Purchases
The Sewerage and Water Board purchases goods and services using four different methods. The methods listed below are the most common forms for purchases. However, individual purchases may use stricter methods, such as formal bids, when appropriate. State law and Board policies govern the procedures used for purchases.
- For purchases under $5,000 three or more price quotes are obtained. The order is sent to the vendor with the lowest quote.
- For purchases from $5,000 to $19,999 price quotes may be obtained or a bid request issued. If a bid request is issued, it follows the procedures noted below.
- For goods over $20,000 a bid request is written and advertised in the Times-Picayune. Copies of the bid request are also mailed to known vendors The vendor with the lowest qualifying bid is recommended to the Board of Directors for award of the bid. The Board of Directors has final authority to award or deny the bid.
- For professional services a Request For Proposals (RFP) is written and advertised in the Times-Picayune. Copies of the RFP are also mailed to known vendors. Proposals are evaluated using critieria described in the RFP. The evaluation may consider price, level of service offered, qualifications of the bidder, and other factors. One or more vendors may be recommended to the Board of Directors for award of the bid. The Board of Directors has final authority to award or deny the bid.
In some cases, a Request For Qualifications (RFQ) may be written before the RFP. The Request For Qualifications is used to identify companies qualified to do the work. In such cases, only qualified companies are permitted to respond with pricing proposals.