What is the criteria for issuing an emergency contract?

The criteria for issuing an emergency contract centers around the fundamental need to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. When an emergency arises, such as a natural disaster, public health crisis, or unforeseen circumstance that requires immediate attention, the procurement process allows for expedited procedures. The rationale behind this is to enable governmental entities to respond quickly and effectively to situations that could pose a threat to the community.

In these scenarios, the urgency and nature of the situation necessitate that actions be taken without the typical delays associated with standard procurement processes. While there may be dollar limits or specific timeframes in some contexts, the overriding criterion is the impact on public welfare, ensuring that immediate action can be taken to mitigate risks to people and communities.