Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions
How does a vendor get added to the City's bidder's list?
To become an active vendor with the City, please follow the steps at Become A Vendor/Supplier.
Businesses operating within the city limits must obtain a City of Raleigh Privilege License.
What about minority and women-owned vendors?
The City of Raleigh is pro-active in encouraging purchases of goods and services from certified minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) as well as soliciting their participation in City construction bids. For assistance with purchases of goods and services or construction bids, contact the Purchasing Division at 919-890-3240.
How do minority and women-owned vendors obtain MWBE certification?
The City's Business Assistance Coordinator coordinates the MWBE Certification Program. All MWBE businesses which become certified by the City are listed in a MWBE Directory for use by City departments. For more information, contact Luther Williams, Minority Business Assistance Coordinator, at 919-890-3840, or contact the Purchasing Division at 919-890-3240.
How can I find out about upcoming bids?
Current bids, requests for proposals for services, and construction bids are advertised on the City's website at Bids & RFP's.
In addition, the City is using ENI’s e-procurement system for most of our formal bids for the purchase of apparatus, supplies, materials, or equipment. See Online Bidding for more information and to register to receive bid notifications via email.
What commodities does the City purchase?
Commodity Assignments is a list of the most common commodities that the City purchases and the staff persons responsible for those commodities. The Purchasing Schedule shows the most common commodities that will be bid this year and the estimated time when they will be bid.
Does the City participate in state contracts?
Yes, the State of North Carolina allows all local governments to participate in any of their contracts for the purchase of supplies and equipment. See the North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contracts for information regarding these contracts. For additional government resources, see School of Government.
Does the City use procurement cards to make purchases?
Yes, some City employees are issued a City of Raleigh procurement card which gives them authorization to make certain purchases in accordance with the City's Purchasing System procedures. Currently, Wachovia Bank provides this procurement card service for the City, and the cards can be used with suppliers that accept Visa credit cards.
The procurement card program provides a more rapid turnaround of purchases for low dollar value goods and reduces paperwork and handling costs.
Does the City pay sales tax?
Yes, the City is required to pay North Carolina state and local sales taxes. Our purchase orders do not show these taxes; however, they should be included on your invoices.
How do I find out if my invoice has been paid?
The City's Accounting Division handles invoice payments with standard payment terms of 30 days. Contact the Accounting Division at 919-890-3210.
What is the City's Tax ID #?
The City of Raleigh's Federal Tax ID number can be obtained by calling the Accounting Division at 919-890-3210, or by mailing a request to: City of Raleigh, Accounting Division, PO Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602-0590.
When is the next surplus equipment auction?
Currently, the City of Raleigh is not holding auctions for disposal of surplus equipment. Most surplus equipment is now either consigned to the North Carolina State Surplus Property Agency for disposal or sold by online auction via GovDeals. For more information, see Surplus Equipment Auctions.
For More Information Contact:
Ellis Wheeler
Purchasing Manager
Finance Department
222 West Hargett Street, Room 508
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-890-3240
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