The City uses formal and informal contracts to get services, supplies, and equipment. The City awards to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder:

• Responsive bidders submit bids that meet all requirements and criteria listed in the bid.
• Responsible bidders can and will perform the contract requirements.

The Procurement Department manages these contracts through a sealed bid process.

Formal contract opportunities are:

• Competitive, sealed bids with an expected value of $34,000 or more.
• Advertised in newspapers and available online on PHLContracts.
• Opened publicly and electronically.

Informal contract opportunities are:

• Bids with an expected value less than $34,000, but greater than $500.
• Processed as Small Order Purchases (SOPs).

Minority, woman, or disabled-owned businesses

The City requests quotes from vendors certified as minority, woman, or disabled-owned businesses, or vendors registered as small businesses. If no vendors in these categories can provide quotes, the Procurement Department may request quotes from other businesses.

Minority, woman, or disabled-owned businesses must register with the Office of Economic Opportunity. Small businesses must register with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Public Works contracts include bids for the construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of a public:

• Building.
• Property.
• Street.
• Bridge.
• Highway.
• Sewer.

Public Works bids of more than $34,000 must be publicly advertised.

You can find open opportunities on Contracts Hub.

To sign up for notifications of new opportunities, register on PHLContracts.

Concession agreements allow vendors to sell goods or services on City property.

Concession opportunities are issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP) or as a sealed bid. When issued as a sealed bid, the City must award the concession to the highest responsible bidder. For RFPs, the City may consider other criteria, including the proposed concession fee.

Concession opportunities may include:

• Food concessions in Fairmount Park.
• Bicycle rentals.
• Bus shelter advertising.
• Vending machines at City facilities.

You can find open opportunities on Contracts Hub.

To sign up for notifications of new opportunities, register on PHLContracts.

Professional services contracts are opportunities from the City offered by Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or Requests for Information (RFIs). Professional services contracts are managed by the Contracts Legislation Unit.

Professional services might be things like:

• Consulting services.
• Design or technical services.
• Opportunities to build tools for the City.

You can find open opportunities on Contracts Hub.