Informal Quotes

Orders for goods and services valued at less than $10,000 generally are solicited without public advertisement.  Generally, the Purchasing Department will post informal bids to the MITN Website and vendors may respond to these requests online, via fax, or mail.

Formal Bids

Purchases of $10,000 or more generally are handled by an open and competitive sealed bid process based on predetermined specifications.  The process includes public advertisement, scheduled bid opening times and dates and City Council approval.

If a company is able to provide the types of products or services requested in the invitation to bid, please note:  The City of Southfield, officially distributes bid documents from the Purchasing Department (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN). The City of Southfield cannot guarantee the accuracy and is not responsible for any errors contained in any information received from alternate sources.

Bid documents must be signed by an authorized official of the vendor, and must be returned by the time and date specified using one of two methods:

All bids must be time stamped in by the City Clerks Office.  Bids received after the bid opening date and time will not be considered.  The public is invited to attend all bid openings.

Advertising of Bids

• Notices of upcoming bids or proposals for general products and services are published with the following publications and organizations:
  • Local Newspaper (South Oakland Eccentric)
  • Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce         
  • Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Dodge Reports
• Notices of upcoming bids or proposals for engineering projects are published with the following publications: 
  • Construction Association of Michigan (CAM)
  • Construction News

Vendor Registration

MITN system

The City of Southfield uses an internet-based bid notification system called the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network or MITN.  Vendors are encouraged to register to use this system and to receive notices of upcoming bids.

This centralized system offers vendors several benefits, including:

1. 24 hour access to business opportunities
2. Self managed registration system
3. A single point of contact for several other public purchasing departments in southeast Michigan.
4. Notification of bids based on your designated products or services.

If your company does not have internet access, you may call the BidNet support group at (800) 677-1977, ext 214 for more information.