Only businesses registered with PHLContracts can submit a bid.

The City requests quotes from vendors certified as minority, woman, or disabled-owned businesses, or vendors registered as small businesses. If no such vendors can provide quotes, quotes may be requested from other businesses.

• Minority, woman, or disabled-owned businesses must register with the Office of Economic Opportunity. Small businesses must register with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The City also provides contract incentives for registered Local Business Entities.

Bidder qualifications

The Procurement Department checks the qualifications of bidders on a bid-by-bid basis. Potential bidders must submit a questionnaire and financial statement for each bid.

Bid listings include questionnaire due dates. Questionnaires are generally due 14 days before the bid opens.

Bidders are disqualified if they:

• Fail to submit a prequalification questionnaire within the time specified.
• Aren’t responsible.
• Don’t meet the bid requirements.

Disqualified bidders may appeal within 24 hours after receiving a disqualification notice. Disqualification notices include appeal instructions.

Bid specifications

Bid invitations include specifications that define the scope of work being purchased. You must follow the specifications for each bid opportunity.

If a vendor believes there is a problem with the specification, they can contact the department before the bid opens. The bid may be changed in response.

Public Works bids must be accompanied by a bid bond of 10 percent of the gross amount of the bid. The Public Works specifications have more information on security and bonds.

You can search for new invitations for bids on Contracts Hub.