The following list contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about doing business or getting involved with the DHC.
General Questions
How can I do business with the DHC?
The DHC has multiple procurement and contract opportunities in accordance with federal regulations. To learn about these opportunities visit our Open Solicitations page.
Who does DHC buy from?
DHC is an equal-opportunity organization that buys from technically and financially responsible business entities specializing in the following areas:
- Construction & Engineering
- Commodities, Work Services, Automotive & Heavy Equipment
- Professional Services, Information Systems & Services
Questions about Submitting a Bid
What is a bid?
A bid is a formal statement of the DHC's needs. It will describe in detail what goods or services are required and explain the procedures that must be followed to submit a response, Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
How can I find out about upcoming projects or which ones to bid on?
Visit our Open Solicitations page. If you see a project that corresponds with the commodities or services you provide or pick up a hard copy at 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207; or contact the listed Buyer; depending on commodity and size of documents, solicitations may also be faxed or sent via e-mail.
How do I bid on a DHC contract?
After you have identified the specification(s) for which you would like to place a bid, you may obtain a bid packet from the DHC Department of Procurement and Contracts. You must submit your price quotation and provide all the information requested in the bid/proposal documents. All information must either be typed or written in ink.
Be sure that your bid/proposal is accurate, signed and notarized in the appropriate places (e.g. corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship), with all required signatures included. Please note that you must submit documents with ORIGINAL SIGNATURES where required; photocopied signatures will result in disqualification of the entire bid package.
What if I have a question while I am filling out my bid documents?
Contact the buyer listed on the specification cover sheet. This should be the same contact person listed on the Contract Opportunities document.
When are bids opened?
Each specification and Bid Opening Schedule should indicate a time and date bids will be opened and read publicly. Bids and proposals received after the hour and date indicated will not be considered. Proposals are not opened publicly. The public is invited to attend all bid openings.
What disqualifies a bid?
Bids and RFP's/RFQ's can be disqualified for the following reasons:
- Returned late/after the bid opening day
- Contains incomplete documents
- Is missing required notary or original signatures
- Is missing documents
Please note that this list is provided as a guide and is not all-inclusive.
Does a vendor need to be pre-qualified to bid?
If a vendor can provide the goods and/or services requested in the invitation for bid, the business may bid on the specification. However, specifications that are identified as an “Alternative Procurement Program” are restricted to certified DHC Resident-Owned Businesses.
Can bid openings be faxed?
Due to the volume of requests, we cannot fax bid opening lists. Specifications for and responses to informal solicitation may be faxed, please check with Buyer. You can view contract opportunities from our website. Specifications can be picked up at DHC's Procurement Office, 1301 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, 1st floor.
Does a vendor need to pay for bid specifications?
Occasionally construction bid documents require a non-refundable fee from $25 - $100; payment must be in the form of a money order, certified or cashier’s check (cash or company checks will NOT be accepted). Non-construction specifications are generally without a fee. Bidders that are unable or unwilling to pay for specifications can view them at DHC Procurement Office and/or local trade associations (CAM, Dodge Reports, Const. News Svc. Of MI., etc.) during normal business hours.
Can bids be made by vendors from outside the county or state?
Yes.
What if you change the specification after I've already picked it up?
Every bidder who picks up a specification document is asked to leave a business card or contact information, so they can be contacted if there is a change. Any addendums will be mailed to the business address.
Questions about Contract Awards
How does the DHC process payments to vendors?
Each user department has its own process of paying approved invoices. Department-specific invoicing procedures are included in each bid document. However, generally all invoices are submitted to the DHC PO Box listed on the Purchase Order and/or address contained in individual contract documents.
What records are available for public inspection, and at what point in the contract award process may they be inspected?
A DHC contract is available for inspection by any member of the general public ONLY after it has been awarded. Bid tabulation sheets, which are compiled on the day of the bid openings, may be requested by “respondents to the bid” from the designated buyer of the contract or procurement. Other interested parties should request copies of information as provided in Michigan FOIA from DHC’s Freedom of Information Act Officer.
