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8 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> NOR C-1R0I.I N <br /> K. Geographic Preferences <br /> Procurement transactions will be conducted in a manner that prohibits the use <br /> of in-state or local geographical preferences in the solicitation and evaluation <br /> of bids or proposals, except in those cases where applicable statutes or <br /> regulations expressly mandate or permit geographic preference. This does <br /> not preempt State or local licensing laws. However, geographic location may <br /> be a selection criterion in procurements for architectural and engineering <br /> (A&E) services, provided its application leaves an appropriate number of <br /> qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project, to compete for the <br /> contract. <br /> L. Restrictions On Competition <br /> It is the policy of OPT and Orange County to conduct procurement <br /> transactions, to the greatest extent practicable, in a manner that facilitates full <br /> and open competition without providing an unfair competitive advantage to <br /> any potential vendor that may include: <br /> 1. Unreasonable qualification requirements placed on firms in order for them <br /> to qualify to do business; <br /> 2. Unnecessary or excessive experience, excessive bonding, insurance, <br /> warranty or similar requirements affecting an otherwise qualified firm's <br /> ability to compete; <br /> 3. Organizational conflicts of interest resulting in noncompetitive awards in <br /> which: <br /> a. Other activities, relationships, or contracts of a contractor inhibit, affect, <br /> or prevent the contractor from rendering impartial assistance or advice <br /> to OPT; <br /> b. A contractor's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be <br /> otherwise impaired; or <br /> c. A contractor has an unfair competitive advantage; <br /> 4. Arbitrary actions in the procurement process; <br /> 5. Specifying only a "brand name" product instead of allowing an equivalent <br /> product to be offered without listing its salient characteristics or other <br /> 6 <br />