Doing Business with Plano ISD and Bid Process

 

To participate in the bidding process, all vendors—whether currently awarded or new—must register as a supplier in IonWave, our electronic bidding platform. Once registration is complete, vendors will receive email notifications about upcoming bid opportunities that match your selected areas of interest.

Plano Independent School District encourages participation from all vendors and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, or disability.

Competitive Bid Law in Texas Public Schools

Commitment to Competitive, Fair, and Transparent Purchasing

Plano ISD, like all Texas school districts, operates under the state competitive bid law, which requires that most purchases be made through a formal competitive bidding process. This process ensures that public schools secure high‑quality products and services at the lowest practical cost, protecting taxpayer resources while encouraging broad vendor participation.

Competitive bidding is designed to promote open and fair competition, and Plano ISD is fully committed to maintaining an equitable environment for all suppliers. State law strictly prohibits favoritism, and no vendor is given preferential treatment at any stage of the procurement process.

Vendor & Supplier Registration, Bid Submission, and Award Process

Registering as a Vendor

Vendors interested in doing business with Plano ISD must register through IonWave, the District’s electronic bidding platform. Registration allows vendors to select their areas of interest and receive automatic email notifications when relevant bid opportunities are posted. Plano ISD encourages participation from all vendors and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, or disability. Registration does not constitute vendor approval and does not authorize the provision of goods or services to the District.

Submitting a Bid

Once registered, vendors may respond to open solicitations directly through IonWave. Electronic submission is preferred. All bids must be received before the stated due date and time; late submissions cannot be accepted. Each solicitation includes detailed instructions outlining evaluation criteria and award procedures.

Evaluation and Award

All bids are evaluated in accordance with applicable Texas state law. Vendors will be notified of award or non‑award status through IonWave. Vendors who receive an award and complete all required documentation may attain approved vendor status, making them eligible to conduct business with the District.

Purchase Orders and Doing Business with Plano ISD

All purchasing commitments are made through an official Plano ISD Purchase Order (PO). Vendors should not provide goods or services without a signed PO. The PO outlines the District’s commitment and ensures that funds are properly allocated. Standard payment terms are net 30.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure Requirements

Texas law requires transparency in all public purchasing, and Plano ISD follows these standards to ensure ethical and impartial procurement practices. Effective January 1, 2006, any person or entity that contracts with or seeks to contract with Plano ISD for the sale or purchase of property, goods, or services must file a Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (Form CIQ) with the District’s Purchasing Department. This requirement also applies to the agents of such individuals or entities.

The responsibility for completing and submitting Form CIQ rests with each covered vendor or representative. Vendors must ensure they comply with all applicable disclosure requirements before engaging in business with the District. These disclosures help maintain public trust and uphold the integrity of the District’s procurement process.

Local Government Code Chapter 176.006

Local Government Conflict of Interest Form CIQ

Vendor and Supplier Responsibility

Vendors and suppliers are responsible for keeping their company information accurate and up to date within Plano ISD’s IonWave electronic bidding system. Any changes to a company’s profile—such as contact names, email addresses, phone numbers, or physical addresses—must be updated directly by the vendor in IonWave. If a password reset is needed, the Plano ISD Purchasing Department can assist.

Bid notifications are sent to the email address on file, making current information essential. If a vendor’s email address or internet service provider changes and the profile is not updated, bid notices will not be received, and opportunities to participate may be missed. Maintaining accurate information ensures uninterrupted communication and full access to bidding opportunities.

Tax Exemption

Plano ISD is exempt from state sales tax because it is a governmental entity. A tax exemption certificate is printed on the back of every District purchase order to document this status for vendors. Vendors should refer to the purchase order for the official exemption information when processing transactions with the District.