Purchasing Overview & Guidelines

The City of Grass Valley’s purchasing function is centralized to control expenditures for materials, supplies, services, equipment and fixed assets. Purchases of $1,000 or less do not require a purchase requisition and order.

Purchases over $1,000 and less than $25,000 are awarded on a informal bid process. Generally, we request bids from at least three vendors. The bid is awarded to lowest responsible bidder. For purchases over $5,000 and less than $25,000 the bids must be in writing.

Purchases over $25,000 will use a formal bid process. The City will advertise for bids in the local newspaper at least 10 days prior to the opening of the bids. The bids are opened and reviewed for conformance to the specifications. Award of bids over $25,000 require City Council Approval.

The City does not maintain a vendor list with the exception of vendors that sell chemicals to our wastewater and water treatment plant. For these items, the City maintains an open purchase order for the items that are commonly purchased. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year in July, the City sends out a request for bid on the most commonly used chemicals. After the bids are received the City will award the contract and create an open purchase order specifying a maximum amount per purchase. If you are interested in receiving the request for bid please contact Rick Beckley, Water Treatment Superintendent at (530) 477-4626 or email rick@gvwater.com.

The City of Grass Valley, as part of its policy, has a local vendor preference. When quotes for purchases from responsible bidders are considered, vendors within the city limits shall be given a preference based on the sales tax advantage to the City and the convenience of shopping locally.

For questions regarding the City’s purchasing policy please contact the City of Grass Valley Finance Department.

City of Grass Valley
Finance Department
123 East Main Street
Grass Valley, CA. 95945
(530) 274-4300
finance@cityofgrassvalley.com