Purchasing Opportunities
Master Contract Opportunities
Solicitation Requirements
Bond and Retainage Requirements
Vendor Registration
Inclusiveness in Contracting
Purchasing Statutes
Top Purchase Order Commodities Report
Other Purchasing Information
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Welcome
The purpose of this webpage is to provide information regarding Ramsey County purchasing. The Ramsey County Purchasing Manager leads Ramsey County’s centralized purchasing management function within the County’s Office of Budgeting and Accounting. Purchasing includes the acquisition of all goods and services made by or on behalf of the County, its agencies, departments, officials, and authorized agents in accordance with state statutes and County purchasing policies and procedures. Acquisitions are done in a manner and method that provides efficient and effective expenditure of County funds with maximum protection of County taxpayer interests. Ramsey County partners with the City of St. Paul’s Division of Contract and Analysis Services (CAS) for many purchasing-related services.
If you would like further information regarding Ramsey County purchasing, please feel free to contact me.
Dana Baker (email)
Ramsey County Purchasing Manager
50 Kellogg Blvd. W., Suite 660 (map)
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-266-2270
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Ramsey County uses CAS for open and competitive solicitation postings. Ramsey County and CAS use Onvia, an internet purchasing network, to post competitive solicitations. Onvia offers vendors immediate and automatic notification of purchasing opportunities, solicitation documents and results, and prior solicitation information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Vendor subscription to Onvia is free.
Onvia Registration Instructions l Solicitations
Construction Projects - Future
Community Human Services - RFP Opportunities
A Master Contract is a contract put in place for specific products and/or services that are frequently purchased by one or more departments. The contract sets the pricing and terms for the lifetime of the contract. Contracts that are established by the State of Minnesota, CAS, or other associations and cooperatives may be established as Master Contracts for Ramsey County as long as they have been competitively bid according to MN Statutes. Vendor awareness of expiring contracts may lead to future opportunities.
State of Minnesota - Expiring Contracts
Contract and Analysis (CAS)
Contracts to be Rebid
Contracts to be Renewed
Contracts to be Reviewed by Buyer
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Ramsey County strives to make the goods and services purchasing process transparent and equitable to all vendors using the following established solicitation requirements.
Goods, Supplies, Equipment, Materials, Labor (including installation):
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Departments place orders directly with vendors for small purchases equal to or less than $5,000.
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CAS performs a minimum of two (2) Requests for Quotations (RFQ) for purchases from $5,000 to $100,000.
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CAS performs a Request for Sealed Bids (RFB) purchases over $100,000.
Professional Services:
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Some purchases require a vendor to obtain bonds in conjunction with the submission of bids or execution of a final contract with the County.
Bid Bond: This is required to be submitted with a bid and is conditioned on the bidder entering into a contract, if awarded, according to the bid specifications for the price bid and furnishing the required payment and performance bonds.
- The County requires a 5% Bid Bond for all contracts over $50,000.
Performance and Payment Bonds: These are bonds to be submitted by a successful bidder before a contract is finalized and are conditioned on the successful bidder completing the work required under the contract and paying all suppliers and subcontractors the amounts due them.
- Contracts of $15,000 or more involving labor will always require Performance and Payment Bonds.
- Bonds shall be in the full amount of the contract except for contracts including ongoing labor (e.g. janitorial services). Contracts with ongoing services shall be in the amount equivalent to the monthly payment times the numbers of months estimated to replace the vendor if terminated with cause.
- Bonds are not required for professional services.
- Bonds are not required for purchases of goods and materials only.
- Bonds may be waived for purchases below $15,000 involving labor.
- Alternative forms of security, such as a retainage, a certified check, an irrevocable letter of credit, or other forms of security may be accepted in certain circumstances.
Retainage: A specified amount or percentage of the progress payment due usually under a construction contract. Upon completion of all contract requirements, retained amounts must be paid promptly. Ramsey County typically withholds 5% of the total amount invoiced on a progress payment as retainage on contracts for public improvements.
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If you would like to be added to the CAS vendor database, please fill out the Vendor Registration and W9 form, following instructions on the forms.
Ramsey County delivers equal access and contracting opportunities to all vendors including certified small business enterprises and the under-utilized labor market. Ramsey County will continue to support the IICP and demand the same of other businesses that contract with the County.
In support of Ramsey County’s IICP commitment, Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, along with the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, sponsor the Central Certification (CERT) Program. CERT makes it easier for participating businesses to access jobs and contracts available with the participating counties and cities by providing a centralized certification process.
CERT Introduction l CERT Eligibility Requirements
CERT Certification Application lCERT Recertification Application
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The following is a list of many of the state laws that govern purchasing by the County:
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The following resources may be of assistance to interested vendors.
State of Minnesota Glossary of Procurement Terms l Environmentally Preferred Goods and Services List
County/City Links
External Links
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We invite you to email us with any feedback you have about Ramsey County purchasing.
