How to register as a vendor with Government of the District of Columbia

Government of the District of Columbia posts its solicitations on OCP eSourcing (Ariba).^[1] Bids are accepted only through a registered, approved eSourcing account; fax and email bids are not accepted.

BidRover is tracking 18 open bids from buyers in and around Government of the District of Columbia. Most common categories:

• General procurement · 5
• Professional services · 3
• Architecture & engineering · 2
• Transportation & logistics · 2
• Construction & facilities · 1
• Data & analytics · 1
• Goods & supplies · 1
• Healthcare · 1

1. F27-BOE-Table and Chairs for upcoming 2026 November General ElectionWashington, United States · Due Oct 26, 2026
2. DCKT-FY27 Industrial Tools and Supplies for Leaf and Snow SeasonWashington, United States · Due Oct 26, 2026
3. FY26 Parkland Stormwater Retrofits - DPR VWashington, United States · Due Nov 24, 2026
4. Dhcd Rftob Batch 2700 Roofing (Dhcd Boa Vendors Only)Washington, United States · Due Nov 6, 2026
5. Smart TVs and Wall Mounts for 901 D St SWWashington, United States · Due Oct 30, 2026
6. FY-27_SCHOOL Bus Fleet Waterless Cleaning, Disinfecting and Extermination Services (Cbe Contractors Only)Washington, United States · Due Oct 28, 2026

1. 01

   Register on eSourcing vendor registration

   Start registration. Cost: No fee listed by the District. You need the company name, tax ID, main phone, city and state, and a point of contact; the user ID must be an email address. One tax ID equals one eSourcing account, and confirmation takes 24-48 business hours.^[2]

2. 02

   Have your Federal tax ID and D&B number

   Vendors must provide a Federal Tax ID number and D&B number before a contract is awarded.^[3]

3. 03

   Have your DC business license and tax compliance

   Vendors must hold a valid business license and, for contracts over $100,000, show that District taxes and unemployment taxes are current.^[3]

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   Get certified if you qualify

   Certified Business Enterprise (CBE), through the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). Principal office must be physically located in DC; certification lasts three years.^[4]

6. 06

   Watch the other buyers

   State agencies in District of Columbia buy through the state portal, and school districts, transit agencies and utilities in the area usually post on their own sites. Registering with Government of the District of Columbia 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.

Solicitations over $250,000 must also be advertised at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.^[1]

• OCP says eSourcing does not work with Google Chrome or on Apple, Linux or Android systems.
• Only CBEs can get on the DC Supply Schedule.

1. ocp.dc.gov/page/frequently-asked-questions-ocp
2. ocp.dc.gov/page/vendor-registration
3. ocp.dc.gov/page/requirements-doing-business-district
4. dslbd.dc.gov/page/cbe-certification-frequently-asked-questions-faqs