Purchasing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


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Bids/RFPs Related Questions:


How do I find out about bid/proposal opportunities?

On a weekly basis by:

Appointments can be made with the assigned buyer for an opportunity. Their phone number is listed on the Notice to Bidder Section of the bid/proposal package.

Is there a fee for a bid package or proposal?

Prints, bid packages or proposals picked up at Public Works, Community Development, or Code Enforcement are fee applicable. A fee does not apply to the bid packages or proposals the Procurement & Contract Compliance office makes available.

Can I download bid/RFP documents without going through the supplier registration process?

No. You will not be able to download any documents from our website without properly registering and submitting the mandatory online registration form.

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The Registration Form allows you to create an account to access online bids, bid documents, and to place online bids. All documents are available for download. Hard copies can be obtained from Procurement & Contract Compliance.

How to register for Bids & RFPs downloads:
Note: Apple Macintosh users may encounter problems with online registration forms and downloads.

  1. Login
  2. Select Bids & RFPs
  3. Select Online Bids & RFPs
  4. Find the bid you are interested in downloading
  5. Click on the Bid Description
  6. Fill out the Bid Registration Form
  7. Click inside the square box located before the bid description you are intending to download. You can select and print multiple bids if you like
  8. Select Submit
  9. The selected bids will now appear in a table and at this time you need to click on each Bid Description to move on to the next screen that lists the original bid document and any additional clarification letters that the bid may have
  10. Click on the bid document listed under the field Document to open it
  11. Print it and bring it with you to the Pre-Bid Conference Schedule
  12. Click on the Back button shown at the top left corner of the screen to return to the previous screen to select and print any additional clarification letters that the bid may have and attach them to the original bid document
  13. If you are downloading and printing more than one bid, hit the Back button twice to return to the screen labeled Confirmation Form to print the additional bids you have selected for download; otherwise, you are practically done at this point and are registered for the bid you selected.
How do I find out about bids for construction projects?

Some construction projects on our website others are handled through Public Works/Engineering Division, Community Development Department, and Code Enforcement Department. You will need to contact those departments for information and specifications regarding their bids.

Attending the pre-bid or pre-proposal conference will give you the opportunity to find out who is interested in bidding or proposing on a particular contract, or you can contact the assigned buyer.


Where do I turn in a bid or proposal?

All formal bids must be submitted by the specified due date and time, in duplicate, to the Procurement and Contract Compliance Department, City Hall, 6th floor, 701 N. 7th Street. The bid due date and time is specified in each bid/proposal package.

How do I find information about a bid or RFP?

Attending the Pre-Bid or Pre-Proposal Conference will give you the opportunity to ask questions about the specifications and general terms and conditions. This conference also allows for your guidance to find out who is interested in bidding or proposing on a particular contract, or you can contact the assigned buyer.

When and where do I locate your bid documents bid tabulations?

Bid tabulations are placed in the bid folder after an award has been made by Administration. You can search for the bid folder by bid name or bid number through our Search Engine.

How do I get paid for services or goods I provide to the Unified Government?

Submit your invoice to the billing department as specified on your purchase order. If you do not submit your invoice to the proper billing address, payment will be delayed. Do not forget to show the Unified Government Purchase Order Number on your invoice to expedite payment, and invoice exactly as shown on the purchase order.

Goods and/or services must be itemized as to quantity, part number, description and applicable discount. Invoices must show the department, division or section to which the goods and/or services were rendered.

Does the Unified Government have a diversity program? What if my organization is Minority or Women owned?

Supplier Diversity


The UG’s Supplier Diversity Ordinance was passed in February 2009. The Ordinance calls for goal setting on Construction projects in excess of $250,000. UG staff, along with the assistance of the Contract Fairness Board, will be responsible for setting these project goals. Unified Government Supplier Diversity Ordinance


M/WBE:

Small business that is at least 51% owned and operated by a socially and economically disadvantaged person or persons.


Minority Business Enterprise: Any business/enterprise that is at least 51% owned by, or in the case of a publicly owned business at least 51% of the stock is owned by, citizens or permanent resident aliens who are:

  • Black persons having origins in any of the black African racial groups not of Hispanic origin;

  • Hispanic persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, Central or South American descent of either Indian or Hispanic origin, regardless of race;

  • Asian and Pacific Islander persons having origins in any of the Far East countries, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent or the Pacific Islands; or

  • Native American or Alaskan native persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America.

Women-Owned Business Enterprise:

Any business/enterprise that is at least 51% owned by, or in the case of a publicly owned business at least 51% of the stock is owned by, citizens or permanent resident aliens who are women.


A firm must be certified by one of the following agencies to be recognized as an MWBE by the Unified Government; however, lack of certification does not preclude a firm from doing business with the Unified Government:


M/WBE suppliers and contractors are encouraged to register in the UG supplier database here: Supplier Registration


The Unified Government does NOT accept self certification from M/WBE firms. If your company is certified, a current copy of your certification papers MUST be uploaded to your supplier registration record.