How to register as a vendor with City of Dallas
The City of Dallas posts bids and takes electronic responses on Bonfire, and a firm must be registered with the Texas Secretary of State to be considered for award. Since January 1, 2026, the DRIVE Policy gives credit to certified small businesses on city contracts over $100,000.
Facts checked
Where City of Dallas posts bids
City of Dallas posts its solicitations on City of Dallas Bonfire portal.[1] Current city procurement opportunities are listed on Bonfire; bid openings can be watched on the city's Swagit video page.
Changed recently: City Council adopted the Developing Regional Inclusive Vendor Enterprises (DRIVE) Policy on December 10, 2025, effective January 1, 2026, focused on subcontracting with certified Small Business Enterprises.[3]
Open bids in City of Dallas right now
BidRover is tracking 1 open bid from buyers in and around City of Dallas. Most common categories:
- General procurement · 1
Get City of Dallas bids by email
How to register, step by step
- 01
Register on Bonfire vendor registration
Start registration. Cost: No fee listed by the City of Dallas. Click Register and New Vendor Registration on the city's Bonfire site, confirm your account by email, then add commodity codes to your profile.[2]
- 02
Have your Texas Secretary of State registration
To be considered for award, a business entity must be registered to do business in Texas with the Texas Secretary of State.[1]
- 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
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification for DRIVE credit, through the DFW Business Council, Women's Business Council Southwest, NCTRCA, U.S. SBA or Texas Comptroller. Certification is not needed to bid, but only certified SBEs get DRIVE participation credit or evaluation points.[3]
- 05
Watch the other buyers
State agencies in Texas 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 Dallas 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification for DRIVE credit | DFW Business Council, Women's Business Council Southwest, NCTRCA, U.S. SBA or Texas Comptroller | Certification is not needed to bid, but only certified SBEs get DRIVE participation credit or evaluation points. |
Tips
- Add every commodity code that fits during Bonfire registration so you get notices for matching bids.
- DRIVE requirements appear in competitively solicited contracts issued after March 1, 2026.
Related guides
Questions
Where does City of Dallas post government bids?
City of Dallas posts its bids on City of Dallas Bonfire portal (https://dallascityhall.bonfirehub.com/portal). 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 Dallas?
Register through Bonfire vendor registration (https://dallascityhall.com/departments/procurement/Pages/How-to-Register-as-a-Vendor.aspx). Cost: No fee listed by the City of Dallas. Click Register and New Vendor Registration on the city's Bonfire site, confirm your account by email, then add commodity codes to your profile.
What do I need before registering with City of Dallas?
Texas Secretary of State registration: To be considered for award, a business entity must be registered to do business in Texas with the Texas Secretary of State.
Does City of Dallas certify small or diverse businesses?
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification for DRIVE credit (DFW Business Council, Women's Business Council Southwest, NCTRCA, U.S. SBA or Texas Comptroller): Certification is not needed to bid, but only certified SBEs get DRIVE participation credit or evaluation points.