Township Guidelines
When the need to purchase goods and services arises, the Township follows several guidelines based on the type of goods or services and thresholds related to dollar amounts (or cost) per New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law.
- Purchases below $7,950 can be obtained without soliciting more than one quote. However, sound business practices often lead the township to solicit more than one quote to ensure resources are used as efficiently as possible.
- Purchases between $7,950 and $53,000 will generally require price quotes. Typically, we obtain three quotes whenever possible. Sometimes, obtaining quotes can be as simple as contacting several vendors and recording the prices received. On some items, quotes may require the vendor to respond in writing. In these cases, the Purchasing Office will provide forms to be submitted, along with a time and date by which they are due if they are to be considered.
- Purchases over $53,000 are generally subject to the receipt of bids. When bids are sought, the township publishes a newspaper advertisement notifying vendors and the public that bids are needed. Bid packets are distributed to interested parties via the Township’s Bid Net Platform. Vendors are encouraged to check our website or the Princeton Packet and Trenton Times for publications of “Notice to Bidders” for current bids.
Bids are publicly opened and read aloud on the date, time, and location specified in the advertisement and specifications. Vendors are invited to attend all bid openings virtually. Results are available for public inspection after bids have been opened on the Bid Net platform. After opening, bids are tabulated and evaluated for price, compliance with specifications, and other relevant factors. Once the analysis is complete, a staff recommendation is submitted to the Plainsboro Township Committee, who then award the contract. Awards must be made to the lowest responsible responsive bidder within 60 days of the date the bids were publicly opened. Notification of an award and/or rejection will be made in writing.