Bidding Opportunities

Current and Upcoming Bid Opportunities


Welcome to the official bidding website for Montclair State University. 

In order to participate in the University's bidding opportunities, vendors must utilize the Workday Strategic Sourcing (WSS) Bid Portal. The WSS Bid Portal is the software platform implemented by the University to manage the bidding process and serves as the central location for all public bidding opportunities, as well as other invite-only projects managed by Procurement Services. The type of bidding opportunities available may include, but are not necessarily limited to, Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and Request for Quotes (RFQ). 

In order to view and participate in Montclair State University's bidding opportunities, vendors must utilize the (WSS) Bid Portal through the following link:

WSS Bid Portal Home Page

Through utilizing the WSS Bid Portal, suppliers, contractors, consultants, and service providers can access current bidding opportunities, retrieve bidding documents, submit questions or inquiries, receive addenda, and submit proposals. 

As a public serving institution, the University is committed to transparency, fairness, and value throughout the bidding process, and conducts its procurement activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  

The University encourages qualified bidders to participate in our competitive procurement processes, as our aim is to establish strong partnerships that support the University's operational and strategic objectives. We thank you for your interest in doing business with the University, and look forward to receiving your submissions and future collaboration. 

Understanding Bidding at Montclair State University

Importance of the Bidding Process

The bidding process is an essential part of procurement, and involves inviting vendors to submit proposals for goods/and or services described under the scope of work. The primary goals and objectives of the bidding process are:

  1. Transparency: Offering a clear description of the scope of work, deliverables, milestones, and terms and conditions.
  2. Competition: Provides equal opportunity for participation.
  3. Cost Efficiency & Value: Encourage competitive pricing and solutions that maximize value.
  4. Objectivity: Proposals are evaluated utilizing pre-established criteria made available to all Bidders.
  5. Accountability: Creates a documented process to promote that supports oversight and public trust.
  6. Innovation: Encourages the University and vendors to develop high-quality and effective solutions to meet the demanding needs of our growing and evolving student population. 

Bidding Events & Overview

The bidding process includes the following events:

  1. Solicitation Posting: Opportunities are published within the Bid Portal.
  2. Vendor Questions & Answers: Questions are submitted and collectively answered via addenda within the Bid Portal.
  3. Proposal Submission: Vendors submit (upload) bid electronically within the Bid Portal. 
  4. Evaluation: Proposals are reviewed based on defined criteria, as established within the bid solicitation document.
  5. Award: Contract is awarded to the selected vendor(s) deemed most advantageous to the University. 

Key Definitions

Bidding ProcessA formal University process used to solicit, evaluate, and award contracts through competition among qualified vendors for goods or services based on a defined scope of work, requirements, terms, and conditions.
Bid / Proposal
A supplier’s formal response to a University bid solicitation, including pricing and other required information describing how the supplier will provide the requested goods or services.
Scope of Work
The section of a bid solicitation that describes the work to be performed, including required tasks, services, deliverables, timelines, and supplier responsibilities under the contract.
Addendum
An official document issued by the University to clarify, modify, or supplement the solicitation before proposals are due. Addenda become part of the solicitation documents, and all other terms and conditions remain unchanged unless specifically modified by the addendum.
ContractThe legally binding agreement between the Contractor and the University that creates rights and obligations following the bid award. The contract incorporates the bidding documents, Addenda (as applicable), Contractor's Proposal, and all other contractually relevant material. 

Supplemental Supplier Information

For additional Information, such as the Standard Terms & Conditions, compliance documentation, and general guidance on how to do business with the University, please visit the Supplier Information page.

Supplier Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions Regarding the Bidding Process

For public bidding opportunities, the University welcomes all qualified vendors to submit competitive proposals. For invite-only bidding opportunities, only the vendors invited may submit a proposal. 

To view bidding opportunities and participate in the bidding process at Montclair State University, please access the WSS Bid Portal through the following link: https://montclair-state-university.public-portal.us.workdayspend.com/ 

No, bidders do not need to pre-register with the University prior to submitting a bid. 

No, proposals may not be submitted after the submission deadline. Bidder is responsible for ensuring that its proposal is properly prepared, and submitted on time or it will be deemed non-responsive. 

Bid proposals may be evaluated based solely on price; or on price and other factors. Although evaluation criteria may vary depending on the needs of the University, the specific factors may be found within the project documents. 

No, the lowest priced bid is not always awarded the contract. Each bidding solicitation has its own evaluation criteria, and price may just be one component of the overall evaluation.

Once a supplier has been selected, the timeline to execute the contract is dependent upon the supplier providing the balance of additional required compliance forms (such as insurance, performance & payment bonds, political contributions form, equal employment opportunity/affirmative action certification, etc.). The timeline is also subject the both parties agreeing upon any contract terms, legal review, and any further approvals. However, the standard/expected duration for contract execution is approximately two (2) weeks. 

Generally, a bidder is not required to attend a Pre-bid Meeting/Site Visit in order to be considered for contract award. However, select complex projects may require that bidders attend the pre-bid meeting/site visit in order to ensure all bidding requirements and logistics are understood and taken into consideration by the bidder. Each bid solicitation will detail whether or not attending the pre-bid meeting/site visit is discretionary or required.