Contracts

Three types of purchase contracts are issued at the College:

1) The regular purchase order is awarded for one- time, non-repetitive needs.

2) To accommodate monthly or quarterly payments for service agreements or repetitive supplies, a blanket purchase order is issued for the period (our fiscal year).

3) Term Contracts are long-term commitments (usually one year to three years) made for high-dollar repetitive supplies, equipment and services, used by one or more College departments.

Purchase orders, blanket purchase orders, and term contracts are the only methods of purchase that will obligate Cincinnati State. In cases of emergency, user departments are assigned an emergency purchase order number that is always followed by a confirming order hard copy. If in doubt as to the authenticity of an emergency request, call the Purchasing Department.

Solicitations/Bids

All bidders are expected to thoroughly review their bid solicitations and to abide by the terms and conditions contained therein and on the purchase order or term contract that may result.

There are two kinds of bid openings:

Informal Bids - These are date and time stamped upon receipt and tabulated after the due date. They are not normally opened in the presence of bidders.

Formal Bids - Also called "sealed bids”. Formal bids are advertised in local newspapers and are opened on the appointed day and hour. They are opened in the presence of anyone who wishes to attend and may or may not be read aloud. Award decisions are not announced at that time.

Protest of Award - Any protest of an award should be made within 48 hours and directly to the Director of Purchasing. Verbal protests alone are insufficient and will not warrant further investigation. All letters of protest must contain a statement of the facts and reasons which form the basis of the protest. Vendors are assured that the lodging of any written protest will be promptly investigated and respectfully answered. Late protest which will prejudice the College or the successful vendor will not be accepted.

For current bid solicitations, please check the items listed below: