Our Objective
Our principal objective is the acquisition of quality goods and service on a timely basis at the lowest cost. We are
constantly seeking new, creative, and responsible sources of supply. We encourage your participation in these efforts. Purchases are made through a comprehensive system of specifications and competitive bidding which assures that
contracts go to the lowest bidders who comply with specifications, terms and conditions and have the capacity to deliver. Payments are made within 30 days provided invoices are sent to the correct address and comply with
terms of the purchase order or contract. purchasing will assist in expediting payments particularly if a discount is available
The City has a centralized purchasing procedure. Gerald J. Foley is the Purchasing Agent. He is responsible for City procurement with the following exceptions:
- Department of Public Works: They handle specialized construction projects for the City.
- Board of Education: With the exception of capital projects, most purchases are made by Emma Bestercy, Purchasing Agent .
To Help You
We are always ready to help you complete your business. We will direct you to appropriate contracts, provide information, even assist in filling out various forms. We are particularly interested in working with small and disadvantaged businesses.
- Vendor Lists: If you file a vendor application (available on this site under ``Vendor Application") with us we will directly notify you of our needs in your area as they occur.
- Procurement Calendar: We have developed a schedule of bidding activity throughout the fiscal year can be found at this site under "calendar."
- Advertising: Our bids are advertised in one or more of the following: Norwalk Hour, Bridgeport Post, Stamford Advocate, New Haven Register, Bid Net, Dodge Reports...
Gifts and Gratuities
City employees are prohibited from
soliciting of accepting anything of value (except novelties or mementos of nominal value) from any vendor. Such an offer will put the employee in the uncomfortable position of turning away a friendly gesture. He or she could be
dismissed, and you could be barred from further business with the City. Back to Contents
It will be appreciated if you make the Purchasing Office your first point of contact. Our office is located at: Norwalk City Hall Back to Contents
125 East Avenue
Room 103, First Floor, South Wing
Norwalk, Connecticut
Your best chance for an unscheduled visit is from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday (closed weekends and legal holidays). Appointments are preferred, but not necessary. Telephone (203) 854-7712.
- Inquires: Responses to our inquires about products and pricing within 48 hours will be appreciated.
- Quotations: Written Quotations in response to a request for quotation may be submitted by mail, FAX or in person to the Purchasing Department and shortly via this web site. Observe the required submission date. Identify the request for quotation number on the outside of your envelope. All quotations must be signed and dated.
- Bids: Sealed bids must be submitted in accordance with the terms of the bid document. Not to do so may disqualify your bid. You are invited to attend bid openings, and to inspect the bids received.
Most bid openings are at 2:00 P.M., on Tuesdays or Thursdays. It is solely your responsibility to insure your bid is in the bid folder on the closing date specified. No bids are
accepted after the time stated in the documents. Fax transmissions must be completed and printed prior to the deadline. The specifications in some bids may ask for a brand name or equal. If you cannot supply the
indicated brand name, you may offer a product that is "equal to" or "better than" the brand name quality set forth in the bid proposal and be assured of fair competition with other vendors. Be sure that
your bid clearly indicates the item as an "alternate," submitting product literature. Back to Contents
The City of Norwalk is exempt from all Federal excise and State sales taxes. Exemption certificates will be executed by the Purchasing Agent upon request when supported by an authorized purchase order. The City is exempt from State sales tax under General Statutes section 12-412 (1). Back to Contents
All purchases, whether for single of multiple items, must be supported by a purchase order authorized in advance. The three types are described as follows.
- Purchase Orders: Any dollar amount; must be authorized by the purchasing agent; Five Digit Number
- D-Orders: Up to $500; Pre-Authorized; Five Digits preceded by the letter "D".
- Emergency Orders: Any dollar amount; only used in critical situations by a department Head or authorized representative.
Certain purchases require
execution of a contract through the Common Council. Contract requirements such as bonds and insurance are described in the bid documents, if applicable. Back to Contents
Unauthorized Purchases
Procurement by the City is governed by detailed laws and regulations. In general, with certain exceptions , purchases must be approved
by the Purchasing Agent. The City is not bound to accept or pay for unauthorized purchases. Questions as to whether other City officials or employees have authority to make purchases should be referred to the Purchasing
Department. Back to Contents