PURCHASING THRESHOLDS
City buyers and purchasing agents are required to solicit quotations, bids, or proposals for items costing $1,000 and greater to obtain the quality of materials and/or services consistent with the city’s needs, in a timely manner and at the best value. Purchases will be made using sound purchasing judgment without favor or prejudice, to ensure that public money is spent efficiently and effectively. Potential vendors will be given an opportunity to provide quotations, bids or proposals and will be treated fairly in the process. For a listing of bid and proposal opportunities click HERE.
PURCHASE ORDER REQUIREMENT
City buyers are required to provide vendors with an authorized purchase order for purchases in the amount of $1,000 and greater. Vendor invoices must include the purchase order number when presented to the City for payment.
SALES VISITS
Sales representatives are a valuable source of information in obtaining bids, specifications, state of the art advancements and product improvements, and resolving delivery issues. The Purchasing Services Division values your visits. However, it is recommended that as a professional courtesy, sales representatives call us for an appointment at (319) 286-5021 in order to productively utilize your time and ours.
GRATUITIES OR GIFTS
Vendors should not offer discounts on goods and/or services for personal purchases made by City employees unless the discounts are offered to the general public. In order to maintain integrity and to continue to foster ethical and equal opportunities among the business community, City employees and City departments are prohibited from accepting any gratuities, in any form, from any vendor or potential vendor either directly or indirectly. For more detailed information, please refer to Chapter 68B.22 of the Code of Iowa, Gifts Accepted or Received. The City of Cedar Rapids also respectfully requests that vendors do not send gifts such as calendars, candy, flowers, etc. for holidays or other special occasions. Gifts received will be returned to the vendor.
BUY LOCAL PROGRAM
The City of Cedar Rapids has adopted a Buy Local Program for the procurement of goods and/or services by competitive bid, quote or proposal. The City of Cedar Rapids shall give preference to a responsive bid from a business located within Linn County, Iowa over an acceptable low bid submitted by a business located outside Linn County. Click HERE for more information.