You are invited to participate in opportunities to provide goods and services to Manatee County Government.
You are encouraged to register to do business with Manatee County using our online Register as a Vendor web page. Registration is free and open to all prospective vendors. It is not a requirement to register as a vendor with Manatee County in order to do business with us, but your cooperation in registering your business with Manatee County will enhance our opportunities to identify sources for goods and services.
Visit our Procurement webpage for information on how to register as a vendor, view our Vendor Manual on how to do business with us, find the link to the Manatee County Procurement Code and view our Administrative Standards and Procedures which govern our procurement practices.
PROCUREMENT METHODS
The County utilizes a variety of methods to procure construction, goods, and services.
Invitation to Quote (ITQ) – This is an informal process in which written quotations are solicited from suppliers. Award is to the lowest responsible, responsive bidder.
Request for Offers (RFO) - This is an informal process in which the award is based on the demonstrated ability of the proposer to perform the services or provide the materials as well as pricing.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – This is a formal process in which sealed proposals are submitted. Proposals are evaluated on multiple pre-established criterion. However, pricing is not requested or considered in the initial evaluation. This type of solicitation is often used for professional services such as architect and engineering services.
Invitation for Bid (IFB) – This is a formal process in which sealed bids are submitted. This process is often used to procure goods and construction services. Award is made to the lowest price responsible, responsive bidder.
Request for Proposals (RFP) – This is a formal process in which sealed proposals are submitted. Proposals are evaluated on multiple pre-established criterion including price, though price is not usually the primary factor.
Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) – This is a formal competitive negotiation process that is used when the Purchasing Official deems it is in the County’s best interest to negotiate with one or more proposers to achieve “best value”.
Utilization of Other Contracts
The County utilizes other competitively procured contracts to take advantage of efficiencies in the procurement process. These contracts include:
•State of Florida purchasing contracts
•Cooperative purchases through local and national cooperatives that aggregate spend of multiple agencies.
•Other governmental entity qualified agreements.
Procurement Thresholds
Category 1– purchases up to $5,000. No quotes required
Category 2—purchases $5,000.01-$25,000. 3 written quotes required
Category 3—purchases $25,000.01-$250,000. Quotes and proposals by ITQ or RFO
Category 4—$250,000.01-$500,000. Bids and proposals by RFP, IFB, RFQ, ITN
Category 5— > $500,000. Bids and proposals by RFP, IFB, RFQ, ITN. Requires approval by Commission
Please note that those sections of local government that come under elected officials or elected boards such as the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, School Board, Clerk of the Circuit Court, as well as various cities and other offices that fall wholly or partially under State jurisdiction are separate from Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.