Los Angeles County

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get started?

Register at http://camisvr.co.la.ca.us/webven as a potential supplier. You will be notified, via e-mail, when a bid/RFP is issued for the particular commodity(ies)/service(s) for which you have registered. It is also highly recommended that you access, on a weekly basis, the County’s listing of bid / contract opportunities at Purchasing & Contracting Opportunities to ensure that you are aware of all potential business opportunities. Adjust your registration accordingly to include all commodities/services your firm could possibly provide to the County.
How do I promote my business to the County of Los Angeles?

Visit the “What the County Buys” link, which lists commodities and services purchased by the County. Register at http://camisvr.co.la.ca.us/webven as a potential supplier.
How do I register as a potential supplier with the County of Los Angeles?

You can register at http://camisvr.co.la.ca.us/webven as a potential vendor. Please ensure that you indicate all products/services you are willing to provide to the County to ensure proper notification of all appropriate bidding/contracting opportunities.
Where do I find bid & contract opportunities/awards?

Visit Purchasing & Contracting Opportunities to view the latest open bid/ contract opportunities and awarded information. Some bids/Request for Proposals (RFP) may be downloaded or may be available via fax. Please note that bid specifications and RFP attachments are not available on-line. You may also inquire at http://osb.lacounty.gov for additional bids/RFPs.
If I’m not a registered supplier, can I still submit bids/proposals to the County of Los Angeles?

Yes. However, it is in your best interest to register your business through the County’s vendor registration process at http://camisvr.co.la.ca.us/webven to ensure you receive appropriate notices of bidding/contracting opportunities.
What should I expect at the pre-bid/pre-proposal meeting?

The pre-bid/pre-proposal meeting is used to discuss the specifications/statement of work and bid/proposal requirements for a specific bid/Request for Proposal. It also affords the suppliers an opportunity to ask questions that seek clarification. The County will typically respond to all questions in writing and will provide such clarification to all suppliers who received the bid/RFP. Not all bids/Request for Proposals have a pre-bid/pre-proposal meeting and attendance is not mandatory, unless specified. Mandatory meetings may be required when it is critical to conduct a walk-thru of facilities where work is to be provided.
How do I get paid?

The County policy is to pay vendor invoices within thirty (30) days of receipt of a correct and proper invoice. Invoice must contain the purchase order number, product/service description, quantity received, unit price and extended price.
What is a consultant?

A consultant is any professional or technical expert contracting with the County for the purpose of providing opinions, preparing reports, conducting studies, and making recommendations or providing special services.
Are all purchases made by the Purchasing Division of the Internal Services Division?

No, the procurement function is partially decentralized. Most County departments have delegated authority to make purchases up to $5,000. There are a few departments with delegated authority to make purchases up to $15,000. Otherwise, Internal Services Division - Purchasing Division is responsible for all other County purchases.
Does the County buy what I sell?

The County purchases more than $750 million worth of products and services each year, ranging from heavy equipment to asphalt to uniforms. We are continuously looking for responsible vendors/contractors to supply/provide the items/services we need. Visit What the County Buys for more information.
How do I make myself known to County departments, and find out what goods and services are needed now or in the near future?

You may contact each County department directly, however, we suggest you register your company at http://camisvr.co.la.ca.us/webven to ensure proper notification of bid/contract opportunities that are of interest to your firm. Visit Purchasing & Contracting Opportunities to view the latest open bid/ contract opportunities. Some bids/Request for Proposals (RFP) may be downloaded or may be available via fax. Please note that bid specifications and RFP attachments are not available on-line. You may also inquire at http://osb.lacounty.gov for additional bids/Request for Proposals.
When does the County require insurance coverage?

Insurance is required when your company is awarded a bid/contract and your employee(s) are on County property, are transporting County clients, or are in possession of County data. Generally, the County requires General Liability, Auto Liability, and Workers’ Compensation insurance on all service contracts and purchase orders that include installation of equipment or parts. Refer to the specific solicitation for specific insurance program requirements. Proof of insurance must be provided to the County before you start any work.
Are bid and/or performance bonds required?

Bid and performance bonds are required when it is necessary to protect the County’s interests. All contracts for Public Works projects require bid and performance bonds. Large, highly complex information technology systems contracts may also require performance bonds. Most bids issued by the County do not require a bonding. Refer to the specific solicitation for specific bond requirements. Bond certificate must be provided to the County before you start any work.
How are the County’s emergency purchases handled?

In a bona fide emergency, departments may take immediate measures to purchase/acquire the required items/services, especially when the emergency involves health and safety, potential damage to County buildings, or interruption of vital County services. Each department is ultimately responsible for justifying any purchase of goods/services acquired during these situations.
Does the County buy recycled products?

Yes. Whenever feasible, we prefer to use products with recycled content and/or products that are recyclable.
Do local vendors receive preference from the County?

Effective October 28, 2002, the County implemented a Local Small Business Enterprise Preference Program for local small business who are:
- Certified as a small business enterprise (SBE) by the State of California; and
- A business having its principal office currently located in Los Angeles County for at least the past twelve months; and
- Is certified by the County’s Office of Affirmative Action Compliance (OAAC).

Certified Local SBEs are entitled to a 8% bid reduction “preference” on applicable County contracts. You may view the detailed eligibility and requirements online from the OSB from this link (Local SBE).

Does the County require vendors to pay prevailing wage?

Where labor is required for public works as part of any requirements covered by an agreement and as such is defined by the California Labor Code, Vendor shall pay no less than the applicable prevailing wages specified. Copy of prevailing wage rates is available for perusal on request.
Does the County have a program for disadvantaged businesses?

Yes. The Board of Supervisors established the Community Business Enterprise (CBE) Program for minority, women, disadvantaged, and disabled veteran-owned businesses. The CBE Program is administered through the Office of Affirmative Action Compliance (OAAC). OAAC certifies only minority and/or women-owned businesses, but recognizes disadvantaged and disabled veteran-owned businesses for program participation purposes. The CBE Program application may be downloaded at CBE Application.
How does the County make payments?

Follow the invoicing requirements in your purchase order or contract for submission of complete, accurate, and timely invoices. This will ensure more timely payment by the County. The County issues payment to vendors/contractors approximately thirty (30) days after acceptance of the merchandise/service and, receipt of the complete and accurate original invoice, whichever is later. To expedite payment, indicate purchase order/contract number on all invoices, shipping tags, and other correspondence relevant to the order/deliverable.
When are change orders allowed?

The change order process for purchase orders and contracts are specific to each individual document. All change notices and amendments must be in writing. All change notices and amendments must be approved by an authorized agent of the County of Los Angeles.

Disclaimer: The guidelines presented here have been prepared and provided to you, the vendor/contractor, for information purposes only. These guidelines do not supplant the laws, regulations, and procedures governing procurement and contracting by the County of Los Angeles. In the event of changes in those laws, regulations, and procedures, such laws, regulations, and procedures are binding and take precedence.