SAP Ariba Frequently Asked Questions

SAP Ariba

What is SAP Ariba?

SAP Ariba is an eCommerce website that facilitates procurement. It helps to streamline and automate buyers and sellers ability to connect and find each other. Starting February 10, 2025, the City of Portland began using SAP Ariba to register new Suppliers (i.e., verify company information and obtain payment details for invoices). Starting in March 2026, the City of Portland will use SAP Ariba to post new bidding opportunities and execute new contracts.

Why is the City implementing SAP Ariba?

The City's current systems for registering Suppliers, posting bidding opportunities and executing contracts lack the functionality the City needs and that users and vendors deserve. These current systems are difficult for Suppliers to navigate, are not well integrated, and rely on offline manual processes.

How will the SAP Ariba improve City processes for Suppliers?

Suppliers that are new to SAP Ariba will find the system to be integrated and modernized. For example, banking and financial information will be collected securely online. Also, bidding opportunities, bid submission and contract negotiation will all take place online in SAP Ariba. And interested Suppliers will be able to find other non-City bidding opportunities across the SAP Ariba platform.

Suppliers that already use the SAP Business Network will be able to easily begin to do business with the City of Portland using their existing SAP Business Network Account.

BuySpeed to SAP Ariba

What is changing?  What is happening with BuySpeed?

The City of Portland will eventually replace the BuySpeed system, which the City currently uses to register Suppliers and collect bids & proposals for City work. Once fully implemented, SAP Ariba will be used to register Suppliers, to post bidding opportunities, to collect and evaluate Supplier bids and proposals, and to execute contracts awarded through the system.

Supplier is a new term to me. What does that mean?

In SAP Ariba, a Supplier is any organization or individual that receives payment from the City. This includes organizations or individuals that are selling products or services (including capital improvements), or that receive payment from the City for other reasons (e.g., grant recipients, settlement recipients).

Where can I find out more about what Suppliers need to know and do?

Please see the Doing Business With The City of Portland for the most up-to-date information on how Suppliers can work with the City of Portland.

When will Suppliers stop using BuySpeed and start using SAP Ariba?

In February 2025, the City of Portland will begin using SAP Ariba to register new and existing Suppliers (i.e., verify company information and obtain payment details for invoices) but will continue using BuySpeed for posting bidding opportunities and collecting bids and proposals from Suppliers.

In March 2026, the City of Portland will stop using BuySpeed and begin using SAP Ariba to post bidding opportunities and execute new contracts. At this point, Suppliers will begin using the new system to submit bids and proposals for City contracting opportunities as well as to execute contracts.

See the Doing Business With The City of Portland for the most up-to-date information on what Suppliers need to know and do at any point in time.

Will this project impact my current contract and/or the business I currently conduct with the City?

No. Pre-existing contracts will still be managed as they have been to date. Invoice processing will not be impacted. If your contract is amended (such as to extend the contract or revise the scope), however, then that amendment will be processed through the new system.

I am already a registered vendor with the City. Why do I need to re-register in this new system?

The Supplier registration information collected in SAP Ariba is not identical to what the City currently has on record for current Suppliers. So, it is necessary for Suppliers to re-register in the new system to ensure that we collect up-to-date information in a secure fashion.

SAP Business Network

What is the SAP Business Network?

The SAP Business Network (formerly known as Ariba Network) is an online marketplace that connects vendors and buyers for solicitations and purchasing transactions. ​ It provides a single account that Suppliers can use to do business with buyers on the platform (such as the City of Portland) that use it to source goods and services.

More information about the SAP Business Network

Will my business need to pay fees to conduct business with the City via SAP Ariba?

No. Suppliers may choose to establish either a free Standard Account or a fee-based Enterprise Account on the SAP Business Network. Suppliers will be able to participate fully with City of Portland with either type of account.

Is it necessary for a Supplier to create an SAP Business Network account AND complete a City registration to do business with the City?

Yes. First, Suppliers will establish a single SAP Business Network account that they can use to do business with any of a number of organizations that use SAP Ariba to source goods and services. Second, the Supplier will complete a registration that is specific to the City of Portland when invited to register via email.

If I already have an existing SAP Business Network account, does that mean I am fully set up to do business with the City?

No. In order to execute a contract with and/or process a payment to a Supplier, there are several requirements. To review all the City's standard requirements, see the Contractor Requirements on theSupplier Handbook page.[AP1]

How do I log into an existing SAP Business Network Account?

You can log into an existing SAP Business Network account at supplier.ariba.com.

Where can I find guidance on how to use SAP Ariba and the SAP Business Network to do business with the City?

Please visit the City's Support Center for guidance, tutorials, and other resources.

Other Questions

Will subcontractors need to do anything in this system?

No.

How do I register to do business with the City? What information do I need to have available?

Visit Doing Business with the City of Portland.

How do I update an existing SAP Ariba registration with the City?

If you have an approved registration from the City of Portland, you can update your information at any time through the SAP Business Network.

How Else Can We Help You?

• Doing Business with the City of Portland – includes information about what the city buys, how to find and compete for contracts, and register as a city supplier after winning a contract. 
• Additional Guidance for Businesses - includes links to guides and handbooks that explain procurement processes, certifications, resources for contractors, post-award compliance, and links to City codes.
• SAP Ariba Frequently Asked Questions – includes answers to commonly asked questions about SAP Ariba.
• Support Center – provides guidance, video tutorials, and technical support for working in SAP Ariba.
• Anti-Fraud Statement – our efforts to protect your information.