How to register as a vendor with City of Columbus
Columbus posts most bids on Vendor Services, a free portal run by the City Auditor, the Purchasing Office and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. After registering you must complete a Contract Compliance (EBO) Questionnaire, and many Department of Public Service construction projects take bids on Bid Express.
Facts checked
Where City of Columbus posts bids
City of Columbus posts its solicitations on City of Columbus Vendor Services.[1] Department of Public Service road, bridge and facility projects take bids on Bid Express, which is free to use; you still need a Vendor Services account.
Open bids in City of Columbus right now
BidRover is tracking 1 open bid from buyers in and around City of Columbus. Most common categories:
- Utilities & telecommunications · 1
Get City of Columbus bids by email
How to register, step by step
- 01
Register on Vendor Services account
Start registration. Cost: Free. Sign up with your work email and taxpayer ID, and keep a W-9 on file. Complete the Contract Compliance (EBO) Questionnaire, which is also step one for City certifications.[2]
- 02
Have your Contract Compliance (EBO) Questionnaire
Complete the questionnaire in Vendor Services after registering.[3]
- 03
Choose your commodity codes
Notifications are sent by the codes in your vendor profile. Pick every code that describes your work, and revisit them when you add a service.
- 04
Get certified if you qualify
City of Columbus MBE / WBE / SRBE Certification, through the Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Free; apply through the Supplier Compliance Management System after registering in Vendor Services.[3]
- 05
Watch the other buyers
State agencies in Ohio buy through the state portal, and school districts, transit agencies and utilities in the area usually post on their own sites. Registering with City of Columbus does not register you with them.
What you will typically need
Exact requirements vary by portal; the registration page linked above is the authority. Most ask for:
- Your legal business name and address exactly as registered with the state, and your federal tax ID (EIN, or SSN for some sole proprietors).
- A signed IRS Form W-9, which most buyers collect before they can pay you.
- Commodity codes (NIGP, UNSPSC or NAICS, depending on the portal) for every product and service you sell.
- A contact who will receive bid notices, plus any business license or registration the jurisdiction requires.
- Certificates of insurance and, for construction, bonding capacity: these are usually requested per bid rather than at registration.
Certification programs
| Program | Certifying office | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City of Columbus MBE / WBE / SRBE Certification | Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion | Free; apply through the Supplier Compliance Management System after registering in Vendor Services. |
Tips
- Service contracts must pay the City's responsible wage, listed as $21.37 an hour for 2027.
Related guides
Questions
Where does City of Columbus post government bids?
City of Columbus posts its bids on City of Columbus Vendor Services (https://columbusvendorservices.powerappsportals.com/). Other local buyers nearby, such as school districts, transit agencies and utilities, usually post separately.
How do I register as a vendor with City of Columbus?
Register through Vendor Services account (https://columbusvendorservices.powerappsportals.com/). Cost: Free. Sign up with your work email and taxpayer ID, and keep a W-9 on file. Complete the Contract Compliance (EBO) Questionnaire, which is also step one for City certifications.
What do I need before registering with City of Columbus?
Contract Compliance (EBO) Questionnaire: Complete the questionnaire in Vendor Services after registering.
Does City of Columbus certify small or diverse businesses?
City of Columbus MBE / WBE / SRBE Certification (Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion): Free; apply through the Supplier Compliance Management System after registering in Vendor Services.