How do local preferences work in city and county procurements?

Local preferences in city and county procurements vary significantly by jurisdiction, so you need to check the specific county's rules for an exact answer on how it affects your bid. Unlike federal procurements, which follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (FAR Part 13 for simplified acquisitions and FAR Part 19 for small business programs), state and local procurements operate under their own state procurement codes and local ordinances. The county's state procurement portal or the Invitation for Bid (IFB) document itself should detail the exact mechanism of the preference.

Typically, a local preference means either a percentage is added to the bids of non-local companies, or a percentage is subtracted from the bids of local companies during evaluation. Whether your Jacksonville location qualifies as "local" depends entirely on the county's definition, which could be specific to their county lines or a broader metropolitan area. Review the IFB's Section L (Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors) or Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) carefully, as these sections often outline how such preferences are applied during the evaluation process. If the IFB is unclear, you can submit a question through the portal during the Q&A period before the due date.