Vendor Handbook
The purpose of the Vendor Handbook is focused on keeping new vendors and contractors informed and making it as easy as possible to work with the City of Portland by providing the tools and resources you need.
Become a Registered Vendor
There are four separate vendor registrations needed to do business with the City of Portland. Each registration is a fairly short, one-time process.
1. Register Your Business with the Oregon Business Registry
To do business in the State of Oregon, your business must be registered with the State. You may contact the Secretary of State Corporation Division at 503-986-2200 or go online to register.
2. Make Sure Your Portland Business License Tax Account is Current
To do business with the City, your Portland Business Tax account must be in compliance. To be in compliance, you must:
- Have a Portland Business Tax account and,
- File and pay the City of Portland business tax annually if your business is "doing business" in the City.
This applies to resident, non-resident, and tax-exempt vendors.
3. Register with BuySpeed
The City requires your business to be registered in Buyspeed, our online vendor portal. In BuySpeed, you can also view bid opportunities and sign up to be notified of bid opportunities.
By registering your business, you will receive notices about solicitations that match the NIGP commodity codes you select. Registering also gives you the opportunity to certify your business as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Equal Benefits (EB) compliant business.
See the document below for step-by-step instructions for vendor registration in BuySpeed.
BuySpeed Vendor Registration Guide
Need help with BuySpeed? Contact BuyspeedVendorHelp@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-5047.
4. Complete registration in SAP Ariba
SAP Ariba is an eCommerce website that facilitates the procurement process. It helps to streamline and automate buyer’s and seller’s ability to connect and find each other. SAP Ariba is scheduled to replace the BuySpeed system in August 2025.
After winning work with the City, vendors will need to register SAP Ariba to get paid (excluding payments using Procurement Cards).
Register as a New City of Portland Supplier in SAP Ariba
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Contracting Resources
Find resources for how your business may qualify for equity-based certifications.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Contracting Page
Post Award Compliance
Apply for Contractor Prequalification (Construction Only)
Contractors interested in bidding as a prime on a public improvement projects with an engineer’s estimate of $500,000 or greater, must be prequalified with the City of Portland. The online application process takes about 1 hour to complete. Prequalifications are typically issued within 30 days.
Additional Contractor Requirements (Construction Only)
Review additional requirements
Procurement Portland City Codes
City Code 3.100 Equal Opportunity
City Code 5.33 Goods and Services
City Code 5.34 Public Improvements and Construction Services
City Code 5.68 Professional Service Contracts