About Bids & RFPs

Bids Module

View our bids module which houses current bids and requests.

Requests for Proposals

Requests for Proposals (RFP) are used for most large purchases (typically over $25,000) when price will not be the determining factor in the selection of a contractor. The RFP will provide background on the County's need and describe in general terms the work that needs to be performed. Proposals from interested providers must describe how the provider would go about fulfilling the need, and at what cost. Proposals are evaluated and a contract is negotiated with the provider whose proposal most closely meets the County's needs.

Requests for Qualifications

Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) are issued when the County seeks to retain professional services from architects, engineers, construction project managers, and related professionals. The RFQ process is similar to the RFP process, except the provider does not include a cost proposal. The most qualified provider is selected for negotiation of a contract. If the County cannot come to agreement on contract terms and price, then negotiations are undertaken with the next most qualified provider.

Invitations to Bid

Invitations to Bids (ITB) are used when the County has a well-defined set of specifications and is prepared to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. To be considered responsive, a bidder must follow all directions as specified in the ITB. To be considered responsible, the bidder must have the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements.

Public Works Projects

Contracts for the construction, improvement and repair of public buildings are awarded through a competitive bidding process.

Informal bidding procedures are typically used for public works projects costing between $6,500 and $10,000. Informal bid announcements are sent by email to contractors known by the County to be skilled in the trade(s) required. Informal bids are generally advertised once in The Union newspaper and have a short turnaround time for receipt of bids.

Formal sealed bids are solicited when the cost of work on a public building exceeds $10,000, and when work on public roads exceeds $25,000. Bidders are advised to read the bid documents carefully and to follow all instructions and provide all information requested.

Public works contracts are subject to the prevailing wage requirements of the California Labor Code. Certain federally funded projects are subject to Davis Bacon wage laws - see the Department of Industrial Relations policy page for more information.