Frequently Asked Questions

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1.00 - General Questions

• 1.01) How do we get on your bidder's list?

  The Osceola County Procurement Services offers free vendor registration and current solicitation notification service through Osceola County VendorLink. Vendors must register, for free, to access current solicitations on VendorLink.

  Solicitations are matched with vendors categorized by the specific commodity or service offered and vendors are notified of upcoming opportunities. Vendors may also register online on DemandStar.com.

• 1.02) When are the results available from a bid that has opened?

  Initial results should normally be available 24 - 48 hours after the bid has been opened and will be posted on VendorLink and / or DemandStar.com. You may contact the Procurement Analyst assigned to the solicitation after the review period.

• 1.03) If I do not want to register with VendorLink or with DemandStar is there another way to know what bids are currently being solicited in Osceola County?

  Solicitations are also advertised in The Osceola Gazette, The Orlando Sentinel, and are posted outside of the Procurement Services office.

  Solicitations can also be viewed from the Procurement Services page. Click on the "Current Solicitations via DemandStar.com" link.

• 1.04) How can I find out the status of a project out for bid or under review?

  The most up to date information can be found on Osceola County VendorLink or you can contact the Procurement Services Department at 407-742-0900.

• 1.05) What is the difference between a Request for Quote and a Invitation to Bid?

  Osceola County requests quotes on informal projects where the total project costs are under $50,000. Invitation to Bid is a formal competitive solicitation document that is publicly advertised and requires a sealed bid response for projects with a total cost over $50,000.

• 1.06) What exactly does the County buy?

  The County buys a wide variety of products, materials and services necessary for County operations to provide services to its citizens. A commodity and services list is available from the Procurement Services Department that identifies buyers so vendors know who to contact to do business with the County.

• 1.07) Does Osceola County have a minority or other vendor programs or preferences?

  Yes. Osceola County has a Supplier Diversity Program as outlined in Resolution # 09-037R. The County has set an overall goal of 25% for Minority/Women Business Enterprises M/WBE participation on all construction projects including continuing service contracts, procurement contracts for goods and services, and contracts for professional services. Vendors must be registered with Osceola County in order to be notified of current solicitations. The Supplier Diversity Program includes Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises SDVBE.

  In addition, the county has a Local Vendor preference policy as outlined in Resolution # 09-001R. This resolution establishes a multilevel local preference purchasing policy for vendors within Osceola County.

• 1.08) Must a business be certified as a M/WBE to do business with the County?

  No, any business may register to do business with the County. However, if the vendor wishes to participate in the procurement process as a M / WBE, it must be certified. Contact Procurement Services at 407-742-0900 for details about certification.