May a vendor see copies of bids prior to award? If so, where?

What are the most frequently considered factors involved in determining a responsive bid and a responsible bidder?

Can a stipulation of "all or none" on behalf of the vendor for his materials lead to a disqualification of the bid?

When is resident preference applicable?

May a vendor call and ask to review the contract file and request information about an award?

Does the Commission have special authorization purchases?

Who manages surplus property?

To whom are questions about surplus property referred?

What should I do first if I wish to bid on Commission business?

What happens if I can only bid on part of the items in an IFB?

How can I get my product approved?

May I bid if I don't handle the brand listed on the IFB?

May a vendor see copies of bids prior to award? If so, where?   (back to top)
A vendor may review copies of the bids prior to award, after the bid opening, in the office of the Purchasing Manager, by appointment. 

What are the most frequently considered factors involved in determining a responsive bid and a responsible bidder? (back to top)
A "responsive bid" is a bid that meets all the terms, conditions and specifications of the IFB. A "responsive bidder" is a bidder who has the financial resources, personnel, facilities, integrity, and overall capability to complete a particular Charleston Water System contract successfully.

Can a stipulation of "all or none" on behalf of the vendor for his materials lead to a disqualification of the bid?  (back to top)
Yes. If it is in the best interest of the Commission to accept the "all or none" stipulation, the bid may be accepted for evaluation. However, if the Commission determines that the "all or none" stipulation is not in its best interest, the bid may be disqualified by the Director of Operations Support.

When is resident preference applicable?  (back to top)
Resident preference is applicable only in the case of tie bids.

May a vendor call and ask to review the contract file and request information about an award?

Bidders may request to review files.  (back to top)

Does the Commission have special authorization purchases?  (back to top)
Yes, small field purchases. Small purchase orders (SPO) cover the procurement of certain minor miscellaneous materials and supplies, the value of which do not warrant purchasing under centralized. The SPO is limited to a specified monetary amount $200.00 per order and is authorized for use under specific conditions.

Who manages surplus property? (back to top)
Surplus property is managed by the Purchasing Department, which also schedules auctions, spot sales, or competitive bidding for surplus property.

To whom are questions about surplus property referred? (back to top)
Questions concerning surplus property should be referred to the Purchasing Manager.

What should I do first if I wish to bid on Commission business?  (back to top)
Contact the Purchasing Department and request a Vendor Application form. Completing and returning the form will guarantee placement on the bidder's mailing list.

What happens if I can only bid on part of the items in an IFB?  (back to top)
You should bid on only those items you can provide. The Director of Operations Support has the option to decide, after bid evaluation, whether or not a bid-in-part is feasible for the Commission. The individual bid will indicate whether the bid will be awarded on an individual line item basis or in the aggregate or combination thereof.

How can I get my product approved?  (back to top)
Product approval or evaluation is normally done after bids are received and opened. However, in some instances the Commission will evaluate certain products and establish a Qualified Products list. When this is the case, products can be submitted for evaluation at any time.

May I bid if I don't handle the brand listed on the IFB?  (back to top)
Yes, if the bid specified "a brand name or Charleston Water System approved equal," you may offer an alternative" or equal" brand. "Or equal" products will be evaluated after bids are received, based on literature submitted and any required testing for the product.