Dear PAN,

I am seeking any helpful information on how other municipalities work with Purchasing to allow exemptions for public art procurement from standard procurement processes.  We have been told that we can’t do RFQs because they are reserved only for professionals licensed in the state of TN.  We can only do RFPs (we are calling it a Request for Proposed Qualifications) and must adhere to the City’s template for RFPs, which is completely inappropriate and confusing.  I am new to the program, but I do know that there was previously more flexibility and that things have gotten increasingly rigid.  This is putting up barriers for artists to apply.  I am working on making a case to be presented to Purchasing with the hope that we can put an agreement in place.

Any helpful information on how other municipalities work with Purchasing would be appreciated.  

Many thanks!

Elizabeth