1. How do I get on the bid list for MLGW? Register on this site to receive bid notifications for purchases and contracts.
2. What is a bid invitation? A bid invitation is an informal bid for commodities that cost less than $49,999. These bids are opened and processed in the Purchasing Department.
3. What is a sealed bid? A sealed bid is a formal bid for commodities or contracted services that cost more than $50,000 and will be advertised in the Daily News. The purchase must be approved by the MLGW Board of Commissioners and the Council of the City of Memphis.
4. Can purchases be made without specifications? The Purchasing and Contract Management departments cannot solicit bids without adequate specifications or detailed descriptions of the goods or services needed.
5. Can I perform work on MLGW premises without adequate insurance coverage? No. To mitigate risks, a valid Certificate of Insurance is required prior to performing work on MLGW premises. The limits required are set by the MLGW Risk Management department and may not be adjusted with the approval of the MLGW Risk Manager.
6. When are sealed bids due? Advertised/sealed bids are to be delivered to the MLGW Purchasing or Contract Management department on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. CST prior to the Wednesday bid opening.
7. When are sealed bids opened? Advertised/sealed bids are publicly opened and read each Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. CST in the auditorium of the MLGW David F. Hansen Administration Building located at 220 S. Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38101 unless otherwise notified.
8. Can sealed bids be submitted or delivered in person or via email to MLGW offices or via email to non-Purchasing or non-Contract Management employees ? Sealed bids can only be received in the Purchasing or Contract Management departments by the time specified in the applicable bid document.
9. What are mandatory bidder orientation or pre-bid meetings? Mandatory bidder orientation or pre-bid meetings are held to provide information, clarify MLGW requirements, and/or respond to questions regarding the proposed project or language in the bid documents. These meetings ensure that all bidders receive the same information and obtain a full understanding of the bid documents. Potential bidders must attend this meeting in order for their bid to be accepted.
10. Who should potential bidders direct questions, inquires, etc. to during the bid solicitation process? During the bid solicitation process, the bidders should direct questions to the Purchasing and Contract Management representatives noted in the bid solicitation documents.
11. How long does it take to issue a purchase order for commodities or execute a contract for services over $50,000? Neither a purchase order can be issued nor a contract be executed before MLGW’s Board of Commissioners and the Memphis City Council approves the minutes of the respective meetings at which the item was first approved. Both of these bodies meet twice a month.
12.May I attend the MLGW bid opening? The bid opening is a public meeting and all bidders may attend the meeting.
13. How will I know if I was the successful bidder? The successful bidder and all bidders of record will receive a Notification of Intent to Award letter after a recommendation has been received in either the Purchasing or Contract Management departments.
