Most contractors are interested in getting government contracts, and the City of Portland has a wealth of government work available for bidding, providing the contractor meets a number of basic requirements and certifications. Getting government contracts or City of Portland contracts can be more easily obtainable with having an EEO certificate.
The City of Portland purchases goods and services in three basic categories: construction, goods & services, and professional, technical & expert services. Some current vendor and contract opportunities range from providing a public safety voice radio communications system to sewer projects, providing commercial compost and recycling containers, water quality corrosion studies, supply of medical and industrial gases, providing lumber products and building supplies, groundwater technical services and much more. In all, there is much government work that can supply your business with the volume it’s reaching for and getting government contracts and The City of Portland contracts can also facilitate a reputation that your company can expand on.
Vendors and contractors interested in bidding on City of Portland contracts need to comply with the following areas to obtain government work:
- General construction safety requirements for owner controlled insurance program (OCIP) projects;
- Sweatshop-free compliance provisions for apparel manufacturers;
- Contractor prequalification for primary construction contractors on formal public improvement projects;
- Vendor employee equal benefits provisions to comply with the city’s equal benefits program, primarily domestic partner coverage;
- Insurance and worker’s compensation requirements, including general liability and automobile coverage;
- General contractor requirements to do business with the city;
- Construction-specific contractor requirements to work with the city.
General contractor requirements include:
- A current Portland business license tax account;
- EEO certification, required for all vendors and contractors doing business with the city in amounts exceeding $2500 annually;
- Registration with Oregon Central Business Registry;
- Insurance and workers’ compensation;
- Equal benefits compliance;
- Minority-owned, women-owned, emerging small business (MWESB) program participation may be required;
- Non-resident bidder form required for non-resident bidders awarded a contract exceeding $10,000 in value.
All of these requirements are outlined on the City of Portland’s Management and Finance, Bureau of Internal Business Services Contractor Requirements webpage.
