Purchasing

This website is intended for the public who is interested in doing business with the City of Lake Elsinore. The Purchasing Division's goal is to ensure you have access to the information that will give you the opportunity to share your company information with the City and participate in bid opportunities in support of our City's operations, growth, and development.

Read more information that will assist in becoming a vendor with the City.

Vendor Information

For payment processing, vendors must initially submit a Federal W9 tax certificate and vendor information form. Payments will be processed net 45 days from the date an invoice is received.

For questions concerning invoices or payments, please email the Accounts Payable Clerk or call 951-674-3124, ext. 216.

Purchase Order Terms & Conditions

  • Original invoice with remittance slip must be sent to: City of Lake Elsinore, 130 South Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 Attn: Finance Department
  • Payment may be expected within 45 days of receipt of goods and invoice.
  • C.O.D. shipment will not be accepted.
  • Purchase Order numbers must appear on all shipping containers, packing slips, and invoices. Failure to comply with the above request may delay payment.
  • All goods are to be shipped F.O.B. Destination unless otherwise stated.
  • All materials and services are subject to approval based on the description on the face of the purchase order or appendages thereof. Substitutions are not permitted without the approval of the Requesting Department. Material not approved will be returned at no cost to the City.
  • All goods and equipment must meet or exceed all necessary city, state, and federal standards and regulations.
  • The vendor or manufacturer bears the risk of loss or damage until the property is received and/or installed.
  • The seller acknowledges that the buyer is an equal opportunity employer. Seller will comply with all equal opportunity laws and regulations that are applicable to it as a supplier of the buyer.
  • The City is exempt from all federal excise and state taxes.

Purchasing Policy

The City makes its purchases under the authority granted in the City Ordinance. Competitive bidding is the primary method for obtaining solicitations. Competitive bids are not subject to negotiations. Awards are made based on bids that best meet the City's needs and specifications.

Remember, only the Purchasing Division is authorized to commit the City for the purchase of goods and services. No payment will be made for any goods delivered or services provided without a purchase order number or contract.

Purchasing Guidelines

General Purchases

Supplies, equipment, operating, or maintenance services.

Purchase Amount (Annual)Purchase Order NeededBid ProcessApprovals Required

Less than $5,000

Yes

None/Informal

Department, Finance

$5,000 to $15,000

Yes

Informal with 3 quotes

Department, Finance, City Manager

$15,001 to $30,000

Yes

Formal bid procedure

Department, Finance, City Manager

Greater than $30,000

Yes

Formal with advertising and sealed bids

Department, Finance, City Manager, City Council


Public Works Projects

Contract AmountPurchase Order NeededBid ProcessApprovals Required

Contract Amount

Purchase Order Needed

Bid Process

Approvals Required

Less than $5,000

Yes

None/Informal

Department, Finance

$5,000 to $15,000

Yes

Informal with 3 quotes

Department, Finance, City Manager

$15,001 to $30,000

Yes

Formal bid procedure

Department, Finance, City Manager

$30,001 to $45,000

Yes

Formal bid procedure

Department, Finance, City Manager, City Council

$45,001 TO $175,000

Yes

Informal Public Works Bid Procedure

Department, Finance, City Manager, City Council

Great than $175,000

Yes

Formal Public Works Bid Procedure

Department, Finance, City Manager, City Council


Read more about the Purchasing Ordinance Number 2014-1328 (PDF).

If you are interested in reviewing our Bid Opportunities, visit the Planet Bids website for more details.