Request for Proposals Guide for Vendors
The Request for Proposals Guide for Vendors is for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals (vendors) who want to do contract work with the City of Portland. It’s designed to be a resource for people who are new to responding to procurements and doing contract work with government. The guide is an accompanying resource to our new Goods and Services, Personal Services, and Design Services RFP Template.
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 sell goods, services or public improvements to the City of Portland. For other types of payees that are not selling goods, services or public improvements, see "Details & Exceptions" below for more information on which applies to you or your organization.
1. Oregon Business Registry
To do business in the state of Oregon, your business must be registered with the Oregon Secretary of State. You may contact the Secretary of State Corporation Division at 503-986-2200 or go online to register.
**Details & Exceptions**
- If you are not selling goods, services or public improvements to the City, you are not required to register.
- Sole Proprietors and General Partner businesses are not required to register if the name of the business includes the "real and true" name of each owner.
- More detail is available at OR Business Registry FAQ.
2. Portland Business License Tax Account
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.
**Details & Exceptions**
- This applies to resident, non-resident, and tax-exempt vendors.
- If you or your organization is "engaged in any profit-seeking activity" in the City of Portland, you are required to have a current Portland Business License Tax account.
- If you are not selling goods, services or public improvements to the City, you are not required to have a current Portland Business License Tax account in order to be paid by the City.
- More detail at Portland Business Tax Filing & Payment Info page.
3. Register in BuySpeed
The City of Portland uses Buyspeed to publicize bidding opportunities and to receive bids and proposals for City work. By registering your business or other organization, you will receive notices about City solicitations that match the NIGP commodity codes you select.
BuySpeed Vendor Registration Guide
Need help with BuySpeed? Contact BuyspeedVendorHelp@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-5047.
**Details & Exceptions**
- Registration in BuySpeed is necessary in order to be notified of City of Portland contract opportunities and to submit bids in response to solicitations.
- If you or your organization is not interested in monitoring or bidding on City work, BuySpeed registration is not required.
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.
To receive payment from the City, vendors must register in SAP Ariba (excluding payments using Procurement Cards).
How to register as a New City of Portland Supplier in SAP Ariba
**Details & Exceptions**
- All City payees must be registered in SAP Ariba.
- To request an accommodation, please contact the City's SAP Ariba customer support team at SAP.Ariba@portlandoregon.gov.
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