9/16/08 - State offers online access to opportunity via MyFloridaMarketPlace.com

State offers online access to opportunity via MyFloridaMarketPlace.com

Source: http://www.tallahassee.com/

In 2003, MyFlorida MarketPlace.com (MFMP), Florida's online system for buyers and vendors, blazed a new trail in state purchasing. It is part of the Division of State Purchasing in Florida's Department of Management Services and is the single best way to secure contracts with state and local government.

"MyFloridaMarketPlace increased the state purchasing system's efficiencies, and our customers - vendors, buyers and taxpayers - can capitalize on that," said DMS Secretary Linda South. "Vendors connect with state purchasing decision-makers across agencies and to date, state agencies have spent more than $5 billion with registered vendors."

This modern system maximizes the state's buying power to support efficient government. MFMP's award-winning applications create easier and faster transactions for buyers and vendors. It also enhances opportunities for minority-, veteran- and women-owned firms.

Getting Started

First, register as a vendor at www.MyFloridaMarketPlace.com and indicate the codes for products or services your company provides. Information can be updated at any time. Sign-up is free and gives vendors access to business opportunities with government.

Sign up for e-mail notices of formal and informal solicitations for contracts greater than $25,000, based on your commodity codes. Another feature, "eQuotes", sends e-mails about contracts under $25,000 as part of the state's informal bidding system.

You can search the state's bid listings on the Vendor Bid System. The software lets you submit sealed bids (more than $25,000) online.

Other features include electronic purchase order receipt and "eInvoicing" that eliminates paper invoices and reduces invoice-to-payment time.

MFMP holds regular teleconferences to reach as many of the 100,000-plus registered vendors as possible. The hour-long chats grew from 10 on the first call in May to full capacity of 123 in July.

Vendors doing business with the state pay a 1-percent transaction fee on payments received, regardless of whether business is conducted through MFMP (unless specifically exempt). Fees support the buyers' electronic access, plus vendor activities and training materials.

Once you register on MFMP, every government agency in Florida can access your business from a single source. Vendors in most other states contact each agency to get on its individual bid list.

Linda McDonald is deputy communications director for the Department of Management Services. For more on MyFloridaMarketPlace e-mail VendorHelp@MyFloridaMarketPlace.com.