How can I obtain a copy of the current contract or bid tabulation?
Copies of current contracts or bid tabulations can be obtained by emailing the contract id number or contract description to openrecords@dallascityhall.com
Where can bidders drop off formal bids/proposals?
Formal bids/proposals must be received and logged in PROCUREMENT SERVICES OFFICE IN ROOM 3/F/NORTH, 1500 MARILLA, DALLAS, TEXAS 75201 BY THE TIME AND DATE SPECIFIED in the solicitation.
Can we submit bids electronically?
Formal bids/proposals may not be submitted electronically.
How do I protest a bid?
Protest procedures - Bidders are advised that protests of specifications, terms, conditions or any other aspect of this solicitation, must be made prior to the bid due date. Protest of specifications and solicitation terms and conditions made after the due date and time will not be considered by the Purchasing Agent.
Protest of award must be made immediately, and in no event, later than five (5) days after the aggrieved party has received notice of the City's intent to award. All protests must include the following information:
- A formal protest letter on company letterhead, detailed statement of the legal and/or factual ground of the protest.
- The name, address and telephone number of the protestor.
- The signature of the protestor or protestor's representative.
- If protesting on a client's behalf, an affidavit as evidence of representation.
- The solicitation or contract number.
- The form of relief/result requested.
Protests shall be mailed to Procurement Services, 1500 Marilla St., Room 3FN, Dallas, TX 75201. Attention: the listed Buyer. Award will be made in the best interest of the City.
When will formal bids/proposals be open?
All formal bids are opened the day after a solicitation closes at 2 pm central in a public setting; the public bid opening can be viewed via internet at
http://dallascityhall.com/government/Pages/Live.aspx. Persons may also attend the public bid opening at Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla St. Express Business Center, Room L2ES.
Will I be notified of bid opportunities once I am registered?
Once you register as a vendor you must add NIGP/commodity codes that match the services/goods your company can provide. This allows you to receive email notifications of when bids are advertised that match those codes.
How will I be notified if I am the successful or unsuccessful bidder?
A letter will be sent out the successful or unsuccessful bidder on formal solicitations by the buyer assigned to that solicitation.
Can I change my formal bid?
Once a formal bid closes the bid cannot be changed.
What is VSS?
The City of Dallas Vendor Self Service Website allows you, as a vendor, to manage your own account information, Click on the Register button to begin filling out an electronic application to become a vendor.
You can go to: www.bids.dallascityhall.com
Why do I need to register my company in the VSS Portal?
To receive Solicitation notifications, allows online Bid Submission and to manage your vendor account online.
How do I log back into my vendor account?
Use Password and User ID you create when you registered your company.
How do I Update my contact and address information?
Visit the VSS Portal: www.bids.dallascityhall.com click on and follow instruction in the Vendor Maintenance Guide
How do I update my business name or Tax Id Number?
Contact Vendor Support at: (214) 670-3326
Can I have multiple vendor account for the same company?
No, you can have various account addresses, check with Vendor Support for additional information about creating these addresses.
Can I have multiple users for my vendor account?
Yes
How do I create my security questions?
Follow instruction on VSS under registration process.
How do I know my registration is completed?
It is stated at the end of your online registration
How do I know if my company is a registered vendor?
Visit VSS online Website: www.bids.dallascityhall.com and click on Registration and follow the instruction listed
Is a W-9 required?
No, a W-9 is not required doing the registration
What are the business hours and contact information for Vendor Support?
Hours of operation: 8:15 AM to 5:15 PM: Contact Information (214) 670-3326
Where can I obtain information on how to start a business?
You can contact Dallas B.R.A.I.N which consist of a network of resources to assist with the steps of starting a business, maintaining your business and taking your business to the next level. You can visit: www.thedallasbrain.org
How can I register as a vendor with the City of Dallas?
You can go to: https://bids.dallascityhall.com
Are there additional steps after registering as a vendor?
Yes, you will need to add NIGP/commodity codes to your account which allows you to receive email notifications of when bids are advertised that match the services/goods that you can provide.
Where do I locate National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) Commodity Codes?
You can contact vendor support to obtain a list of codes you can search along with instructions on how to add the codes.
Vendor Support: (214) 243-2120
Commodity Codes.XLS
Who is the Business Industry Analyst?
The Business Industry Analyst is a group of Business Development and Procurement specialists who connect businesses with the resources and information needed to do business with the City of Dallas. A primary responsibility of the Business Industry Analyst is to increase and encourage the participation of the business community to sell their goods and services to the City of Dallas. The Business Industry Analyst also helps link vendors to the City of Dallas procurement website, which enables them to register at no cost as a vendor, submit bids, and assist with Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification, pending qualification. Along with connecting businesses to agency and advocacy groups.
For more information or to contact a Business Industry Analyst, call (214) 670-3326 or visit the Procurement Services bid website.
What is Minority/Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE)?
An M/WBE is a small business that is at least 51% owned and operated by a socially and economically disadvantaged person or persons. Socially and Economically Disadvantaged means individuals who are citizens of the United States (or lawfully admitted permanent residents) and who are:
- African Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Native Americans
- Asian Americans
- Women
Owned and operated means that at least 51% of the business is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and that the management and daily business operations are controlled by the same socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification is a review process designed to ensure that a business is owned, controlled and operated by an ethnic minority or woman. Firms who desire to be counted towards the Business Inclusion and Development (BID) Plan participation goals must be certified by an agency recognized by the City of Dallas.
How do I get an M/WBE Certification?
Firms seeking certification as an M/WBE must complete an application and provide supporting documentation to the respective certification agency. The City accepts certification from the following agencies:
North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA)
Centerpoint Two
624 Six Flags Drive, #100
Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 640-0606
http://www.nctrca.org
Dallas Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council (DFWMSDC)
8828 N. Stemmons Freeway
5th Floor, Suite 550
Dallas, TX 75247
(214) 630-0747
http://www.dfwmsdc.com
The Women's Business Council - Southwest
2201 N. Collins, Suite 158
Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 299-0566
Toll Free: (866) 451-5997
http://www.wbcsouthwest.org
Is there a difference between each certification agency?
NCTRCA is utilized by municipalities and is a free certification. DFWMSDC and WBCS are utilized by municipalities and private companies and there is an annual fee associated with the certification.
Do you accept Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Certification?
We do not accept VOSB certification.
What should I do if I cannot submit my bid online?
Please contact vendor support for assistance.