Commonly Used Terms

• Purchase Order – A formal authorization issued to vendors, committing the County to buy the goods or services as described on the form. It also defines quantity, delivery date, and price.
• Invitation for BID  (IFB) – This is the most informal purchasing process. A BID is a request for a potential vendor to provide a bid for a specific good or service.
• Request for Proposal (RFP) – This is a formal request for potential vendors to provide proposals (RFP) for specific goods or services.
• Request for Quote (RFQ) – This is a formal request for potential vendors to provide a written quote for a good or service.
• Piggyback/Cooperative Agreement – The decision of the County to use the results of a competitive bid process to enter into a contract or to purchase goods or services performed by another jurisdiction.

Where do I find the current solicitations?
Current solicitations are located on our Bid Board. the solicitations are in PDF format and will open in a new window.

What are the SDAT Good Standing Requirements?
Vendors conducting business with Cecil County may need to be registered with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). For information on whether registration is required Vendors should call SDAT at 410-767-1340.

Cecil County verifies the company’s status in SDT and may require the successful bidder to submit a Good Standing Certificate, also known as a “Certificate of Status”, issued by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation’s Charter Division, and State of Organization.

Can I submit a Bid or Proposal electronically?
All solicitations are to be submitted via the County's OpenGov eProcurement system.

Solicitations are provided on the Cecil County, MD website as a .pdf document for all vendors to download at no-charge. 

How do I view bid openings?

Bid Openings are typically held virtually, links are located within each corresponding solicitation. For in-person meetings, details are posted within solicitations. 

How do I view pre-bid or pre-proposal meetings?

Pre-bid/Pre-proposal meetings are typically held virtually, links are located within each corresponding solicitation. For in-person meetings, details are posted within solicitations.