The following list contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about doing business with CHA.

• What is a bid?
• How can I find out about upcoming projects? Which ones should I bid on?
• How do I bid on a CHA contract?
• What if I have a question while I am filling out my bid documents?
• When are bids opened?
• What disqualifies a bid?
• How does the CHA process payments to vendors?
• Does a vendor need to be pre-qualified to bid?
• Can bid openings be faxed?
• Does a vendor need to pay for bid specifications?
• Can bids be made by vendors from outside the county or state?
• What if you change the specification after I've already picked it up?
• What records are available for public inspection, and at what point in the contract award process may they be inspected? Is there a fee?

Section 3 FAQ's

What is a bid?

A bid is a formal statement of the CHA's needs. It will describe in detail what goods and/or services are required, and will explain the procedures that must be followed to respond to a bid, RFP (Request for Proposal) or RFQ (Request for Qualifications).  Top

How can I find out about upcoming projects? Which ones should I bid on?

The CHA has announced plans to convert many of its family properties into mixed-income communities, but construction at many of these sites has yet to occur. Why?

Check the CHA Contract Opportunities on-line. If you see a project that corresponds with the commodities or services you provide, come to the CHA's Department of Procurement and Contracts, 60 East Van Buren., 13th Floor and pick up the specifications.  Top

How do I bid on a CHA contract?

After you have identified the specification for which you would like to place a bid, you may obtain a bid packet from the Department of Procurement and Contracts. The next step is to complete your price quotation and provide all information requested in the bid/proposal documents. All information provided must be typed or written in ink.
Be sure that your bid/proposal is correct and that it is signed and notarized in the appropriate places (e.g. corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship). Also, you must be sure that all other signatures have been sworn to where required. Please note that you must submit documents with ORIGINAL SIGNATURES where required; photocopied signatures will result in disqualification of the entire bid package.  Top

What if I have a question while I am filling out my bid documents?

The name and telephone number of the buyer associated with the procurement is indicated on the cover sheet of each specification and on the Contract Opportunities listing.  Top

When are bids opened?

Bids are opened and read publicly at the date and time indicated on the specification and on the Bid Opening Schedule. 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.  Top

What disqualifies a bid?

Late bids are automatically disqualified. Also, bids and RFP's/RFQ's can be disqualified for the following reasons:

• Incomplete documents
• Missing notary or original signatures where required
• Missing documents

Please note that this list is provided as a guide and should not be considered all-inclusive.  Top

How does the CHA process payments to vendors?

Each user department will process payment of approved invoices. The invoicing procedure is included in each bid document.  Top

Does a vendor need to be pre-qualified to bid?

Not usually. If you can provide the goods and/or services requested in the invitation for bid, you may bid on the specification. However, specifications that are identified as an Alternative Procurement Program are restricted to businesses that are certified as a CHA Resident Owned Business.  Top

Can bid openings be faxed?

Due to the volume of requests, we can not fax bid opening lists or specifications. However, you can download the Contract Opportunities from our site. Specifications must be picked up at the CHA's Department of Procurement and Contracts, 626 W. Jackson Blvd., 2nd Floor.  Top

Does a vendor need to pay for bid specifications?

For construction contracts bidders must submit a non-refundable $100 cashier’s check for a copy of the specifications. Non-construction specifications are still free. Bidders not able or unwilling to pay for specifications can view them at designated locations listed on the solicitation during normal business hours.  Top

Can bids be made by vendors from outside the county or state?

Yes.  Top

What if you change the specification after I've already picked it up?

When you pick up a specification, you will be asked to leave a business card. We will contact you if there is a change. The addendum will be mailed to the address on your business card.  Top

What records are available for public inspection, and at what point in the contract award process may they be inspected? Is there a fee?

A CHA contract is available for inspection by any member of the general public ONLY after it has been awarded. The only exception is bid tabulation sheets, which are compiled on the day of the bid openings. You may get a copy of the bid tabulation by requesting it from the buyer. Due to the volume of requests, we cannot fax bid tabulations. Please note that these documents are non-binding, pending the outcome of inspection of bids received. If you would like to inspect a CHA contract, you must send a letter to Laurie Ogden, Freedom of Information Officer for the CHA Office of Communications.  Top

Section 3 FAQ's