General Purchasing Policy

The City of Haverhill and the Haverhill Public Schools recognize two valid methods for placing an order for goods and services with a vendor:

1. The issuance of a duly approved Purchase Order
2. The authorized use of a Procurement Card

City and School employees may not make informal commitments to vendors for the purchase of goods or services. Such commitments are not legally binding. In Massachusetts, a vendor seeking to enter into a municipal contract has the responsibility of knowing the limitations on a municipality’s contracting power, and the vendor cannot recover on a contract that does not comply with the law. Invoices submitted for such purchases will not be honored and any invoices received without a Purchase Order will not be processed for payment. Purchases of $10,000 and greater are also subject to additional procurement and contracting requirements per City ordinance, state and federal law.

Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the City’s Purchasing Director at (978) 420-3606 or via email at purchasing@haverhillma.gov.

"Buy Local" Policy

The City of Haverhill recognizes and supports the important contributions local businesses make towards sustaining a healthy local economy and vibrant community.

City of Haverhill departments will strive to purchase needed goods and services from local businesses, vendors, and contractors when available and feasible, within the requirements and constraints of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts procurement laws. Local businesses interested in providing needed goods and services to the City of Haverhill should contact purchasing@haverhillma.gov.

Procurement Laws & Processes

Goods & Services:  Governing Law:  MGL Ch. 30B

• < $10,000:  Sound Business Practices.
• Between $10,000 and $50,000:  Solicit Quotes from Three Vendors. Award Contract to the Lowest Priced Vendor that Meets the Purchase Description.
• Above $50,000:  Formal Bid Process. Must be Published in the Good & Services Bulletin at Least Two Weeks Before the Bid Deadline.
• Invitation for Bid:  Award to Responsive and Responsible Bidder Offering the Best Price
• Request for Proposal:  Award to Responsive and Responsible Proposer Offering the Most Advantageous Proposal.

Construction:  Governing Law: MGL Ch. 149. (Prevailing Wages Required)

• < $10,000:  Sound Business Practices.  The Selected Contractor Must Possess the Necessary Qualifications, Experience and Capacity to Perform the Work, and the Price Reflects the Fair Market Value of the Work.
• Between $10,000 and $50,000:  Solicit Written Quotes from Three Contractors. Must be Awarded to Responsible Contractor Offering to Perform the Work at the Lowest Price.
• Above $50,000:  Formal Bid Process. Must be Published in the Central Register at Least Two Weeks Before the Bid Deadline. Must be Awarded to Responsive and Responsible Bidder Offering to Perform the Work at the Lowest Price.

Public Works:  Governing Law: MGL Ch. 30§39M. (Prevailing Wages Required)

• < $10,000:  Sound Business Practices. The Selected Contractor Must Possess the Necessary Qualifications, Experience and Capacity to Perform the Work, and the Price Reflects the Fair Market Value of the Work.
• Between $10,000 and $50,000:  Solicit Written Quotes from Three Contractors. Must Be Awarded to Responsible Contractor Offering to Perform the Work at the Lowest Price.  Must Possess the Skill, Ability and Integrity Necessary to Faithfully Perform the Work.
• Above $50,000:  Formal Bid Process. Must be Published in the Central Register at Least Two Weeks Before the Bid Deadline. Must be Awarded to Responsive and Responsible Bidder Offering to Perform the Work at the Lowest Price.