How to register as a vendor with County of Riverside

County of Riverside posts its solicitations on Public Purchase (County of Riverside).^[1] County bids are released on Public Purchase, but Purchasing also recommends checking its own website for all bid postings.

Changed recently: Purchasing's May 2025 vendor guide asks vendors to keep dual registration during the transition to a new eProcurement system.^[2]

BidRover is tracking 4 open bids from buyers in and around County of Riverside. Most common categories:

• Construction & facilities · 3
• Transportation & logistics · 1

1. Hot Mix Asphalt, imported borrow and signal and lighting system.California, United States · Due Dec 2, 2026
2. Reinforced concrete pipe trenchless installation method.California, United States · Due Nov 10, 2026
3. CONTRACT 3CA08001 - Flooring Replacement services **SB BIDDERS ONLY**California, United States · Due Nov 4, 2026
4. IFB 3CA07908 - Vehicle Wash Equipment ServicesCalifornia, United States · Due Oct 27, 2026

1. 01

   Register on Public Purchase vendor registration; county financial system registration for awardees

   Start registration. Cost: Free. Select every NIGP code that fits, since codes drive bid notices; Public Purchase's paid add-ons are not needed. The county emails awarded bidders to register in its financial system.^[1]

2. 02

   Have your California Secretary of State registration

   County staff check the Secretary of State business search to confirm a vendor is in good standing.^[2]

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.

4. 04

   Get certified if you qualify

   Procurement Preference Programs (Board Policy B-34), through the County of Riverside Purchasing and Fleet Services. 5% preferences for service-disabled veteran, veteran, reservist and veteran-qualified businesses, and a 5% match for small and local businesses; only one preference applies.^[2]

5. 05

   Watch the other buyers

   State agencies in California buy through the state portal, and school districts, transit agencies and utilities in the area usually post on their own sites. Registering with County of Riverside does not register you with them.

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.

Informal bidding covers purchases up to $50,000; purchases over $50,000 use the formal bidding process.^[2]

• Keep one main contact current, because all bid notices go to that single email.
• Local preference programs may not apply to state or federally funded purchases.

1. purchasing.rivco.gov/vendors/vendor-registration-maintenance
2. purchasing.rivco.gov/sites/g/files/aldnop321/files/2025-05/Doing%20Business%20With%20The%20County.pdf