Beginning with the release of a competitive solicitation to the public, a cone of silence exists and remains in effect until the City Commission, or staff authorized to act on behalf of the City Commission, awards or approves a contract, or rejects all bids or responses to end the solicitation process.
During the Cone of Silence any form of communication, except for communication directed to the Purchasing Agent or the Procurement Manager, is prohibited between (a) a vendor or their representative seeking an award from a competitive solicitation, and (b) any City Commissioner, their staff, or any City employee who is participating on an evaluation committee.
This policy does not apply to oral communications at public meetings, including pre-bid conferences, oral presentations before evaluation committees, contract negotiations during any public meetings, presentations made to the board, or protest hearings.
Prohibited communications made by any person, vendor or their representative during the cone of silence shall result in disqualification of that vendor or respondent from the solicitation process, rejection of their solicitation, or termination of any resulting contract as determined by the Procurement Manager. In addition, prohibited communications shall be grounds for suspension or debarment of a vendor, person or their representative under this code for a year.
City of Tallahassee Code of Ordinances, Sec. 2-357