Buying procedure
Direct call
Purchases of less than $5,000 are usually placed without competition with vendors who are determined to be able to supply items or services at a price commensurate with SMUD requirements for quality and delivery.
Informal bid
For purchases between $5,000 and $50,000, three or more supplier price quotations are obtained whenever possible.
Formal bid (proposal)
For purchases of materials or services exceeding $50,000 and for construction contracts exceeding $5,000, SMUD advertises in local newspapers. Sealed bids are opened and read at a public bid opening. Public openings are not scheduled for proposals.