Peduto proposes legislation to require e-signatures, 'socially responsible' procurement practices

Mayor Bill Peduto’s administration has proposed an ordinance to require the use of electronic signatures across all city departments, as well as one that it said would ensure the city is engaging in “sustainable and socially responsible” procurement practices.

During the pandemic, the use of electronic signatures on contracts and other documents increased as companies, governments and other organizations sought to increase efficiency, reduce waste and limit the chances of documents being lost in transit, city officials said.

The city turned to DocuSign for electronic signatures. It estimated the move reduced waste by more than 5,800 pounds over the past two years.

The proposed ordinance would shift to electronic signatures permanently.

Peduto’s office said the other ordinance would ensure that the city’s tax dollars support environmentally and socially responsible vendors.

Under the proposed legislation, city officials would outline factors for reviewing proposals — such as transportation distance and product repurposing. It also would outline sustainability, diversity and inclusion requirements for some vendors and update the city code related to paper products, electronics, lighting, furniture and office supplies to place them in line with modern environmental standards.

“Our procurement division has worked to create more equitable and accessible processes for procurement over the past few years and we are pleased to introduce additional sustainability standards so that we are responsibly investing taxpayer money in vendors, companies and products that support our climate action goals,” Peduto said.