Vendor Responsibility

Overview

For public work projects exceeding $50,000 and for some other County projects where bids or RFPs are let by the County Purchasing Division, vendors may be required to complete a "Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire" subject to Wisconsin Statue 66.0901 (2), (3) and (4). NOTE: Per state statute, this questionnaire must be submitted no later than five days before the bid due date. Failure to submit the form within the specified time period may be cause for rejection of your bid.

The completed questionnaire is valid for a period of twelve months after evaluation. However, the County may require an updated form to be submitted upon request. Per statute, the contents of this form are to be held confidential by the County and are not a public record.

Contractor Requirements

For bids conducted by the Kenosha County Purchasing Division, contract awards are made to contractors that meet the State of Wisconsin statutes criteria of lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder per the following definitions:

  1. "Lowest bidder" is the person or company that submits the lowest bid based on the specifications and requirements of the bid document
  2. "Responsive bid" is a bid submitted by a vendor which conforms in all material respects to the requirements stated in the bid invitation. Minor irregularities may be waived at the sole discretion of the county
  3. "Non-responsive bid" is a bid that does not conform to the mandatory or essential requirements of the invitation to bid
  4. "Responsible bidder" is a bidder who has the capability in all respects to perform the contract requirements fully; and who has the experience, integrity, perseverance, reliability, capacity, facilities, equipment, and credit which will assure good faith performance
  5. "Non-responsible bidder" is a vendor that does not have the capability to perform the contract requirements fully, or who does not have the integrity and reliability to assure performance

Bidder Requirements

Bidder responsibility determinations are conducted by the County and/or our agents. Those decisions are final at the County’s sole discretion. In determining if a bidder is responsible, while no single factor will be controlling, consideration will be given, but not be limited to, the following:

  1. The ability, capacity, and skill of the bidder to perform the contract or provide the supplies or services required.
  2. The ability of the bidder to provide the supplies or services promptly or within the time specified, without delay or interference.
  3. Experience, training and skill of the bidder’s workforce.
  4. Bidder’s financial stability or conditions.
  5. The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the bidder.
  6. Past performance on previous county contracts and contracts with other entities.
  7. Compliance by the bidder with federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. This includes, but not limited to, Worker’s Compensation laws, tax laws, debarment, OSHA laws, FLSA, and other applicable wage and hour laws.
  8. Evaluation by the County of all responses supplied with the bid documents.