Frequently Asked Questions

Massachusetts General Laws require a public procurement process for supplies and services, and construction projects, estimated to cost $10,000 or more. For purchases less than $10,000, the City follows sound business practices.

Electronic versions of all quotes, IFBs and RFPs are available to be viewed and downloaded on the Purchasing Department webpage. You can sign up to receive notifications using our “notify me” option in the categories you are interested in.

In compliance with Massachusetts General Law, the City also advertises IFBs and RFPs in a local newspaper (Sentinel & Enterprise), the Goods & Services Bulletin or Central Register where applicable, on the COMMBUYS page, and on our City website.

To reduce our use of paper, and for the convenience of vendors and contractors, documents can now be obtained online only. Documents are found on the Purchasing tab under "Current Solicitations." Interested parties must fill out a short registration form in order to view online documents. Critical dates, such as pre-bid meetings, site visits, and due dates, are posted with the solicitation documents.

While registering for documents, please take care to use a correct email address. If any changes are made to the documents or dates, email will be used to notify all plan holders of such changes.

Plan holder lists may be viewed within the solicitation posting on the website. Registration is not required to view the list.

Please do not call the office to request results. Results will be posted on the Purchasing Department tab, under "Bid Results" within 48 hours of due date and time, and will include vendor/contractor names and pricing. Awards will be posted within 30 days of the due date. Registration is not required to view this information. 

Once an award has been made (within 30 days of due date and time) the name of the awarded vendor/contractor will be posted on the Purchasing Department tab, under "Current Solicitations."