Do Your Homework
Before you submit a bid, make sure you have done your homework and met with the right people.
Attend a Pre-Bid Meeting
For larger projects and contracts, the City may require prospective bidders to attend a pre-bid meeting.
Why should you attend a pre-bid meeting?
At the pre-bid meeting, a representative from the relevant agency will share information about the project requirements, timeline, and proposal. This meeting is your opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Even if you decide not to bid on a particular project, pre-bid meetings are a great place to make connections and meet potential partners.
Talk to the Agency
Meeting with a representative of the relevant City agency or department can be an important part of the first-time bidding process.
Why should you meet with an Agency Representative?
City staff are always happy to answer questions and listen to suggestions, and the City looks to vendors like you for innovative ideas.
Meeting with City agency representatives also helps put a face to a name, which can help during the bidding process. It’s also a great way to learn about other upcoming opportunities and resources.
How to talk with an Agency Representative
Make sure to do your research before you meet with an agency representative. Learn what the agency does and how they typically handle contract work. This can help you formulate good questions to ask the agency representative.
If you are a small vendor, you should ask about what kind of experience is needed for a particular contract or if there are any other special requirements.