Examples of Emergency Purchase - 803

Example #1 - IT Emergency:

A server supporting a prison’s security system fails, and the prison has to resort to a backup server. The server must be replaced immediately to ensure the safety of the population internal and external to the prison.

Example #2 – IT Non-Emergency:

A supplier does not meet a delivery date to supply a department director with a laptop, so the department wants to execute an immediate purchase of a laptop from another supplier. This is not an emergency purchase, as it does not pose an immediate threat to the public health, welfare or safety or an immediate threat to public property.

Example #3 - Non-IT Emergency:

A mudslide, caused by a flood, occurs on a highway and the crew must make an immediate purchase for supplies to clean up the mud.

Example #4 - Non-IT Non-Emergency:

A department wants to purchase three (3) used bulldozers for routine forestry maintenance at a cost of $492,000.00. The purchase saves the department an estimated $260,000.00 when prices are compared to new bulldozer prices. Although it may be in the state’s best interest to purchase the used equipment, it does not meet the definition of an “emergency”.

Warning: Poor planning is not an emergency.