The Commonwealth of Virginia welcomes your interest in supplying goods and services to its state agencies. Each year Virginia purchases over three billion dollars worth of materials, equipment, supplies, printing and professional and non-professional services. If you sell a product or provide a service, the Commonwealth of Virginia is a potential customer.

Tax dollars purchase the goods and services used by the various state agencies, so purchasing officers are always seeking to obtain quality items at the lowest cost. The following information is provided to help you do business with the Commonwealth of Virginia. For additional information, consult the Vendors' Manual.

Purchases are made through a system of specifications and competitive bidding. Awards are made to the lowest bidder who complies with the specifications and terms and conditions of the bid request, and who has the capacity and capability to perform as required.

The Division of Purchases and Supply is the central purchasing office for materials, equipment, supplies and printing. It purchases these items for many agencies when they are estimated to cost over $30,000. You must be registered with the Division to be eligible for your bid to be considered. To receive a vendor application, call (804) 786-3842.

Competition is not required for goods and printing less than $5,000. Agencies simply contact a vendor and make the purchases if the price is considered fair and reasonable. For goods and printing costing between $5,000 and $15,000, three vendors must be contacted by phone or in writing; between $15,000 and $30,000 four sources must be solicited in writing, over $30,000, formal sealed bidding is required in writing.

For purchases under $30,000, vendors should work the agencies as they would any other account, i.e., let the purchasing people know you and your products or service so you will be on their list to call when they make a purchase.