How Does the Purchasing Process Work?
Purchases over $5,000 and less than $24,999 are awarded based on an informal competitive quote process. Generally, we request quotes from at least three suppliers. Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible supplier: the vendor who meets the specifications, terms and conditions, including delivery date, stated, and offers the lowest price. The only time we do not award to the lowest price is when the quote does not meet our specifications or the quoter is not responsible. The resultant purchase order is a public record.
Purchases over $25,000 follow a formal procedure. These Invitations for Bids (IFB) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) will be mailed to each supplier on the Bid List for that particular commodity or service. The bids are opened publicly at a specified time and place and City Council approves the bid award at a public meeting.

Show All Answers

1. How Can I Do Business With the City of Richmond?
2. Are All Purchases Made by the Purchasing Division?
3. How Does the Purchasing Process Work?
4. Do I Need a Business License?
5. May I bid If I Don’t Carry the Brand Listed On the Bid?
6. How Does the City Make Payments?
7. What Should I Do If I’m Confused?
8. Do Good Service and Quality Products Matter or Are Decisions Made Solely on the Basis of Price?
9. What Are the City’s Delivery Requirements?
10. When Are Change Orders Allowed?
11. How Are the City’s Emergency Purchases Handled?
12. How Is Public Purchasing Different From Private Purchasing?
13. When are Sales Calls Allowed?
14. Who Can Answer My Questions?