ABOUT LANE COUNTY'S RFP/BID PROCESS
Lane County does not maintain a “vendor list”. RFP’s and Bids are generally conducted on an as-needed basis, dependent upon estimated contract value, length of contract term, or competitive environment. Bids are generally conducted in a timeframe that allows an RFP or bid to be conducted before the old contract expires or, in the case of a new project, before the work begins. This timeframe usually allows for time to research and conduct an RFP/RFB, as well as the time needed to execute the final contract, which may require approval from the Board of Commissioners.
Please visit the Lane County Purchasing page to find out how to learn more about current RFP's/Bids
TERMINOLOGY GUIDLINES
For clarification, the following purchasing terminology is generally used throughout the County:
Request for Information
A request for vendors to tell the County their capabilities without submitting an actual bid for services. A contract is not awarded in this case. An RFI generally acts as a pre-screen to qualify candidates for an RFP or Bid.
Request for Qualifications
A contract is not awarded in this case. A Request for Qualifications general acts as a pre-screen to qualify candidates for an RFP/Bid/Quote.
Request for Proposal
A request for vendors to submit a cost proposal for services after viewing County requirements, as well as a response to questions regarding their service capabilities. An RFP is scored using both qualitative and quantitative criteria and may include vendor site visits, interviews, reference calls, etc.
Request for Bid (RFB) / Request for Quote (RFQ) / or Bid
A request for vendors to submit a cost proposal only. The contract is usually awarded to the lowest bidder. In some cases, a simple quote may be requested, while in other more complex projects, a bid bond and a performance bond may be required, among other requirements.