Which process must be followed for the procurement of goods and services in municipalities?

The procurement of goods and services in municipalities typically requires adherence to the public bidding process. This approach is mandated to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and accountability in how municipal funds are spent. By using public bidding, municipalities are able to solicit bids from multiple vendors, which fosters fair competition and helps to secure the best value for taxpayers.

Public bidding also allows for established guidelines and regulations that protect the integrity of the procurement process. The requirement for bids to be publicly advertised and open for a period of time ensures that a broad spectrum of service providers and suppliers has the opportunity to participate, which can lead to better pricing and quality.

While negotiation, direct purchases, and private contracting may be used in certain circumstances, such as emergency situations or when specific conditions are met, they do not offer the same level of competitive transparency that public bidding requires. Therefore, public bidding stands out as the essential process that municipalities must follow to procure goods and services effectively.