Mobile Government 
Purchasing
4th Floor Government Plaza
PO BOX 1827
Mobile, AL 36633
Fax: 251-208-7430
Main Contact: 251-208-7434
Contact: Purchasing - purchasing@cityofmobile.org
The City Purchasing Agent, under legislative authority, is the designated procurement official for the City and is responsible to purchase, store and distribute supplies, materials and equipment required by any office, department or agency.
The Department:
* maintains purchasing facilities and procedures as may be necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of The Alabama Competitive Bid Law relative to all expenditures of funds of whatever nature for labor, services, or work, or for the purchase or lease of materials, equipment, supplies or other personal property
* establishes and enforces specifications
* inspects or supervises the inspection of all deliveries and to determine their quality, quantity, and conformance with specifications
* operates authorized general storerooms and warehouses
* transfers to or between offices, departments or agencies, or sells surplus, obsolete, or unused supplies, material and equipment
* performs such other duties as may be imposed by resolution or ordinance, all subject to Alabama statutes.
TimeSavers - Online services, forms and applications
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get on the Bid List?
If local vendor, come to the department (205 Government St, 4th Flr South Tower), look through the product category listing for the items your company would like to have an opportunity to bid on.You will need to type a letter inserting the product category numbers and descriptions of the items you wish to bid on. We have a sample letter available in the department. If not a local vendor, type a letter on company letterhead, signed by an official of the company to: H. Emmett Farnell, Purchasing Agent; City of Mobile Purchasing Department; P O Box 1948 Mobile AL 36633-1948. You must state in your letter exactly what items your company wishes to be considered for on City of Mobile purchases.
- What is my company on the bid list for?
Call 251-208-7434, ask the clerk, she will look it up on the computer or connect you with someone who can give you that information.
- Why is a bid bond required?
The State of Alabama bid law states that if the bid amount is $10,000.00 or more, a bid bond is required. The bid should be accompanied by a cashiers check, certified check, bank draft or bid bond for the sum of 5% of the amount of the bid, made payable to the City of Mobile and certified by a reputable banking institution. All checks will be returned promptly, except the check of the successful bidder, which shall be returned after fulfilling the bid.
- Do I have to have a business license prior to submitting a bid?
No. You do not have to have a license to get on the bid list, or to bid; however, you will need to complete the business license process before a purchase order can be written. Contact the Revenue Department at 251-208-7461 for more complete information on licensing.
- Where do I send a bid package?
City of Mobile Purchasing
205 Government St
4th Flr Room 408S
Mobile AL 36644Be sure that the Bid # is clearly printed on the outside of the envelope or package.