The Port of Houston Authority urges your company to contact the purchasing department if your firm offers the types of goods and services the Port requires. The Port's purchasing department is responsible for procuring materials, equipment and some services. The Port's purchasing office also encourages sharing applicable information by scheduled appointments, product brochures, or other appropriate means. It is the Port's policy to inform your firm if your company's products or services are not of the type typically required by the Port of Houston Authority.

How To Become A Recognized Vendor:
The Port of Houston does not certify businesses as minority-owned nor does it require that companies provide documented proof of minority status to participate in the Port's bidding process. However, the Port encourages companies that are certified as small or minority-owned businesses to contact Small Business Development at 713-670-2597 or visit the Small Business Development section of this Web site.

The Port Authority's Purchasing Policy:
The Port's personnel adhere to the following policy:

•	Provide an opportunity for all qualified suppliers and contractors to compete for the Port's business on a fair and impartial basis.
•	Provide opportunities for small businesses to participate in the Port's purchasing process.
•	Constantly seek and promote cost reductions by using the competitive bidding process as the Port's primary method of procurement.
•	Provide serious consideration to all qualified suppliers and contractors. While the Port of Houston Authority cannot promise your company any business, the Port welcomes your firm's participation in the bidding process.

Your Company's Responsibility Is To:

•	Furnish Small Business Development with a copy of your company's certification if your company has been classified as a minority-owned or small business.
•	Provide the Port of Houston the highest quality goods, products and services at competitive prices.
•	Meet promised delivery dates or inform the Port's purchasing department as soon as possible if the agreed upon delivery date cannot be met.
•	Provide new information on product changes, new products, industry trends and significant changes within your company's organization.

The Port Authority's Responsibility Is To:

•	Continually seek new sources of goods, products and services.
•	Encourage new supplier and contractor participation and strive to increase knowledge of your company's products, services, plant facilities and personnel.
•	Forward your firm's new product information to the appropriate Port of Houston Authority department for evaluation.
•	Arrange with the appropriate Port personnel technical discussions or product and service demonstrations for new products, if necessary.
•	Assure that schedules and delivery dates are met in order to meet the requirements of the Port in its obligation to provide efficient and prompt service to its customers.

Mutual Responsibilities Are:

•	Perform all bidding procedures and other related business activities in accordance with appropriate laws and regulations.
•	Resolve problems or misunderstandings. We invite your firm to contact the Port of Houston Authority at: The Port of Houston Authority 111 East Loop North P.O. Box 2562 Houston, Texas 77252-2562 or call the Purchasing Department at 713-670-2460.

Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop North • Houston, Texas 77029
P.O. Box 2562 • Houston, Texas 77252-2562
Phone: 713-670-2400

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