Tennessee has many general laws that govern purchasing by municipalities including the 1983 Municipal Purchasing Law, the Competitive Sealed Proposals provisions under T.C.A. § 12-3-1207, the Contracts for Professional Services provisions under T.C.A. § 12-3-1209 and § 12-4-107, the Interlocal Cooperation Act, the Iran Divestment Act, etc. City officials must stay up to date on changes in legislation that affect buying policies. In order to improve the efficiency of the purchasing function, the state legislature amends purchasing laws from time to time. Purchasing is a tricky area, and mistakes can be costly.

The MTAS Purchasing Guide provides a general overview and citations for those general laws referenced above. Additionally, the accompanying MTAS Sample Purchasing Procedures are adaptable for any form of municipal government and contain best practices for implementing the state and federal regulations. Good purchasing methods are important because they allow a municipality to make the best use of its funds by ensuring taxpayers know how their money is being spent, adequately protecting municipal employees from unwarranted criticism, and giving vendors equal opportunity to solicit municipal business. Sample ordinances, resolutions, and forms are included.

MTAS Purchasing Guide and Sample Purchasing Procedures 2023.