Resources for Businesses

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This general information is for new and existing vendors/contractors that want to grow their business through public contracting. Learn about how to become a registered vendor, review requirements and certifications, and how to find and compete for City contracts.
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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.

Read the vendor handbook


Become a Registered Vendor

There are three 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.

Register online

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. 

Register online

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.

Register online 

BuySpeed Vendor Registration Instructions

Need help with BuySpeed? Contact BuyspeedVendorHelp@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-865-6155.

4. Get Setup as a New Vendor in SAP

SAP is a resource planning software that incorporates key business functions at the City of Portland. After winning work with the City, vendors will need to be setup in SAP to get paid (excluding payments using Procurement Cards). To get setup in SAP and get paid, vendors/contractors must fill out and return the following forms: 


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

Review 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.

Apply online


Additional Contractor Requirements (Construction Only)

Review additional requirements


Procurement Portland City Codes

City Code 3.100Equal Opportunity 

City Code 5.33    Goods and Services 

City Code 5.34    Public Improvements and Construction Services 

City Code 5.68    Professional Service Contracts