Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-89-123: Certain purchases for which competitive bidding not required - Use of competitive sealed proposals

(a) An authority in the operation, maintenance, and routine repairs of a project may purchase goods, supplies and services that are generally sold to the public by advertised price without the necessity of competitive bidding; provided, that no such purchase shall exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The board of directors of the authority shall adopt a policy governing all purchases in the operation, maintenance and routine repairs of a project in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). In lieu of adopting its own policy for such purchases in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), the authority may adopt, follow or participate in the purchasing procedures of the municipality.

(b) A qualified management contract or other agreement for the operations of an authority facility in excess of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) annually shall be selected through the use of competitive sealed proposals independent of any other procurement.