Contracts FAQs

FAQS  DISCLAIMER

The responses below have been provided for information purposes only. This information does not supersede the laws, policies and procedures governing procurement and contracting by the County of Los Angeles. In the event of changes in those laws, regulations, and procedures, such laws, regulations, and procedures are binding and take precedence.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: I am having difficulties registering my business. Who can I contact for assistance?

Answer:
Contact the Internal Services Department (ISD) Vendor Relations Team at (323) 267-2725, or via e-mail at ISDVendorRelations@​isd.​lacounty.gov or via internet at Welcome to Los Angeles County Vendor Self Service Portal: Home. Vendor Relations is here to register, help and guide vendors through the registration process.

Question 2: If I’m not a registered vendor, may I still submit bids/proposals to the County of Los Angeles?

Answer:
Yes, your company may submit a bid/proposal, however, it is in your best interest to register your business to ensure you receive appropriate notices of bidding/contracting opportunities.

Question 3: How do I make myself known to County departments?

Answer:
Vendors may contact each County department directly, however, we suggest you register your company to ensure proper notification of bid/contract opportunities that are of interest to your company. Vendors are also encouraged to attend County sponsored vendor fairs/workshops and other County sponsored events.

Question 4: What should I expect at the pre-bid/proposer conference?

Answer:
The purpose of the pre-bid/ proposer’s conference is to discuss the specifications/statement of work and bid/proposal requirements for a solicitation. It may also provide vendors with an opportunity to ask questions to seek clarification.

Question 5: How do I get paid?

Answer:

The County issues payments to vendors within thirty (30) days after acceptance of the goods and services and receipt of an undisputed invoice. For certified Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE), the County’s policy is to provide payment within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of an undisputed invoice.

It is the County’s policy that payments to contractors, vendors, and other payees shall be issued in the most appropriate, efficient, secure, and timely form that is legally permissible and generally recognized and accepted as a standard for settling commercial transactions in the United States. The Auditor-Controller (A-C) has determined Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or direct deposit is the form of payment best suited to fulfill this policy.

Question 6: When does the County require insurance coverage?

Answer:

Insurance is required when your company is awarded a bid/contract. Generally, the County requires General Liability, Auto Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Sexual Misconduct, and other applicable insurance coverages on all service contracts. Refer to the specific solicitation for specific insurance requirements. Proof of insurance must be provided to the County before you start any work.

Question 7: Can an agency conduct their own backgrounds for employees working under a Probation contract?

Answer:

No, contractor staff must go through Probation’s background and security process as a condition of beginning and continuing work under a Probation contract.

Question 8: My business is currently doing business with LA County. How can I do business with Probation?

Answer:

If you are presently doing business with LA County, you have already registered as an LA County vendor.  Please check our Open Bids page for any solicitations that your business may qualify for.

Question 9: How do I add my business to Probation’s bidder’s list to receive notices on open solicitations?

Answer:

Please call (562) 940-2729 and request to be placed on Probation’s bidders list

Question 10: How can my company receive feedback on bids/proposals that have been submitted and not awarded to my company?

Answer:

Probation offers debriefings to vendors who were not awarded a contract for services. The purpose of the debriefing is to discuss a proposal’s strengths and weakness for vendor’s proposal only.

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