How the City buys a product or service, and which departments you should contact to learn more about current opportunities, depends on what kind of services or products you sell. OCA maintains the City’s Bids and Contracts Database which is the central but not universal repository of the City’s current business opportunities.
Commodities and General Services
Onetime contracts for commodities and general services (which include janitorial, security guard, pest control) are generally awarded by OCA based on competitive bidding. The City’s current opportunities are here.
Term contracts, which the City uses to meet its reccurring business needs, with over 200 term contracts (list), are awarded and by OCA. Term contract vendors are pre-qualified to do business with the City, so if you are awarded a place for this list, all City departments will be able to purchase goods and services from you by simply completing a blanket purchase order.
Construction, Architects and Engineers
Several City departments award contracts for construction, architects and engineers and they base their awards on competitive bidding.
Professional Services
City departments that require professional or consulting services are conducting their own vendor solicitation and selection process. The selection decision is usually made by a Request-for-Proposal process. There are more than 50 City Departments and you would need to contact each one. Contact information is available on the City’s website under “City Agencies.”
