How Does DCAS Purchase?

Micro Purchases

When we're buying goods and services valued at up to $20,000, we contact vendors by telephone or fax to ask for price quotes rather than advertise. We turn to our vendors list and other sources to locate qualified vendors.

Small Purchases

For purchases valued at $20,000 to $100,000 invitations to bid are sent to a number of vendors who have been randomly selected from the City’s Bidders’ Lists. To be included on the City’s Bidders’ Lists, firms must enroll in the City's Payee Information Portal (PIP). The Vendor Enrollment Center can be contacted with questions regarding registration at (212) 857-1680 or email Vendor Enrollment.

Competitive Sealed Bids (CSB)

A CSB is used to obtain bids when a procurement value is expected to exceed $100,000. All vendors on the appropriate bidders list are mailed invitations to bid and the procurements are publicly advertised in the City Record. Vendors submit bids that are opened in a public meeting and the contract is awarded to the qualified responsible vendor submitting the lowest responsive bid.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

RFP's are used to obtain professional services when price is not the most important factor. Vendors on a bidders list are emailed notices of solicitation and the procurements are publicly advertised. An evaluation committee chooses the best proposals and then negotiates with the top proposers before making a selection and awarding a contract.

Intergovernmental Procurements

DCAS may procure IT services or other items through the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) or other government entities. In such cases we utilize vendors selected by those entities.