FAQs • Brownsville, TX • CivicEngage

If I have more questions where do I go?: Please email us at [email protected]

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Procurement Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get on the City of Brownsville Vendor List: The City does not maintain its own “vendor list”, vendors interested in doing business with the City should register with Bonfire register here..

2. Do I have to pay to register? Vendors can register for free to view, download and submit bids electronically.: Vendors can register for free to view, download and submit bids electronically.

3. Where do I get hard copies of the solicitations can I come to the City and pick it up?: Hard copies can be obtained by downloading from BidNet Direct or the City’s Bid Document Portal.

4. Will someone from the City help me prepare my bid submission?: The City does not assist vendors in the preparation of bid submissions.

5. What if my bid is delivered late or it does not arrive on time will it still be considered?: The City is required by law to reject all bids that do not meet the deadlines and return them to the sender.

6. Am I required to register to download bid specifications?: It is recommended that vendors register with BidNet to ensure you have access to the most up to date information. Many times before bids are due an addendum or change in the specifications is released. It is the vendor’s responsibility to check postings for the most up to date information. It is not advised to count on notifications or alerts since they tend to end up in junk mail or blocked depending on your firewall settings.

7. Can anyone bid?: If so, how do I start? Yes, anyone can bid that meets the minimum vendor specifications. Simply download the bid specifications, which include the vendor forms, print them out, fill them out and return them in the method in which the solicitation requires.

8. How do I submit a bid?: It is the responsibility of the vendor to follow the instructions closely that are posted with the bid solicitation.

9. Does the City accept electronic Bid Submissions?: Does the City accept electronic Bid Submissions? The City uses BidNet Direct to receive bid submissions electronically. Not all submissions are electronic. You must submit your bid based on the requirements of the posting.

10. Will the City check my references?: If the City has requested and you have submitted a responsive bid and are being considered for the award the City will check your references.

11. How do I determine if I have a conflict of interest?: Please visit the Texas Ethics Commission Frequently Asked Questions Webpage for more information.

12. What is the threshold amount at which competitive bidding or proposals are required?: The City is required to follow the bidding or proposal procedures outlined in Texas Local Government Code Chapter 252 when it plans to make an expenditure of more than $50,000 in city funds. All contracts over $50,000 are taken to the City Commission for consideration.

13. Will I be required to provide insurance coverage?: It depends on the value and the nature of the work. The requirements will be stated in all bid postings. Contractors performing work on City property or public rights-of-way for the City of Brownsville shall provide the City with a certificate of insurance or a copy of their insurance policy(s) evidencing the coverages and coverage provisions identified by the City. All insurance companies and coverage must be authorized by the Texas Department of Insurance to transact business in the State of Texas and must be acceptable to the City of Brownsville.

14. When does the City Commission meet?: Regular Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5 pm. Agenda and Minutes can be found here.

15. Does the City hold auctions?: The City’s Internal Services Department handles all City Auctions. They can be reach at 956-546-HELP. Click Here for their webpage.

16. How do I know if I qualify for HUB Status: The City does not administer this program. The Texas Comptroller’s Office manages the requirements to obtain HUB status and that information can be found here.

17. If I become a HUB will I automatically get City Business?: No, all vendors are required to go through the procurement processes.

18. I want to provide the City a demo of my product who do I call?: The City receives many requests for product demonstrations. We ask that you register with BidNet Direct for future opportunities related to the services you provide.

19. Where does the City post Bid Opportunities?: Legal Notices in the Brownsville Herald, City Website, and BidNet Direct.

20. When I download the specifications file and I open the file, I get a message box telling me that I need something called Adobe Acrobat Reader, what is that?: The specifications that are posted on this website are provided in the latest version of the Acrobat file format as released by Adobe. If Acrobat doesn’t load when you download the file and open it then you probably don’t have the Acrobat Reader software installed. No bid specification will be provided in any other format online. To download or for technical support visit the Adobe download website.

21. If I have more questions where do I go?: Please email us at [email protected]