Frequently Asked Questions

Once I've become a PSE supplier, what are PSE's expectations?

We expect your initial bid to be the best bid, with any exceptions clearly noted. Alternate bids may be submitted, but should be made in addition to a bid that meets the requested specifications or contracting requirements. Our written specifications often incorporate various standards by reference and may also indicate specific manufacturer catalog numbers. We will expect you to critically review all components of this information and to bring any inconsistencies or conflicting information to our attention. Once a contract or purchase order has been awarded, we expect services to be completed within the quality and time parameters agreed upon, and the on-time delivery of quality products consistent with our specifications, including any packaging and labeling requirements. If circumstances dictate changes after the award, we expect you to advise PSE at the earliest possible time in order to minimize adverse impact on our customers and operations.

Does PSE solicit competitive bids?

Yes, we are firm believers that PSE's complex and critical needs require a breadth of responses from our supplier community. PSE solicits competitive bids through a confidential bidding process. Suppliers are encouraged to respond with their best competitive prices and to propose engineering, design, and efficiency improvements where applicable. Suppliers should focus on providing the lowest total cost of ownership considering factors such as price, availability of resources, and product quality. In case of emergency procurement or in the event a supplier is the sole source of supply, purchases are typically achieved through negotiated terms and conditions. PSE is an investor-owned utility that accepts bid proposals with the understanding that we do not share bid information with other suppliers. We realize that you would like to gather more information relative to how your bid compared with the other suppliers. However, providing comparison information conflicts with our obligation of confidentiality to the suppliers that receive an award.