https://colbisecurebids.com/agency/smmusd

The Purchasing Department is responsible for purchasing all supplies, equipment, and materials as well as contractual agreements to support all district sites and offices in obtaining the best quality and value for products and services. The ultimate goal of the department is to support our schools so that all students achieve and receive the highest quality education.

A bid, price or quote is given to the District by private firms that are willing to complete the construction project. A bid tells the owner how much money they should expect to pay the construction management company in order for them to complete the project.

Formal Bid:

A formal bid is used for public projects exceeding the current CUPPCA cost limits. Any and all contractors are allowed to submit their bid due to public advertising.

RFP/RFQ:

Is an informal process for public projects less than the current CUPPCA cost limits. A selection of pre-qualified contractors is sent an invitation for price or quotes so only they can submit a price or quotes for the specified project.

The District utilizes various selection methods based on the services we are seeking.

Low-bid selection:

This selection focuses on the price of a project. The District then issues an RFP or RFB (depending on the dollar amount) to multiple construction firms to submit a proposal or bid to the District that is the lowest amount they are willing to do the job for. Then the District chooses the firm with the lowest bid to complete the job.

Best-value selection:

This selection focuses on both the price and qualifications of the contractors submitting a price or quote. This means that the District chooses the contractor with the best price and the best qualifications. The District decides by using a request for proposal (RFP), which provides the District with the contractor's exact form of scheduling and budgeting that the contractor expects to use for the project.

Qualifications-based selection:

This selection is used when the District decides to choose the contractor only on the basis of their qualifications. The District then uses a request for qualifications (RFQ), which provides the District with the contractor's experience, management plans, project organization, and budget and schedule performance. The District may also ask for safety records and individual credentials of their members.