• Editor’s Note: Kane County Connects is launching a series of articles aimed at connecting local businesses with opportunities to “Sell 2 Kane County.” The county’s Purchasing Department is the lead agency, and when that department posts bids, Kane County Connects will post articles encouraging businesses to take part in the process. Click this link to learn more about Purchasing Department bids and proposals and this link to subscribe to Kane County Connects’ daily e-newsletter.

Hey, Kane County business owners and managers!

If you’re a supplier of goods or services, you might want to consider connecting with a reliable, respected and potentially lucrative customer: Kane County government.

As you’d expect, the county has an ongoing need for all kinds of supplies, equipment and services, from janitorial supplies to interpreter services to office furniture, just to name a few.

The county’s Purchasing Department is responsible for writing of bid specifications and Requests for Proposals for commodities and services of $30,000 or more, and it handles the purchasing for any number of Kane County departments and divisions. Theresa Dobersztyn, Kane County’s director of purchasing, is reaching out to local businesses to let them know that there are a lot of opportunities to bid during the course of a year.

“We want to do business with you,” Dobersztyn said. “And bidding for contracts with Kane County has never been easier.”

Probably the best place to start is to visit the “County Bids” page of the Kane County website. A link to the “County Bids” page, by the way, can always be found on the right-hand side of the www,countyofkane.org homepage, under the Featured Links header. The County Bids page contains links to pretty much all the information you need, including bid requests, proposal announcements, results for bids and proposals and links to additional “how to” resources.

After perusing that page, first-time vendors might want to fill out a vendor registration form, which you can get online.

Assistant Director of Purchasing Maria Calamia said Kane County is always looking for qualified vendors to provide commodities and services at the most favorable prices.

“It’s just a win-win,” she said. “Businesses get a chance to find a new customer, and we can ensure that the county’s taxpayers are receiving the maximum value for their tax dollars.”

For purchasing inquiries, email purchasing@co.kane.il.us. And check out the FAQs below for more information on how your business can “Sell 2 Kane County.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does the Purchasing Department Do?

The Kane County Purchasing Department assists all county departments in the purchasing of required goods and services in conformance with the Illinois Compiled Statutes and the Kane County Purchasing Ordinance.

Purchasing is responsible for writing bid specifications and Requests for Proposals for a broad range of commodities and services such as vehicles, cleaning services, janitorial products, copy machines, office supplies, paper, construction projects and professional services.

What Are the Bidding Requirements?

Requirements of less than $30,000 are made in accordance with established procedures for small-dollar purchases and requests for quotations are solicited. Requirements in excess of $30,000 are publicly advertised and are subject to solicitation as formal bids and RFPs.

How Do I Find Current Bid Listings?

Vendors can view current bid and proposal opportunities, and review the listing of commodities and services contracted for or purchased. County bids and proposals are advertises in a publication distributed within Kane County and on the Purchasing Department page of the county’s website: www.countyofkane.org.

How Do I Register To Be a Vendor?

Interested vendors can register to be added to county’s vendor list by completing a vendor registration form and returning it to the Purchasing Department via fax at 630-208-5107 or by e-mail: purchasing@co.kane.il.us. This form will provide basic information about your business.

Registered vendors will be sent notifications when quotations, bids and proposals match their criteria. Vendors can then submit quotations or request the bid and RFP specifications.

What Do I Need to Do to Get a Contract and Electronic Payment?

Kane County requires that all vendors awarded a contract provide proof of insurance meeting the county’s terms and conditions. Vendors are also required to be in compliance with county’s contractor disclosure policy.

Kane County requires all payments being made to vendors be done as direct deposits through an Automated Clearing House. All vendors being awarded a contract shall complete an authorization agreement form prior to an award. The ACH form and information on this program is located on the County’s website under Vendor Information on the Finance Department page.

Is Kane County an Equal Opportunity Employer?

You bet! In order to promote a competitive, fair and impartial environment throughout the vendor community, the equal employment opportunity clause required by the Illinois Human Rights Act is  incorporated by reference in all contracts made by the county and in all bid specifications the county furnishes to vendors, contractors and subcontractors.

What Are Some Commodities and Service Needed By Kane County?

The Purchasing Department buys or contracts for supplies, equipment and services to the operation and maintenance of most county departments and their facilities. Below are some of the commodities and services Kane County requires for various departments:

• Asphalt
• Audio-Visual Equipment & Supplies
• Automotive Supplies
• Building Maintenance Products
• Chemicals
• Computers & Equipment
• Computer Supplies
• Concrete Repair
• Construction Services
• Consultants (various)
• Demolition Services
• Drafting Supplies
• Drug Testing Services
• Electrical Supplies
• Engineering Services
• Equipment Rentals
• Food Services
• Hardware Supplies
• HVAC Services
• Interpreter Services
• Janitorial Services
• Janitorial Supplies
• Landscaping Services
• Law Enforcement Supplies
• Lighting Supplies
• Office Furniture
• Office Supplies
• Petroleum Products
• Pistol Range Maintenance
• Plumbing Supplies
• Refuge Removal
• Roofing Repair/Replacement
• Safety Supplies
• Security Supplies
• Temporary Employment Services
• Tools & Equipment
• Tuck-pointing Services
• Uniforms
• Vehicles

SOURCE: Kane County Purchasing Department website