The City of Lawrence has a centralized Purchasing Division to provide resources to departments for their procurement needs. Purchasing will promote the pursuit of excellence and the best interests of the City while maintaining the highest possible integrity, broad based competition, fair and equal treatment of the business community, and increased economies and efficiencies by applying the best practices. To ensure responsible stewardship of our City’s resources, procurement of goods and services will be made on overall best value or lowest cost, whichever is in the best interest of the City.
Purchasing Division
Informal Bids
Purchases between $5,000.01 and $50,000.00 require a minimum of three (3) quotes. Competitive bids from vendors must be received by email, mail, or phone in order to be considered.
Formal Bids
- Purchases over $50,000.00 require a formal solicitation process.
- Bids posted after April 28, 2025 will be posted at  https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/lawrenceks
- Use of DemandStar portal www.lawrenceks.org/eBid will be discontinued.
- Vendors must register to place bids, there is no charge to register.Â
- All documents, drawings, plans and projects manuals can be downloaded from OpenGov Procurement free of charge after registration.
- ALL communications during the Bid Process must be directed to the Purchasing Division. Contacting other City personnel will result in your bid being disqualified.
- Bid Openings are open to the public and are conducted at City Hall on Tuesdays at 3:35 p.m. local time.
OpenGov Procurement Vendor Registration Guide
Video Guides: OpenGov Procurement Vendor Training
Submission of surety bonds can be done electronically thru Surety2000 when submitting bids at OpenGov Procurement. This innovative platform is designed to streamline your bonding process and make project management easier.
Invoice Payment & Vendor Self-Service Registration
For assistance with invoices: ap@lawrenceks.org  For assistance with vendor self-service registration: cityaccounting@lawrenceks.org
Cooperative Purchasing
The City is eligible to receive contract pricing from State of Kansas Division of Purchases contracts that are open to other political subdivisions. Pricing on Cooperative Purchasing and Disaster Purchasing goods and services listed on the Federal government GSA Advantage portal is also available to the City. Vendors must provide the lowest available contract price. Additionally, The City is a member of the following purchasing cooperatives and consortiums and qualifies for contract pricing.
