This section provides crucial information on the legal compliance and risk management that governs the Port's activities and agreements. It specifically details the Port’s official contracting and procurement rules (including bidding procedures and authority thresholds). Understanding this legal framework is essential for Commissioners to exercise proper oversight, fulfill their fiduciary duty, and protect the Port's legal and financial interests in all transactions.

In short, this section provides the rules and resources that ensure the Port enters into contracts legally and responsibly, protecting both the entity and the Commissioners.

Port of Cascade Locks Contracting & Purchasing (Procurement) Rules.

The Port of Cascade Locks utilizes the Oregon Buys platform for all Requests for Proposals, Quote Solicitations and Invitations to Bid.

Common Contract Categories

• Goods or Services: Includes the acquisition of supplies, equipment, materials, and non-personal services. Examples include office equipment, tools, and general maintenance services.
• Personal Services: These require specialized skill, management discretion, or technical expertise. Common examples mentioned in the policy include:
  • Financial & Legal: Accountants, auditors, and attorneys.
  • Consulting: Information technology consultants or management consultants.
  • Creative: Photographers, filmmakers, artists, or sculptors.
  • Expert Testimony: Professional or expert witnesses for legal matters.
• Professional Services: A specific subset of services provided by consultants, primarily focused on technical project design and planning. These include:
  • Architectural and Engineering services.
  • Land surveying and photogrammetric services.
  • Transportation planning.
• Public Improvements: Projects involving construction, reconstruction, or major renovation on real property owned by or for the Port. This includes "public works," minor alterations, or ordinary repairs necessary to preserve a public improvement.
• Leases and Rentals: The Port uses contracts for the lease or rental of property and equipment.

Specialized and Exempt Agreements

The Port also enters into specific agreements that may be excluded from standard competitive bidding rules:

• Intergovernmental Agreements: Partnerships with other government agencies or interstate agreements.
• Financial & Banking Agreements: Contracts related to incurring debt, investing funds, or predominantly financial transactions.
• Utility & Media Contracts: Agreements for power, water, telecommunications, or the placement of newspaper advertisements and public notices.
• Event-Related Contracts: Rentals for meeting rooms, hotel rooms, and food/beverage for Port-sponsored workshops or conferences.