Benefits of State Registrations
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Benefits of State Registrations
What is a State Registration?
In the same way that the federal government has websites like SAM.gov, DIBBS, and PIEE to post upcoming contracts, the State and Local governments have also developed their own bidding websites. These agencies will publish all upcoming bids and projects they’re working on via their online registration systems, and without a registered account businesses can be barred from submitting proposals entirely.
State Contract Websites
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Why Are State Registrations Important?
State governments are responsible for providing services such as infrastructure, public safety, education, healthcare, and utilities to communities across the United States. From a local university that wants to move their office furniture to a new building, all the way to the needs of the entire state of California, companies of all sizes can be sure to find jobs that match their scope and capabilities. Additionally, with a State or Municipal registration your business will have access to hundreds of contracts that will not be found on federal bid sites.
Without registering in your state’s procurement portal, you will not be allowed to bid on any nonfederal contracts.
What is Covered by State and Local Contracts?
State and Local Contracts refer to any government projects that were not released by a federal agency. They are often referred to as SLED (State, Local, and Education) Contracts.
Key Factors of State Contracts:
Hundreds of Bidding Websites/Portals:
Unlike federal contracting, there is no one website or location where businesses can find any contract they’re looking for. The State and Local market has thousands of separate entities each with their own proposal processes and portals.
Varying Complexity:
It is up to each State government to determine their own rules for submitting bids on contracts. This means that the complexity level from one bid to the next can vary wildly.
Consistent Demand:
State governments have regular needs that return over and over again. Making the Local market a stable source of revenue for small businesses.
State Contracting
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What About City and Municipal Contracts
For some businesses travelling to work on a contract anywhere in their state can be unrealistic. This is especially true for newer businesses or franchises which might have predetermined territories that they can operate in. For those organizations there are still options. By taking one step down from the State and Federal level we can find many contracts that are posted on the city and county level. Just like State contracts individual municipalities have their own bidding sites and portals where you can become a registered vendor and apply for contracts.
Key Distinctions from Federal/State Contracts:
Preferred Vendors:
City and Counties have less vendors to choose from and so tend to rely on the companies that have a proven track record with them. It is very common for newer businesses to win one contract with a local government and have that contract turn into reoccurring opportunities.
Less Competition:
Due to their restricted size the competition pool and number of total bidders for each job is significantly less than what we would normally except on a State or Federal contract.
Important Note: Local governments do not share opportunities with each other. You will not be able to see jobs from other nearby cities and counties if you are only registered with one site. That is why we recommend picking at least three regions that are closest to you and signing up with them.
Resources Available to Small Businesses in Your Area
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Why Are State Contracts Important?
State/Local jobs are a great way to start if you’re new to contracting. If you find that federal contracts are too large in scope for your current operations, then looking into smaller scale projects with local governments can be a great way to build past performance and generate revenue.
Key Benefits:
High Demand:
State contracts require everything from construction and IT services to office supplies and general maintenance.
Reliability:
Government contracts are often more stable than commercial jobs, with potentially multi-year-long agreements to guarantee return revenue for your business.
Diverse Opportunities:
With thousands of contracting entities across the country posting new contracts daily, there are endless opportunities for businesses of all sizes to pick from.
Approved Vendors:
State and local governments often rely on businesses they have worked with in the past when they award smaller jobs that don’t require bidding. Developing a positive relationship between your business and the community, posting the opportunity can lead to your business winning these No Bid contracts repeatedly whenever they require your products or services.
State contracts tend to be less competitive than their federal counterparts. Ignoring them could mean missing out on many opportunities that you have a higher chance of being awarded.
Contracting With State/Local Governments
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What Will We Complete for You
Our team will register your business with the State portal of your choice. If you do not know which State is the right one for you to start with, we will work with you to identify the best fit based on your geographic area and the primary products and services that you sell. By working with your Select GCR advisor you’ll be eligible to bid on unique opportunities in communities with a consistent demand for businesses like yours.
Additionally, if you would like to be registered in any city, county, or local government bidding sites feel free to reach out to one of our Select GCR team members, and they will work with you to find the right fit.
How Do You Register for More Bidding Sites?
Registering with additional State or Municipal governments is normally a simple, though often time intensive, process. You can find your local government’s site by searching for the (Region Name) Supplier Registration, (Region Name) Vendor Registration, or (Region Name) EMarketplace.
Once you’ve found the correct link, you can begin signing up. The majority of registration platforms are similar and require the same information. If you would like to be sure that you have the correct information before you start to look for and perform these registrations, here are some of the most common requirements:
Signed W9
Tax ID Number
Company/Contact Information
Copies of Insurance Certificates (general Liability, etc.)
Copies of Diversity Certificates (e.g., MBE, WOSB, VOSB)
With the above information you should be able to register with most non-federal governments.
Registering with State Governments
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Registering with City/County Governments
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What’s the Homework?
Before we begin the next module, work with your team to complete the following items.