DOING BUSINESS WITH CHARLES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Charles County Government's intention is to conduct the procurement function in a professional manner and to deal with each prospective vendor, bidder, or salesperson with honesty, fairness and integrity. Werecognize that the procurement process may seem complex, and we invite your questions regarding any aspect of the activities of this office. For up to date Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP) information, please visit Charles County Government's online bid board.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program
The Minority Business Enterprise Program is a program established by the County Commissioners to encourage more minority business participation in the County's procurement process. The program is goal oriented with a minimum 15% overall participation goal and applies to all formal advertised bids. The County will automatically recognize MBE status for any firm certified by the Maryland State Highway Administration, Federal 8-A registration or the Charles County Local Government. Information concerning the program or the Charles County MBE Certification process may be obtained by contacting the Charles County Purchasing Office . ***MBE APPLICATION***
Who Buys For Charles County
All purchase in excess of $1000 are processed by the Purchasing Office in the Governmental Center, Building, P.O. Box 2150, La Plata, Maryland 20646.
Who To Contact
Always make your first call to the Purchasing Office. If a consultation with using departments or others is requested, we will direct you to the appropriate individuals. We will always try to make your contact with the County mutually productive. Any inquiries or questions regarding these procedures may be directed to:
Purchasing Office
Department of Fiscal Services
(301) 645-0656 phone
(301) 645-0543 fax
Business Hours
Business is conducted Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Buyers will interview vendors by appointment only.
Bidders List
In order to be placed on our bidders list, you must fill out the standard Bidders List Application, obtainable from the Purchasing Office, indicating the types of products or service you provide.
How The County Buys
Routine Purchase (under $1000 ) - County Departments are authorized to contact vendors directly by telephone or in writing.
Informal Bids (from $1000 -$25k) - Informal written or telephone quotations are obtained from at least three bidders, if possible and practicable. Normally, these requests for quotations would originate from the Purchasing Office.
Formal Bids (over $25k) - Sealed bid invitations, which sometimes require a certified bid deposit check or bid bond, an affidavit, a performance bond, and insurance certificate are mailed to suppliers selected from our bidders list. An announcement of the bid is posted on the public notice board in the Purchasing Office on a scheduled basis. In addition, these requests are advertised in at least one issue of a newspaper having general circulation throughout the County.
Price Information And Award Details
Our business is “public business” and all information relating to procurement is available upon request. Sealed Bid - Results will be mailed to all bidders at time of contract award.Bidders are invited to attend formal bid openings held by the Purchasing Office at the specified time and date.
Bidders Check List
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Be sure you are on the bidders list - we will note be able to give you an opportunity to bid unless you keep us fully and regularly informed about your products, services and current address. ***VENDOR APPLICATION***.
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Be sure your bid is submitted to the right office before closing time or it will be returned unopened.
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Read the bid documents thoroughly and comply with all the instructions and conditions. Improperly completed bids are invalid and will not be accepted.
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Your bid may require a certified bid deposit check of bid bond. A money order or cashiers check may be substituted for the certified check of bond.
