How We Do Business

How We Do Business

The need for quotes or more formal procurement is primarily based upon the amount of the purchase.

Under $1,000: Departments are able to use the City Purchase Card for certain purchases.

$1,000 to $25,000:  Three (3) comparative quotes are obtained.

Over $25,000: A sealed solicitation is placed on the City website and publically advertised allowing any supplier to respond.

State and City procurement codes require:

• Bids are awarded on the basis of the lowest and best bid.
• Requests for Proposals or Qualifications to the highest score based on criteria prescribed in the request documents.

Standard Terms And Conditions

Get Notifications for Solicitations

The City’s new Supplier Portal is now live for Suppliers to sign up to receive email notifications when new solicitations pertaining to their identified area of interest are posted to the Purchasing Website.

Please contact suppliersupport@chattanooga.gov when signing up to understand how the NIGP codes help determine the solicitations you will receive.

Keep: You do not have to sign up for solicitation notifications with the City to participate in solicitations. However, it is recommended so you can be notified of opportunities. While every effort is made to ensure that suppliers receive email notifications of solicitations when posted to the website, the City cannot guarantee receipt of these notifications.

Supplier Registration 

Insurance, License, and Bonds

Insurance: Any supplier doing business on City property is required to have certain Certificates of Insurance on file. Types and amounts will be included in the solicitation request.

Contractor’s license: General contractors must be licensed in the State of TN to bid on construction projects. Make sure all subcontractors are similarly licensed.

Bonds: Contractors should have the ability to provide Bid, Performance, and Payment Bonds.

Construction Bid Tips

Pre-bid meetings: Attend pre-bid meetings and ask questions. Times are included in the bid documents.

Networking: Subcontractors should network and build relationships with general contractors.

Plans and Specifications:

• Subcontractor-Plan holder lists are posted in the bid documents.
• Review plans free of charge at American General Contractors Association (AGCA) or appointment with City Purchasing Division.
• A copy of plans requires a $35, $50 or $100 deposit). Payment is made with the Treasurer’s Office to pick up a flash drive with plans.
• A check can be mailed to Purchasing. A flash drive will be sent via common carrier at cost to the contractor.

American General Contractors Association

Treasurer's Office

Questions & Assistance

Supplier assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30 pm, excluding Federal and State holidays.

Request Assistance