Tax Identification Number
Harford County Public Schools are specifically exempt from retail sales tax under Maryland Certificate Number 3000120-1. Our Federal Tax Identification Number is 52-6000955.

Minority Business Program
The Purchasing Department encourages minority businesses to compete to provide goods and services to the Harford County Public Schools and certified Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond to solicitation notices. The school system utilizes the State of Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) certification program. HCPS follows the State of Maryland's Minority Business Enterprise requirements. Goals for minority participation are set for each project. You may apply for minority certification by calling the Department of Transportation, Minority Business Enterprise Department at 410-865-1241 or check out their web site at http://www.mdot.state.md.us/.

MBE RESOURCES

Visitor Policy
The Purchasing Department encourages and welcomes vendors to supply their catalogs and price lists of goods/services they provide or manufacture. Vendors are also welcome to visit the Purchasing Department; however, in order for the staff and vendors to schedule their time efficiently, an appointment is recommended. Appointments may be scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call 410-638-4080 to schedule an appointment.

Cooperative Procurement
The Harford County Public Schools may utilize cooperative purchasing agreements awarded by other public entities or cooperative purchasing organizations when it is determined to be in our best interest. Harford County Public Schools is a participating member of the Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee.

Operating Procedures
The Purchasing Department's operating procedures are governed by the State of Maryland Education Articles and Board and School Administration policy.

Bid Procedures
Formal competitive sealed bidding is required on requirements that exceed $25,000.00 in total value. Dividing large requirement into smaller amounts to avoid the requirement for formal bidding is contrary to the spirit and intent of this policy. Formal Bidding may not be required if there is an opportunity to "piggyback" a contract issued by another public entity.

Advertising
Bids and proposals over $25,000 are advertised on our web site and eMaryland Marketplace.

Building Maintenance
Bids for routine building maintenance, goods, services and special projects are issued by the Purchasing Department. (Examples include roof replacement and repair/painting/ glazing, asbestos abatement, HVAC maintenance and scheduled service systems.) Individual projects under $25,000 in value are combined through annual contracted services or supply bids.

Construction
The Department of Planning and Construction handles the bidding of large construction projects as well as major renovation projects. Information on current solicitations may be obtained by calling 410-638-4212.

Operation and Grounds
The Purchasing Department coordinates and issues all bids for custodial services, products, grounds care and maintenance.

Important Links

• National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP)
• Maryland Public Purchasing Association (MPPA)
• Baltimore Metropolitan Council / BRCPC (BMC)
• U.S. Communities (Government Purchasing Alliance)

Current Solicitations

Amendments to solicitations often occur prior to bid opening and sometimes within as little as 24 hours prior to bid opening. It is the potential vendor's responsibility to frequently visit the Purchasing web site (www.hcps.org/Purchasing) to obtain amendments once they have downloaded a solicitation. Bids must be returned in a sealed envelope. E-mail or faxed bids will not be accepted.

Specifications and proposal sheets may be obtained at the Purchasing Department, Harford County Public Schools, 102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014. Written requests should be mailed to the Purchasing Department, Harford County Public Schools, 102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014. The Board of Education of Harford County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities in the bids received.

Certified Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond to this solicitation notice. Construction projects estimated to cost in excess of $50,000 must adhere to the Minority Business Enterprise Procedure applicable to all public school construction projects.

Certified Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond to this solicitation notice. Construction projects estimated to cost in excess of $50,000 must adhere to the Minority Business Enterprise Procedure applicable to all public school construction projects.

Public Surplus Auction

Please visit the Public Surplus Auction site at www.publicsurplus.com. The best way to find out if we have any items posted is to search within 20 miles of zip code 21014.