North Branford Looks for Ways to Encourage Local Bids

At past meetings, the North Branford Town Council has discussed the process of putting work out to bid and how to make sure that local contractors, vendors and businesses were aware of the process. The subject was discussed again at the Feb. 5 meeting.

Interim Town Manager Bonnie Therrien and purchasing director Michelle Knockwood had brainstormed several ideas with Knockwood researching how other towns approach the issue. Knockwood then created a flyer to be distributed to local vendors to explain the process and where to obtain information.

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“We want to let them know how we advertise the jobs and when things go to bid,” said Therrien.

Therrien confirmed that all bids are posted on the town’s website as well as in The Sound, “but it seems like no one is really looking at that,” she said. Councilor Vin Caprio suggested trying placing the information in the Totoket Times.

“The problem is that the Totoket Times doesn’t publish as often as The Sound,” said Knockwood, who noted the information is also put on the State of Connecticut’s website. “The problem is that some vendors in town say ‘I don’t have a computer, I don’t read the paper, I don’t check the website.’ I’m not sure how else you have outreach.”

Mayor Anthony Candelora said that the notices are also pinned to the bulletin board in the hallway of Town Hall.

“We put it everywhere we can and if they take the time to read the flyer, it’ll help,” said Therrien.

Do you have suggestions? Share them in the comments!