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1. What does the District do?

The District provides water to wholesale and retail customers in a service area that encompasses western Riverside County including portions of the cities of Riverside, Murrieta, Perris, Corona and Norco as well as unincorporated areas of Riverside, March Air Reserve Base, Temecula, Elsinore, Wildomar, Jurupa and Rubidoux. We also provide wastewater treatment for areas of Riverside, March Air Reserve Base, Norco and Corona.

2. How do I become a vendor for the District?

Click on the link provided to complete the form and submit. This will identify you as a potential vendor when District staff are looking for materials or services that you may provide. However, being registered does not guarantee that you will be called in reference to any of the District's purchasing needs.

Vendor Registration Form

3. Do I need a Business License to conduct business with the District?

The District does not specifically require any vendor to hold a business license in any municipality; however, we do look favorably on those vendors who do hold a current and valid business license in the communities and counties we provide services to.

4. How are purchases solicited?

Through competitive quotes or bids using one of three methods:

A. Request for Quotes
B. Request for Bid
C. Request for Proposal

Purchases or contracts for materials, supplies, equipment and services will be based, whenever possible and practicable, on competitive solicitation within approved guidelines. Prospective vendors are encouraged to check the District website for Bid Postings on a regular basis.

5. How does the procurement process work?

District Purchasing Procedures (exclusive of Public Works projects) require Buyers to obtain three quotes for purchases over $2,500 and to select that service or product that provides the best value to the District. Buyers may choose to single or sole source a purchase if the product or service is unique and cannot be reasonably provided by any other source; the product or service cannot be reasonably obtained due to geographic location of potential vendors; or, the vendor has a distinct knowledge of District needs based on prior activity with the District.

6. Do I need a contractor's license?

If you desire to do business with the District by providing services such as landscaping, roof repair, HVAC repair, etc. you will need a current and valid contractor's license issued by the California State Contractor's Licensing Board for the type of work you will be doing. We check the CSLB website to verify the current status of your license. If you are not listed on the state website and we are unable to verify your license, the District will not initiate a business relationship with you.

7. I am a professional in “XYZ” field. Do I need a license?

If you represent yourself as an expert in your field such as Architect, Surveyor, Industrial Hygienist or Accountant, we will be looking for a Certification and/or License as appropriate for your industry/field to conduct business. Examples of such Certifications include, but are not limited to Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH); and, Registered Professional Engineer (RPE). Other areas require not only a Contractor’s License, but may also require specialized licenses such as a Pest Control Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL).

8. What are Prevailing Wages and how does it affect doing business with the District?

All workers employed on public works projects must be paid the prevailing wage determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) according to the type of work and location. The prevailing wage rates are usually based on rates specified in collective bargaining agreements. Generally, prevailing wage rates are required for any public works project of $1,000 or more. Public Works refers to construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work (including maintenance work) done under contract (including purchase order) on any publicly owned or publicly operated real property, and/or on any machinery or other equipment permanently attached to publicly owned or publicly operated real property. The work done is or was paid for, in whole or in part, with public funds. Specific exclusions include janitorial or custodial services of a routine, recurring, or usual nature, and protection of the sort provided by guards, watchmen, or other security forces. The vendor providing services on a public works project is solely responsible for ensuring that prevailing wage rates are quoted in any bid for services, and that those wages are paid to the employees of the vendor and any vendor subcontractors providing services. Please refer to the DIR website at www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/Prevailing-Wage.html for further information.

9. What are the DIR registration requirements for work on any District public works projects?

In 2014, the California legislature enacted several laws impacting public works contracting. Senate Bill 854 creates changes in the way the DIR monitors prevailing wage requirements. All contractors and subcontractors must register with the DIR and meet DIR requirements before bidding on public works contracts in California. No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the DIR. Application and renewal are completed online with the DIR. A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is required to be paid annually to the DIR, before June 30 of each year. Further information is available on the DIR website as noted in FAQ 8 above.

10. What is an authorized purchase?

An authorized purchase is one in which a purchase order has been issued by the District’s Purchasing Division to authorize a vendor to accept an order and deliver the requested goods and/or services. Vendors providing goods or services to the District should ensure they receive an authorized purchase order before proceeding to meet any requested needs. Responding to any requests without an authorized purchase order is done at the vendor's own risk.

11. How will I receive a Purchase Order?

If you have provided an accurate e-mail address when registering as a vendor, the purchase order will be sent electronically to you. This is the preferred method for delivering a purchase order. If we do not have an accurate e-mail address, we will attempt to send a copy by FAX, then by USPS.

12. What do I do when I receive a purchase order?

The shipment or delivery of the requested materials or the providing of services indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions identified on the backside of the purchase order. For services you will also be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance. The Certificate of Insurance must be received by the Purchasing Division prior to work commencing.

13. What about gifts and gratuities?

Gifts and/or other symbols of appreciation may compromise the integrity of professional relationships and violates District policy. Suppliers are encouraged to cooperate by not making such offers to employees.

14. How do I get paid?

Vendor invoices will be processed by WMWD for payment after proof of delivery and in accordance with the terms set forth in the purchase order. All invoices must have the purchase order number identified on the invoice to ensure prompt payment.

15. Are there any insurance requirements?

The District's Risk Management Division is responsible for determining the minimum insurance requirements for work performed on behalf of the District. The determination is based on job specific risk factors and potential liability exposure. Types of insurance required will be Commercial General Liability; Automobile Liability; Workers’ Compensation (or waiver for sole proprietors); and, Errors and Omissions (Professional Liability) for consultants. The District must be named as an Additional Insured on the Certificate of Insurance and a policy endorsement must be provided with the Certificate of Insurance.

16. What are the District’s safety concerns?

The District's Risk Management Division is responsible for determining the minimum safety requirements for work performed on behalf of the District. The determination is based on job specific risk factors and potential liability exposure. At a minimum the contractor shall ensure that all employees have all OSHA required training and/or certifications prior to starting work for the District. The contractor shall also have in place, and ready for review, an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan and any applicable written safety programs for the work being performed. The contractor shall provide their own tools and equipment and ensure their employees have the appropriate personal protective equipment for the work being performed.