Procurement & Contracting Opportunities
Engaging in procurement and contracting opportunities with government agencies offers significant advantages for small businesses. By collaborating with these entities, small businesses can access reliable revenue streams, build credibility, and expand their networks, ultimately fostering growth and sustainability in a competitive market.
Connect with Oregon APEX Accelerator to get assistance with procurement. The accelerator’s mission is to assist Oregon businesses to succeed in obtaining government contracts. They provide free one-on-one counseling as well as trainings throughout the year. To get started, create your account here: Become a Client.
Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID)
Government projects may have specific requirements or targets for their contracts to be awarded to minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned businesses, and emerging small businesses. Certifying your business for as many certifications as qualified for helps make it possible to grow and overcome barriers.
Review eligibility and register your business for the programs below through the State’s COBID website.
Federal Programs
Airport Concessionaires Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
State of Oregon
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
Emerging Small Business (ESB)
Doing business with government agencies - Request for Proposals
Local, city and state jurisdictions use a variety of platforms to announce procurement opportunities. Larger contracts are usually chosen through a competitive process called a Request for Proposals (RFP). Sign up to be notified when an RFP is released:
Doing business with government agencies - Small Procurement
Contracts with a lower dollar amount, often less than $25,000 may go through a separate process, are usually called small procurement. Small procurement may be more feasible for a smaller business to manage. Contact the government agency directly to get additional information on their small procurement process.
The City of Portland provides additional support for businesses who are interested in small procurement opportunities with City of Portland bureaus. Bonding and Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) workshops are given throughout the year and the materials can be found on the Inclusive Contracting Services website. Businesses who would like additional services can sign up with the Inclusive Contracting Services staff. Completing the Inclusive Contracting Services Request Form is the first step to connecting businesses with additional City of Portland supports!
Multnomah County requires registration with their Multco Marketplace for small procurement opportunities. The Multco Marketplace offers:
a place for staff to interact with suppliers for market research and small dollar purchases,
a place for suppliers to view and respond to intermediate and formal solicitations,
and a place to update business information including changes/expansion of services and, contact information.
The Port of Portland uses PlanetBids which can be searched by COBID certifications and NIGP commodity codes, allowing Port of Portland staff to search qualified businesses for small procurement opportunities.
Connect with Oregon APEX Accelerator to get assistance with doing business with government agencies.
