Vendor Guide

Purpose

The purpose of the Vendor Guide is to acquaint prospective bidders and suppliers with the purchasing policies and procedures used by Rowan County. It is intended to provide information about doing business with Rowan County including the types of bids, dollar thresholds and contact information.

The County purchases supplies and materials, and awards bids in accordance with State laws so that the taxpayer receives full value for each tax dollar spent. Qualified suppliers are invited to compete for the County's business, which consists of a variety of goods and services. Rowan County advertises all formal requests for construction and supplies in the Salisbury Post, Salisbury, North Carolina.  The County will post all formal request on the County website.

Types of Solicitations

Invitation To Bid (ITB)

The ITB is generally used in establishing contracts for equipment, materials and supplies. Responses in the formal range must be in writing following the format of the bid and delivered sealed to the Purchasing Department. Responses in the informal range shall be received following the instructions provided by the requesting Department.

Request of Proposal (RFP)

An RFP may be used in establishing contracts that seek creativity or different ways of accomplishing a task. Responses in the formal range must be in writing following the format of the RFP and delivered to the Purchasing Department per the RFP instructions. Responses in the informal range shall be received following the instructions provided by the requesting Department.

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

An RFQ may be in the form of a telephone request or a written request. Emailed quotations from vendors are normally acceptable.

Procurement Policy

The purpose of the Rowan County Procurement Policy (PDF) is to establish guidelines for the procurement of goods and services by County officials and employees for any County office, service area, department, division, board, commission or other organizational unit of the County.

Dollar Thresholds

Formal Bids

  • Construction or repair contracts: $300,000 and above for the estimated cost of the contract
  • Purchase of supplies, materials and equipment: $90,000 and above for the estimated cost of the contract
  • Architectural, Engineering and Surveying Services: $50,000 and above for the estimated cost of the contract
  • Services contracts: $90,000 and above for the estimated cost of the contract 

Informal Bids

  • Construction or repair contracts: $5,000 but less than $300,000 for the estimated cost of the contract
  • Purchase of supplies, materials and equipment: $5,000 but less than $90,000 for the estimated cost of the contract
  • Architectural, Engineering and Surveying Services: $0 but less than $50,000 for the estimated cost of the contract
  • Services contracts: $5,000 but less than $90,000 for the estimated cost of the contract 

Marketing Your Products & Services

Contacting the Purchasing Department

Prospective suppliers are encouraged to send a catalog, business card or other listing of products/services offered. A Vendor Information Form should also be submitted. Please send information to the Rowan County Purchasing Department.

If a meeting is required with the Purchasing Director, please call for an appointment.

Contacting Rowan County Departments

Rowan County Departments have the authority to purchase items and schedule construction and repairs up to the formal bid thresholds. Vendors may want to consider marketing their products directly on the departmental level. Additionally, since departments are instrumental in prescribing the specifications for formal bids, marketing contacts are recognized as a necessary part of educating users on the capabilities and varieties of products in the market place.

The County has a strict no-gift policy. Vendors should not provide or leave promotional items.