS process of selecting hearing officers in procurement disputes, and to provide the Office of the County Attorney with direction. (Commissioner Bogen)

ACTION:  (T-12:59 PM)  Following public comments and Board discussion, the Board directed staff to investigate alternative methods to resolve procurement disputes and to report their findings back to the Board.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)

This provides the Board the ability to discuss potential action.

Provides direction to the Office of the County Attorney.

Hearing officers who decide County procurement disputes are selected, retained, and paid by the County. This creates the appearance of partiality in favor of the County. Changes may be warranted to minimize such appearance. The Office of the County Attorney should research how hearing officers presiding over procurement disputes are selected by other government agencies (locally and elsewhere) so the Board may consider whether a new approach would better ensure actual and perceived impartiality.