Getting on state bid lists in Virginia, Maryland and Florida

Each state runs its own marketplace with its own vendor registration and commodity codes. Register in the right places and pick your codes carefully.

Federal registration does not carry over to state work. Each state runs its own purchasing system, and many cities, counties and school divisions use the same system as their state or run one of their own.

Virginia

Virginia's eVA is the state's electronic procurement marketplace, and many Virginia localities and school divisions buy through it as well. Registering as a vendor puts your firm in front of both. eVA classifies goods and services with NIGP commodity codes; building construction work falls largely under class 909 and engineering services under class 925.

Maryland

Maryland agencies post solicitations and awards through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). Vendors register once and choose the commodity codes that describe their work. Maryland also runs its own Minority Business Enterprise and Small Business Reserve programs, which are certified separately from federal programs.

Florida

Florida state agencies buy through MyFloridaMarketPlace, which requires vendor registration. Large construction programs, including transportation work, often run through the procuring agency's own contracting office, so check the agencies you want to work for directly.

Choosing commodity codes

Codes decide which notices reach you. Choose every code that matches work you can actually perform, review them once a year, and read the code descriptions rather than guessing from the titles. Too few codes means missed notices; codes for work you do not do mean noise.

Don't stop at the state

Counties, cities, school districts, transit authorities and universities award a large share of public construction. Many post bids on their own websites or regional portals. Make a list of the public owners within your service area and check how each one advertises.