How We Do Business
The need for quotes or more formal procurement is primarily based upon the amount of the purchase.
- Up to $5,000. Departments are able to use the City Purchase Card for certain purchases when possible. If existing supplier agreement(s) are in place for those
goods or services, a Purchase Card is not to be used. - Between $5,001 to $20,000: Departments should obtain one or more quotes from suppliers. The department selects the supplier and uses the quote to create a purchase order.
- Between $20,001 to $49,999: Three (3) comparable quotes are obtained by the City Purchasing department based on bid specifications created by the receiving department. The Purchasing department manages this process. Once a supplier is selected, the quote will be used to create a purchase order.
- $50,000 and above: A solicitation is placed on the City website and publicly advertised allowing any supplier to respond.
Note: Suppliers should not provide goods or services until a purchase order has been obtained. Suppliers should be mindful that all documentation submitted may be subject to open records once an award is made.
Open Solicitations
All upcoming bid opportunities and open bids are available on our solicitation portal.
Open Solicitations may include Requests for Quotes for purchases below $25,000 and Sealed Solicitations (Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposals, and Request for Qualifications.)
Solicitation Amendments: It is the Supplier’s responsibility to check back on Solicitation Opportunities for any amendments prior to submission.
State and City Procurement Code Requirements
- Bids are awarded on the basis of the lowest and best bid.
- Requests for Proposals or Qualifications to the highest score based on criteria prescribed in the request documents.
- Detailed Award Protest Process can be found in our Procurement Manual
Pre-Bid Meetings
The Purpose of the pre-bid meeting is to review the procedure and specifications for the specific solicitation.
- Suppliers can ask clarification questions.
- Not all solicitations have a pre-bid meeting and attendance is not mandatory unless specified.
- Dates and times are included in the bid documents.
Construction Bid Tips
- Pre-bid meetings: Attend pre-bid meetings and ask questions. Times are included in the bid documents. Not all solicitations have a pre-bid meeting, and attendance is not mandatory unless specified.
Networking: Subcontractors should network and build relationships with general contractors.
- Plans and Specifications:
- Available upon request.
- Review plans free of charge at American General Contractors Association (AGCA) or appointment with City Purchasing Division
- A copy of plans requires a $35, $50 or $100 deposit. Payment instructions are located in the advertisement.
Insurance, License and Bonds
Insurance: Any supplier doing business on City property is required to have certain Certificates of Insurance on file. Types and amounts will be included in the solicitation request.
Contractor’s license: General contractors must be licensed in the State of TN to bid on construction projects. Make sure all subcontractors are similarly licensed.
In preparing bid(s), all respondents shall comply with the requirements of Tenn. Code Ann.62-6-119 in providing the specified information within the sealed bids. Any bid not in strict compliance with the requirement of Tenn. Code Ann. 62-6-119 shall be rejected.
For bids over $25,000 requiring a contract’s license, Respondent shall provide the following for contractor and any subcontractors, if applicable:
- Company’s Tennessee State Contract License Number
- License Classification(s) Applicable Bid
- License Expiration Date
Bonds: Contractors should have the ability to provide Bid, Performance, and Payment bonds
Free Resources and Support for your Business
Small Business Resource Center (SBRC)
332 East Martin Luther King Blvd,
Chattanooga TN 37402
(423)643-7369
TN Small Business Development Center (TNSBDC)
100 Cherokee Blvd #102,
Chattanooga TN 37405
(423)756-8668
TN Apex Accelerator
(615)532-4914