F.A.Q's 

Questions

Answers

Where can I pick up documents? What methods of payment are accepted to purchase documents?
Many no-charge documents are available in electronic (email) format. Simply follow the instructions in the Notice of Project and request them, providing the information required. Some documents have a non-refundable fee payable – these fees, which include GST, are payable by either cash or cheque. Documents may be picked up in person at the Purchasing Division, work days between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Cheques can be mailed or couriered to the same address, accompanied by a written request detailing full contact information, which document is being requested, in which format, and how it is to be sent. We regret that we are unable to accept Credit Card payments at this time.
Where are public openings held?
Public Openings are held in the Tender Opening Room, inside the Purchasing Division. Interested parties should wait to be escorted to the Tender Opening Room, where tenders are publicly opened shortly after the closing time.
Where do I drop off bid submissions?
The Bid Deposit Box is located at the Purchasing Division. The box is locked outside of normal business hours, however, shipments via delivery service/courier are accepted for placement inside the box on or before 2:00 p.m. on the date of closing. The City of Brantford cannot be responsible for bids being placed inside the Bid Deposit Box, or for bids received after the time of closing.
Can City Departments buy goods or services on their own, without going through the Purchasing Division?
The Purchasing Policy gives departments the discretion to make one-time purchases up to $5,000 on their own, without going through a competitive bidding process, (Departments may, of course, choose to obtain quotations in some instances.) For purchases budgeted between $5,000 and $25,000, a minimum of three written quotations are required in most cases. Procurements budgeted in excess of $25,000 are normally required to go through Purchasing, and are advertised for competitive bids.
Are site meetings or tours available before bidding on a project?
Sometimes – refer to the instructions in the Notice of Project. If the meeting is mandatory, you cannot bid on the project unless you are signed in as an attendee at the meeting. You do not have to be a registered Plantaker to attend an advertised meeting (i.e. – you may be a sub-contractor, or any stakeholder).
How do I register my company for bid opportunities?
Purchasing does not keep a formal ‘bid list’ or vendor database from which we notify for opportunities. Watch our website every Friday to view new opportunities.
Where is the Purchasing Division located?
We are located at 1 Market Square, Suite 120 (Lower Level), Brantford, Ontario, N3T 6C8 (downstairs in the former Eaton Centre). Free short term parallel parking is normally available nearby on most downtown streets. Parking lots and a garage are available, for a fee, for longer term parking, and during times of congestion. It is strongly recommended that you arrive in plenty of time ahead of bid closings in order to find suitable parking and subsequently walk to the Purchasing Division.