Vendor Information

Common Vendor Questions

• What kinds of goods and services are used by the City?

  In order to provide the many services that it does to residents and visitors alike, the City purchases a wide variety of goods and services broken down into the following general categories:

  • Goods or offsite services: 
    • Goods: supplies, materials, equipment
    • Offsite services: services not performed on City property. Example: drycleaners
  • General services: services that are performed on the City's property, or as directed by the City on property belonging to others, or services that result in the supplier acting as a representative of the City. Examples: landscaping, cleaning, security, bus transportation, game or activity services. 
  • Professional services: services from experts, providing expert opinion on which the City will rely. Examples: Engineering, Environmental, Consultants
  • Construction: field personnel performing physical labour on City property. Examples: construction, reconstruction demolition, repair or renovation of a building or structure.

  
  

• How do I become a Vendor to the City?

  Register for open opportunities on the City’s bids&tenders website and select commodity codes of interest to receive project notifications.

• Does the City have a preference for doing business with Nanaimo-based companies?

  While the City cannot legally adopt a program that provides a preference for locally based companies, we do enjoy doing business with local companies and encourage them to compete for the City’s business.

• Who can do business with the City of Nanaimo?

  Any person, business, or corporate entity, under most circumstances, is eligible to become a City vendor.

• What is required of a Vendor to work on City property or projects?

  Typical documentation required for vendors providing services would include, but not be limited to:

  • Proof of a City of Nanaimo Business Licence or Inter-Community Business Licence;
  • Copy of current WorkSafeBC clearance letter; and
  • Certificate of Insurance – evidence of commercial general liability and/or professional errors & omissions liability insurance.

  
  

• Where can I get information on bid results?

  All open procurement bid opportunities are posted to the City bids&tenders website. Once the contract has been executed or the purchase order has been issued the results will be posted. 

• How does the city sell its used equipment or surplus material?

  For the majority of used equipment and surplus material, the City uses BC Auction. Item details are provided on the auction website along with bid closing date and time. Bidders must register with BC Auction to be eligible to bid.

• Where does the City advertise business opportunities?

  All open procurement bid opportunities are posted to BC Bid with a link to the City’s bids&tenders website. Bid opportunities are also advertised on the City's Twitter account.

• How can I find information about the posted opportunities?

  Use the Submit a Question button in the City’s bids&tenders website.

• Does the City charge Vendors to download documents from bids&tenders?

  There is no charge to register, or download documents from the City’s bids&tenders website.

• How can I seek clarification or provide feedback during an open procurement?

  All questions or communication are asked through bids&tenders. Registering as a Plan Taker for a specific bid opportunity is required before submitting a question is permitted.

• What are the City's terms and conditions?

  Each published opportunity will provide the terms and conditions for the respective contract.  In the absence of a contract the Purchase Order Terms and Conditions will prevail.

• Does the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) apply to the information I provide when competing?

  FOIPPA applies to all procurement activities. Every effort will be made to treat Vendor business information as confidential and proprietary, subject to the City’s obligations under the Act.