Register to Receive Solicitations
PWSA has partnered with Bonfire Interactive to create a procurement portal that will allow you to receive notifications of business opportunities and submit bids and proposals to us digitally.
Vendors are requested to click the view solicitations link at the top of the page, then follow the link under “New Vendor Registration” to the Bonfire vendor registration page to register your company.
Registration is easy and free. Please be sure to select NAICs codes associated with your type of business or organization. Our solicitations will be set up using those codes and will be matched to vendors and contractors with the same codes.
We're excited about the changes we are making to streamline our bid process for our vendors and look forward to your participation in future solicitations.
PWSA contracts with various engineering firms, construction companies, professional consultants, and vendors to provide the necessary equipment, supplies, and services required to deliver water services to our service area. From infrastructure projects to modernize our facilities, contractors to support our operational work, and the materials needed to treat and process water, our contracts vary depending upon the project and scope of work.
For every procurement, we will select the best method that promotes a fair and open-sourcing process and provides the greatest value. Depending on the type of materials or services needed, the following procurement methods will be utilized: Invitation for Bids (IFB) or Request for Proposals (RFP).
Debarment and Suspension of Contractors and Vendors Policy and Procedure: Through suspension and debarment, contractors that have rendered deficient performance and/or have engaged in other activities that show them to be not responsible and adversely affect their fitness to contract with PWSA.
Any further questions should be directed to our Procurement Department by emailing procurement@pgh2o.com.
Are you preparing a bid for a project funded by PENNVEST? View our explainer video to guide you through the process!
FAQs
Where do you advertise your solicitations?
We partner with the following organizations listed below to advertise and share bid notifications:
- African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA
- Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- Government Agency Coordination Office
What is an IFB?
An Invitation for Bid is a “sealed bidding method” of soliciting bids.
The purpose of an IFB is to provide standardized information to all bidders when there is not a substantial difference between products or services that meet the required specifications, fostering a truly competitive process. This is achieved through a sealed bidding method of soliciting bids, leaving price as the major determining factor. The contract will ultimately be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, with zero negotiations concerning price or services.
What is an RFP?
A Request for Proposals is a “competitive negotiations method” of soliciting proposals.
PWSA utilizes the RFP method when the end-product is unique. The solicitation describes the desired end-product, the general specifications and define the proposal evaluation criteria. Quality and experience will be heavily weighed, price isn’t the only deciding factor for award. RFP’s allow prospective proposers to offer different methods, solutions, and price points for the PWSA to evaluate.
Proposers may be short-listed, interviewed and invited for negotiations. The proposers will then typically submit a Best and Final Offer before the contract is awarded based on the best price for the best value to PWSA. The proposal contents shall be kept confidential and not disclosed to competing offerors until the evaluation process is completed and the PWSA executes the contract.
How do I submit a bid or proposal?
Contractors, consultants, and vendors interested in submitting a bid or proposal in response to an advertised solicitation should be sure to follow the instructions provided in the announcement and/or solicitation. Each solicitation will have specific requirements.
How are contracts awarded?
Our Board of Directors approves the award of contracts, when required, at public Board Meetings held the last Friday of every month unless otherwise noted.
What are PWSA's purchase order terms and conditions?
Standard terms and conditions apply to our purchase orders.