Purchasing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I read the entire bid package, including all the attachments and fine print?
A. Yes, read the solicitation documents thoroughly and comply with all the instructions and conditions. Improperly completed bids may be considered non-responsive. Submit your bid well in advance of the deadline; late bids cannot be considered.
Q. Can I attend bid openings?
A. Baltimore County, Maryland invites vendors to attend bid openings for all formal bids (Request for Bid and Request for Proposal) listed on our current solicitation page. At the dates and times noted, the County will publicly open all received formal bids and read the submissions at the following location:
Purchasing DivisionBaltimore County Courthouse
400 Washington Avenue
Room 148
Towson, MD 21204
The Director of Budget and Finance, Purchasing Agent, reserves the right to reject bids whole or in part and/or to waive technicalities if, in his judgment, the best interest of Baltimore County, Maryland will be served thereby.
Q. What does "Good Standing" mean?
A. Baltimore County requires the successful bidder to be in "good standing" (also known as Certificate of Status) with the State of Maryland. Any business conducting interstate or intrastate business within Maryland must be registered with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Corporations and Associations. Baltimore County verifies the successful vendors status with SDAT. Non-compliance to this section may result in a delay in contract award or rejection of a bid.
Q. Will cash discounts be considered?
A. Cash discounts will be considered in determining awards, however, cash discount offers must allow not less than 30 days to be considered in bid evaluation. A bid offering a cash discount in a period of less than 30 days will be evaluated as a bid without a discount offer; however, should that bidder obtain award by consideration of the gross price, the County shall make every effort to obtain the discount. Cash discount periods will be computed from the date of delivery and acceptance of the goods/services ordered, or the date of receipt of correct and proper invoices prepared in accordance with the terms of Baltimore County's order, whichever date is later.
Q. When will my invoice be paid?
A. All invoices pursuant to a purchase order should be sent in duplicate to the Office of Budget and Finance, Disbursements Section, 400 Washington Avenue, Room 148, Towson, Maryland 21204. Invoices should contain the vendor's Federal Tax ID number and a valid purchase order number. The County makes every effort to pay correct and proper invoices within 30 days of receipt. Any unusual delay in payment should be reported to the appropriate Disbursements Clerk or the Buyer listed on the purchase order. For a listing of Disbursement Clerks and their contact information, visit our Contact Us page.
Q. What should I do if there are changes in my company status, such as a change in ownership, business name, address, contact information or Taxpayer Identification Number?
A. Changes in your business could have an impact on our obligation to report information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You may call the Purchasing Division at 410-887-3880 or e-mail us at purchasing@baltimorecountymd.gov to find out how to update your information. You may be asked to forward a new IRS Form W-9. (PDF)
Q. How can I learn more about bid opportunities in other governmental entities?
A. For links to current solicitations in other governmental entities in the Baltimore Metropolitan area, visit the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee (BRCPC). Current solicitations for other Baltimore County governmental agencies can be found on their web sites:
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Revised December 17, 2010
