Purchasing
The Purchasing Section coordinates most purchases of products (commodities) and services for the City of Bloomington and its departments. Street and sewer construction projects are coordinated by the Engineering Division.
It is the City of Bloomington's policy to provide equal opportunities to contractors and subcontractors in the purchase of products and services.
Request for bids, construction bidding projects, and request for proposals
The City of Bloomington utilizes public solicitations on most projects with an estimated value greater than $50,000, dependent on project funding. Public solicitations typically take the form of a Requests for Bids (RFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), or Formal Quote / Request for Quotes (RFQ).
Items for sale
The City of Bloomington uses GovDeals.com to manage the sale of used equipment or other items.
State Contracts
The City of Bloomington occasionally purchases goods through a state contract (Cooperative Purchasing Venture) administered by the Minnesota Department of Administration, Office of State Procurement. See the link below for more information on becoming a vendor on state contracts:
Small Businesses Procurement
The City of Bloomington understands that small businesses are an important part of our economy and encourage businesses of all sizes to submit bids and proposals for work. For detailed information on submitting bids and proposals please consult Requests for Bids and RFPs.
The City of Bloomington utilizes the CERT database to report on small business spending and encourages small businesses to seek certification.
Please contact Evan Iacoboni, Small Business Procurement Coordinator for small business procurement support: eiacoboni@bloomingtonmn.gov / (952) 563 8856
Business Support
Looking for resources to start or grow your Bloomington-based business? Our Business Assistance team has wonderful resources to support your growth.
Vendor Self Service (VSS)
The City of Bloomington is now offering VSS, which will allow Authorized Vendors to access their company information and records online. Purchase Orders, Invoices, and Payment Information will be available 24 hours a day.
How to Respond to Public Solicitations
Public solicitations typically take the form of a Requests for Bids (RFB), Request for Proposals (RFP), or Formal Quote / Request for Quotes (RFQ).
Create an account on the Bids&Tenders platform. For login or account creation assistance, contact Bids&Tenders at support@bidsandtenders.org or call 1-800-594-4798.
Receive email notifications when new solicitations are posted. Enter your email address in the E-Subscribe box on the left side of this page or the Bids and Requests for Proposals page.
Exact bonding and insurance requirements is very depending on the type of work associated with each project. Below are the most common requirements:
Bid Bonds
Bid bonds are typically used on construction projects to provide financial protection for the city and to ensure qualified contractors place bids. Typically, proof of a bid bond in the amount of 5% is required to be submitted alongside a bid for the bid to be valid. Physical copies must be submitted within 3 business days of the bid closing date. Please review bid package for details on bid bond submissions.
Insurance Requirements
As part of the contracting process, the vendor will be required to provide a certificate of insurance that will name the City of Bloomington as an additional insured on all required insurance. Exact insurance requirements and limits are dependent on the specific projects scope of work and are contained in the sample contract provided as part of the project packet. The following policies, at a minimum, will be required:
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance as required by Minn. Stat. 176.181
- Commercial General Liability Insurance
- Automobile Liability Insurance
- Additional insurance that may be required:
- Pollution
- Professional Liability
- Builders’ Risk Insurance
- Property Coverage
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance as required by Minn. Stat. 176.181
Register for the project on Bids&Tenders to access all documentation, including addenda, and to submit questions. Select “Register for this Bid” and log in if prompted.
Carefully review the project posting and documentation to understand the scope and requirements. Note deadlines including question submission deadlines.
These meetings are highly recommended. Bring your questions and hear from project owners and other bidders. Meeting Q&A will be posted as an addendum on Bids&Tenders.
Questions must be submitted through Bids&Tenders (not email or phone). Deadlines are typically one week before closing. Responses are posted as addenda within 3 business days.
The majority of submissions must be submitted electronic via Bids&Tenders. Hard copies, email, or phone submissions may be invalid. Ensure you understand submission instructions and all required forms (Bid Form, Non-Collusion Form, costing sheets) are complete when submitting a bid or proposal. Materials submitted through incorrect channels may be rejected.
Bid openings are public and typically hosted on Microsoft Teams. Links are posted on Bids&Tenders and in project packets.
After openings or deadlines, the City will post a list of responders. For bids, this includes bid amounts.
Once evaluations are complete, the awarded contractor will be notified. Final award details are provided after contracts are signed, which may require City Council approval.
Construction Project Payments and Surety Deposits
Final Payment
No state agency or local unit of government can make final payment to a contractor (and any subcontractors) until the Minnesota Department of Revenue certified they fulfilled their Minnesota withholding tax requirements. Once you finish your work, you may submit your Contractor Affidavit either electronically or by mail.
Surety Deposits for Non-Minnesota Construction Contractors
Non-Minnesota contractors performing construction work in Minnesota must withhold 8% of their compensation as a Minnesota surety deposit. Payments are subject to 8% withholding only if the work was performed in Minnesota and the value of the contract exceeds $50,000. This cash surety is deposited with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Minnesota Department of Revenue uses this surety to guarantee the contractor has fulfilled the requirements for Minnesota withholding, sales and use, franchise, and income taxes.