What transactions go through OCA under Chapter 21?
Commodities, defined as products, including materials, equipment and supplies, purchased by the City. Commodities are generally procured by OCA unless delegated to a department on a case-by-case basis. Even then, the resulting contract must go through all standard City approvals and be signed and approved by OCA.
General Services, defined as those services that are not Professional Services (which is defined below). General Services include, but are not limited to, janitorial, security guard, pest control, parking lot management, and landscaping services. They can also include equipment maintenance services. General Services are procured by OCA unless delegated to a department on a case-by-case basis. Even then, the resulting contract must go through all standard City approvals and be signed and approved by OCA.
Professional Services, defined as those services which require extended analysis, the exercise of discretion and independent judgment in their performance, and/or the application of an advanced, specialized type of knowledge, expertise, or training customarily acquired either by a prolonged course of study or equivalent experience in the field. Professional service providers include, but are not limited to, licensed professionals such as architects, engineers, and accountants, and non-licensed professionals such as software developers and financial consultants. Departments have been delegated the authority to procure Professional Services directly. However, the resulting contract must go through all standard City approvals and be signed and approved by OCA.
Other Chapter 21 Transactions:
- Equipment Lease Agreements
- Software License and Support Agreements
- Online Content Agreements
What transactions do not fall under Chapter 21?
Transactions that do not fall under Chapter 21 are those that fall under the San Francisco Administrative Code's Chapter 6 (Construction), Chapter 23 (Property Contracts), and Chapter 21G (Grant Agreements), as well as transactions that do not otherwise meet the definition of a contract under any other Administrative Code section such as: membership dues, conference fees, regulatory fees, government licensing fees, Federal, State or regional parks and bridges fees, application fees, fines, taxes, stamps or mailboxes purchased from the United States Postal Service, and other transactions of similar nature.