Heavy construction equipment digging in a roadway
Heavy construction equipment digging in a roadway

Investing in Saint Paul

Each year, the City of Saint Paul spends millions of dollars on things like equipment and services. The Procurement Division makes sure the City spends its money wisely, helps local businesses, and makes the community better for everyone. 

Procurement Words to Know

Government contracting is a little different from other kinds of business. Here are some of the terms you may encounter when doing business with Saint Paul.

  • Advertisement: The City’s public announcement of goods or services that we want to buy.
  • Award: The City’s agreement to contract with a business. When we agree on a certain purchase, we “award a contract.”
  • Bid: An offer to sell something for a fee.
  • Bid bond: A legal guarantee that a business will honor the terms of its bid if the City awards it a contract.
  • Event: A procurement event — that is, a specific opportunity to do business with the City. Businesses “respond to an event” by submitting bids or proposals.
  • Procurement: The process of finding, selecting, paying for, and taking care of goods and services.
  • Proposal: An offer to provide a service for a fee.
  • Solicitation: The City’s public request for bids or proposals.
  • Supplier: A business that is registered to do business with the City.
  • Tabulations: A public record of bids the City has received in response to a solicitation.
  • Vendor: A supplier who is being paid by the City.

Learn How Saint Paul Uses Public Money

Open Budget Saint Paul lets anyone see how the City spends money, including what we buy and the services we pay for. Explore the data below, or click here to explore Open Budget in a new tab or window.

Last Edited: September 25, 2025