Granting Preferences for Local Businesses Under Municipal Purchasing Law of 1983.pdf

The document is an official opinion from the Office of the Attorney General in Tennessee regarding whether a municipality subject to the Municipal Purchasing Law of 1983 can implement a policy granting preferences to local businesses bidding on municipal contracts. The opinion states that such a policy would violate the competitive bidding principles outlined in the law. Competitive bidding aims to ensure fair competition, guard against favoritism, and promote the public interest. Any policy giving preferences to specific bidders, such as local businesses, would not treat all bidders equally and would conflict with the law. The document cites previous opinions and legal cases to support the conclusion that granting preferences to local businesses in municipal contracts is not permissible under the Municipal Purchasing Law of 1983.