1. Purchasing… Doing Business With Local Government Prepared for PTAC Presentation Baton Rouge, Louisiana April 17, by Cliff Palmer LaMATS Executive Director (225)

2. Understanding Public Bid Law Basics
Under $10,000—No bid required
$10,000 to $30,000—Minimum of 3 Quotes required
Over $30,000—Sealed Bid, Request for Proposals or Reverse Auction Required (RFP used for data processing systems and software)
Services—No Bidding Required
Small Contractor Projects— If under $154,450 quotes or proposals may be requested from contractors without advertising or using a formal bid process 2

3. Developing a Relationship with Local Government
Understand which entities comprise “local government”
303 Municipalities; 64 Parishes; 100s of Water Distribution Districts; 100s of Parks and Recreation Districts; Fire Districts; 911 Districts; School Boards and many more
Determine if your product or service is used or is needed by local government
Understand who does the purchasing for a local government unit
Call on local government; attend Council meetings; meet with department heads; visit utility departments
Develop a website; establish an LLC or Corporation

4. Finding Opportunities for Small Vendors, Contractors and Services Providers
Many opportunities with local government involve:
Small projects less than $154,450
Sales of supplies and products worth $30,000 or less
Services and maintenance
Purchases over electronic bid platforms

5. Know Where to Look Electronic Bid and Electronic Quote Platforms
LPS teams with:
Requests for Quotes
Electronic Sealed Bids and Reverse Auctions

6. How to Register as Vendors
Registering with GovQuote LaMATS Edition or EASiBuy is at no cost
Submitting a quote or a bid is at no cost
Vendors who are awarded a contract pay a small administrative fee to the platform provider

7. Affordability
Local Government must be able to afford what you sell or offer
Be aware of rebates or grants available for your service or product
Local Government must budget for purchases
Moveable property may be sold on a lease-purchase finance option
Vehicles
Playground Equipment
LED Lights and Fixtures
Software

8. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NutIZ-JB1H5UPXW1MTWYavqTysUGnDdt2sSa4LMzjkE/edit#slide=id.p