Under what circumstances can an emergency purchase be approved?

An emergency purchase can be approved specifically for immediate threats to public health or safety. This is because such emergencies often require swift action to mitigate risks and address urgent needs that may arise in situations like natural disasters, public health crises, or similar scenarios. The priority in these cases is to protect the well-being of the public and ensure that essential services can continue without interruption.

In contrast, future planning needs, upgrades to existing services, and situations where competitive bids may be unavailable typically do not qualify for emergency purchases. These circumstances usually allow for more careful consideration and the ability to engage in competitive bidding processes to ensure accountability and cost-effectiveness. Thus, the focus on immediate threats to public safety underscores the critical nature of emergency responses and the need for expedited procurement in such contexts.