How We Buy

The College’s procurement transactions are bound by the applicable federal and state laws, Uniform Commercial Code, Ohio Revised Code, and in some instances State Statute.

The College issues Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Requests for Quotations (RFQ) to solicit goods, services, and renovations and works of improvement for buildings. 

RFI: 
A document issued to invite respondents to submit information for goods and services according to the specifications, terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in the RFI.  The College, at its sole discretion, will determine if a Request for Proposal will result from the RFI.

RFP: 
A document used to invite respondents to submit proposals for complex goods, services, and projects.  Respondents are required to respond according to the specifications, terms, conditions, and requirements set forth in the RFP. 

RFQ: 
A document used to invite respondents to submit price quotes for a specified product or service.

Sealed Bids: 
The College is required by the Ohio Revised Code to advertise opportunities for Works of Improvement (buildings or building renovations) over $50,000.  These opportunities are posted on our web site under the "Current Opportunities" quick link.  Responses are submitted as sealed bids. 

Sealed bid openings are open to the public.  Suppliers are encouraged to attend.  Tabulations and awards are posted under the "Current Opportunities" quick link. 

Goods and services are also purchased from suppliers through Educational and Institutional Cooperative Purchasing, State of Ohio Purchasing, and The Inter-University Council Group of Ohio contracts.  These organizations issue bids and establish contracts for a variety of goods and services commonly used by higher education institutions and government agencies. 

We encourage suppliers to contact these groups directly for opportunities to provide goods and services to Tri-C, as well as other agencies and institutions throughout the state of Ohio.

The initiating department and Procurement Services will evaluate responses and interview respondents, if applicable.  The College reserves the right to select suppliers whose RFI, RFP, RFQ, or Sealed Bid is most responsive and provides the greatest overall value.