Purchasing FAQs

How do I become a registered vendor?
Registration is through the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network System. The Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network (MITN) is a group of agencies that joined forces to create a Regional Bid Notification System to notify companies of new bid opportunities. To register go to their website at www.mitn.info.

I had registered with St Clair County before they joined (MITN). Do I need to re-register with (MITN)?
Yes, vendors and bidders received letters from St Clair County notifying them of the conversion.

Who should I contact for assistance with my vendor registration?
If you need assistance when registering, please click the Support tab at the top of the page within the (MITN) website www.mitn.info. Bidnet provides all technical and customer support for the Michigan Inter-governmental Trade Network System and will be happy to assist you anytime (M-F, 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., EST).

Who are the other agencies with membership in (MITN)?
For a full list of agencies with membership in (MITN) visit their website www.mitn.info and click the Participating Agencies tab at the top of the page.

Are there fees associated with registering with (MITN)?
Registering with (MITN) is free. Vendors that would like to have access to bid opportunities from all participating agencies have the two options shown below.

• Instant notification of formal bids and RFP's that match your profile.
• Instant notification of non formal bids (i.e., quotes) that match your profile.
• Instant notification of addenda to any bid or quote you are notified of.
• Ability to copy up to 6 contacts with each message you match with.
• Ability to easily submit pricing online for quotes you decide to respond to.
• Instant notification when awards are made to all bids and quotes you respond to.
• Access to all awards for all bids and quotes on the system.
• Includes notification from all participating agencies (even new ones that join in the future).
• Ability to pinpoint opportunities you want to be notified of. Click here to review how!
• Promotion of your company name to buyers when you match new solicitations.
• E-mail notification for one year is $92 a month, billed annually.

• Vendors are responsible to login and search for formal bids and RFP's of interest.
• Vendors are responsible to login and search for non formal bids (i.e., quotes) of interest.
• Vendors are responsible to login and locate addenda to any opportunity you decide to respond to.
• Vendors are responsible to login and search for award information of interest.
• No promotion of your company name is given to buyers as they issue solicitations.
• Buyers prefer vendors choose e-mail notification so they see all companies that match.
• Vendors are not notified of any type of information from any participating agency.

Who do I contact if I have questions regarding a particular bid solicitation?
Each bid solicitation will list the St Clair County Purchasing Buyer assigned to the bid along with their contact information. All questions should be directed to the assigned buyer.

What are the business hours of the Purchasing Division?
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Except Legal Holidays. Visit Purchasing on the Upper Level of the Administration Building, 200 Grand River Avenue, Suite 203, Port Huron, MI 48060

Call 810-989-6375 to arrange a meeting with a buyer. Meetings are encouraged, but are not a requirement of participation or being awarded County bids. It is generally a good idea to make yourself and the business you represent known to the buyer.

What is a Request for Proposal (RFP)?
A Request for Proposal (RFP) is typically a more complex Invitation to Bid that contains more general specifications designed to outline the minimum County requirements. Bidders must submit proposals in accordance with the requirements of the RFP.

What is a Request for Information (RFI)?
A Request for Information (RFI) is used when the County seeks help in securing information only. It may be used to determine if a vendor can provide the desired level and type of services in a cost-effective manner.

What is a Request for Quote (RFQ)?
A Request for Quote (RFQ) is typically an informal Invitation to Bid that contains make, model and manufacture part numbers for specified items and is designed to outline County requirements. Bidders must submit proposals in accordance with the requirements of the RFQ.

Who do I contact if I have a general purchasing question?
For general purchasing questions call 810-989-6375 or email Purchasing. Your call or email will be directed to the appropriate Purchasing Division staff member.