It is San Joaquin County's (County's) policy to obtain competitive bids whenever possible. Written bids are the primary means of obtaining prices; phone quotations are solicited when practical. All written bids are due on the time and date specified on the bid form/notice. Sometimes a vendor will expend considerable time and money in presenting his product to an individual County department in hopes of making a sale. If they do this, remember that the purchase will eventually be made by competitive bid and what they have spent for expensive designs, demonstrations, and layouts does not guarantee them an order. Specifications prepared by County departments are carefully reviewed by Purchasing & Support Services to eliminate undue restrictions and other limitations which unnecessarily reduce competition. The purchase will eventually be made from the lowest responsive bidder meeting these objective specifications. The help you offer the department in developing their purchase request cannot be considered when we make the purchase. We recommend, if you are called upon to provide expensive pre-purchase services, that you consider contracting separately with the department for that service.
It is the policy of San Joaquin County (County) to maintain good working relationships with its vendors and suppliers, as well as the community at large. Every employee has the ability to influence the opinions of others through daily interaction with the business community. In personal contacts with vendors and suppliers, employees shall represent the best interests of the County by conducting business in a fair, equitable, and ethical manner.
View the full Ethical Procurement Practices policy.
The purpose of the Green Purchasing policy and procedure is to establish purchasing practices that promote sustainability of the environment in accordance with federal, state and local ordinances, as well as to model environmentally-friendly purchasing of recycled products to encourage other community purchasers to adopt similar goals.
Read the full Green Purchasing policy.
Insurance requirements must be met prior to starting work with San Joaquin County.
Read more about insurance requirements.
Local Hire applies to construction bids of more than $200,000. San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors adopted a policy to strongly encourage, within the constraints of federal and state law, the employment of County residents on County-funded construction projects. Additionally, a contractor employing apprentices pursuant to California Labor Code Section 1777.5 shall employ apprentices in a ratio consistent with the provisions of the California Labor Code or Federal requirements as applicable for federal aid contracts.
The Local Vendor Preference is a component of San Joaquin County’s (County's) procurement process used in the acquisition of services, supplies, materials, and/or equipment for the County through the use of competitive bids.
Read the full Local Vendor Preference policy.
It is San Joaquin County's intent to maintain fairness and impartiality in the procurement process. If you feel that you have not been treated fairly, that the process is flawed, or in any other way you feel the County has erred, you are encouraged to contact the Purchasing Agent first to discuss your concerns.
An investigation and written report will follow.
Written specifications are used in the bidding process to describe the level of quality required. Unless otherwise specified, all merchandise purchased is new and unused. In addition to the specifications, certain terms and conditions governing purchases are outlined in the bid form/notice. Award is made to the vendor who meets the specifications, terms and conditions stated, including the delivery requirements, and offers the lowest price. Cash discounts are considered in the award.