Frequently Asked Questions

The City adheres to Code of Federal Regulations Title 2, Part 200. Please see the policy memorandum for additional information.

Visit the City's vendor portal and register under all National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) codes that relate to the goods and/or services that you can potentially offer to the City. 

Visit the City's vendor portal to register as a potential vendor. Registered vendors will be contacted for bidding opportunities and avail of other portal features therein.

Visit the City's vendor portal to view a listing of bid opportunities and download bids for goods, services, consultants (architectural and engineering and all other types of consulting services), and construction contracts.

No, you have to be registered through the City's vendor portal to submit bids.

The pre-bid meeting is used to discuss specifications for a specific bid/proposal, and it allows for vendors to ask questions in order to seek clarification. Not all bids have a pre-bid meeting and attendance is not mandatory unless specified.

Contracts and purchase orders will be awarded to responsible and responsive bidders who meet all requirements and specifications of the bid. See the Bidding Guidelines for more information about awards and obtaining bid results.

The City offers vendors the option of receiving payments electronically rather than by check. This allows for a more timely receipt of payments and provides the vendor with the ability to better manage their accounts receivables. You may obtain information and enrollment forms by contacting the department that is being provided with goods or services.

For goods and services (non-Public Works), the City primarily uses SAP Ariba to issue its purchase orders. Some purchase orders are issued using the SAP Materials Management module, but these are exceptions and not the rule.

A consultant is defined as any professional or technical expert contracting with the City for the purpose of giving opinions, preparing reports, conducting studies, and making recommendations or providing special services in the fields of finance, planning, personnel, public relations, engineering and architecture.

City departments are responsible for advertising the Request for Proposals (RFP) and recommending award in accordance with either one of the following applicable Administrative Regulations:

• Administrative Regulation 25.70: Selection of Consultants other than Architects and Engineers
• Administrative Regulation 25.60: Selection of Consultants for Work Requiring Licensed Architect and Engineering Skills

Visit the City's vendor portal and register under all the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) codes that relate to your consulting services.

It depends. When a consultant is given influence or authority with regard to City decisions, that consultant is generally considered a city official. Such consultants are subject to conflict of interest laws to ensure that their governmental actions do not improperly benefit their financial interests and are required to file a Form 700 (Statement of Economic Interests). Refer to the Fact Sheet on Becoming a City Consultant from the City's Ethics Commission for additional information.

To bid on public works construction projects, your business must:

• Register via the City’s online vendor portal.
• Complete the contractor prequalification process (required for prime contractors).
• Ensure your business information, City of San Diego business tax certificate, and certifications and licenses are up to date.

Prequalification evaluates financial strength, experience, technical capability, and compliance with applicable laws, policies, and regulations before allowing firms to bid.

All active construction opportunities are posted through the City’s vendor portal. Registered vendors can:

• Search for open solicitations.
• Download plans and specifications.
• Receive notifications of addenda and bid updates.

Access to these tools is free once registered, and registration is required to submit bids. 

The general process includes:

1. Reviewing the advertised bid package.
2. Attending optional or mandatory pre-bid meetings/job walks.
3. Submitting questions during the solicitation period.
4. Preparing and submitting a sealed or electronic bid.
5. Participating in bid opening and review.

The City manages advertising, bid openings, and evaluation in accordance with municipal and other regulations.

Contracts are awarded to responsive and responsible bidders who meet all requirements and specifications. This means the selected contractor must:

• Submit a complete and compliant bid.
• Meet technical and licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully perform the work.

Price is important, but compliance and qualifications are also mandatory. 

Before award, contractors must satisfy several requirements, including:

• Providing proof of insurance and required bonds.
• Submitting tax documentation (e.g., Form W-9).
• Agreeing to contract general provisions and City policies (e.g., drug-free workplace).

These documents and requirements are part of the City’s standard contracting framework and must be completed prior to execution.

After award of a construction contract:

• The City issues a Notice to Proceed (NTP)—often starting with a limited NTP.
• A pre-construction meeting is scheduled.
• Project oversight shifts to the City’s engineering and construction management teams.

From that point forward, the contractor performs the work under City supervision and contract terms. Regular performance check-ins and reviews are completed and documented.