Business Opportunities
The Purchasing Department focuses on providing the Brownsville Public Utilities Board with products and services that best meet our customers' needs.
- Meeting all state laws and board policies in the obtainment of the best product at the lowest cost to the end customer.
- Fair competition among bidders.
- Full opportunity for all bidders to bid for the Utilities business on an equal basis.
- Understanding by all bidders on the Utilities method of purchasing and basis of awards.
- Constantly seeking to identify and implement strategies and techniques that will enhance the level of service and integrity provided by the Purchasing Department.
For Suppliers
Vendor Resources
Vendor Forms
Additional resources:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I view current bid opportunities?
All Brownsville Public Utilities Board solicitations are posted on Bidnet Direct's Texas Purchasing Group — our single source for current, open, closed, and awarded bid opportunities. For questions, contact the Purchasing Department at (956) 983-6364.
Can anyone submit a bid? If so, how do I start?
Yes, anyone who meets the minimum requirements can submit a bid. All bid specifications, vendor forms, and submission instructions are available through Bidnet Direct. Register on Bidnet Direct to access solicitations and submit a response by the due date and time.
A proposal/bid guarantee may be required in the form of a proposal/bid bond for five percent of the amount of the proposal/bid, according to the statutory requirements and specifications. Specifications will indicate the method of payment of the contract and type of pricing, either lump sum or unit. Proposals/Bids must conform to the specifications or they may be rejected. Once Proposals/Bids are submitted, they become property of BPUB and will not be returned. The Brownsville Public Utilities Board reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, all rights reserved.
How do I register as a vendor to receive bids?
Register on Bidnet Direct's Texas Purchasing Group to receive notifications about BPUB bid opportunities. Please note that registration does not guarantee notification on every solicitation — it is the vendor's responsibility to check Bidnet Direct regularly for openings, in addition to legal notices published in The Brownsville Herald as mandated by law.
Are there any Bidders' guidelines?
Below is a list of guidelines to use when preparing a Proposal/Bid. The list includes common errors made by bidders responding to Proposal/Bid invitations. These instructions are provided as guidelines and may not contain all relevant requirements. Carefully reading the Proposal/Bids is critical.
a) When you sign the signature page, you are agreeing to the general conditions, specifications, certification and other documents of the solicitation. The vendor is responsible to assure that she/he has received all addendums or documents prior to bid submittal. Contact the Purchasing Department to clarify any questions if needed.
b) Write all deviations or exceptions taken from the specifications clearly and in detail.
c) All Proposal/Bids must be received before the due date and time indicated for the opening or reading. At this time, all noted documents must be sealed; no faxed copies will be accepted.
d) Make sure all samples, literature, insurance, bonding, or warranty is submitted with Proposal/Bids if requested.
e) Make sure all parts of the Proposal/Bids are filled out - unit price, extension, description, time of delivery, etc.
What is the difference between a bid and proposal?
A bid is the executed document submitted by a Bidder in response to an Invitation for Bids, a Request for Quotation or a multi-step bidding procedure. The bid price holds firm. Whereas a Request For Proposal (RFP) is a group of documents, whether attached or incorporated by reference, utilized for soliciting (competitive) proposals. The RFP procedure permits negotiation of proposals and prices as distinguished from competitive bidding and an Invitation for Bids. It also allows changes to be made after proposal are opened and contemplates that the nature of the proposal and/or prices offered will be negotiated prior to award.