Get Started
Your business is contract ready. Explore the resources below to help you navigate the Port’s procurement process and compete with confidence.
Start Here
Whether you’re new to doing business with the Port or looking to expand your contracting opportunities, our Compete with Confidence Checklist provides you with a step-by-step roadmap to doing business with the Port. Use it to register as a vendor, understand what the Port procures, explore contracting opportunities, apply for certification (if eligible), learn how to navigate the procurement process and stay connected.
Start Here
Whether you’re new to doing business with the Port or looking to expand your contracting opportunities, our Compete with Confidence Checklist provides you with a step-by-step roadmap to doing business with the Port. Use it to register as a vendor, understand what the Port procures, explore contracting opportunities, apply for certification (if eligible), learn how to navigate the procurement process, and stay connected.
The Port of Long Beach uses PlanetBids to advertise contracting opportunities, communicate with vendors and receive electronic proposal/bid submissions. Creating your vendor profile is the first step toward doing business with the Port and ensures you receive notifications about opportunities that match your business.
Understanding what the Port procures can help you identify opportunities that align with your business’ products, services or construction capabilities. Explore the Port’s procurement categories, current contracting opportunities and upcoming projects to determine where your business may be a good fit.
The Port’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Very Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) program helps eligible businesses increase their visibility and compete for contracting opportunities. Certified firms are included in the Port’s searchable directory, helping prime contractors and consultants identify potential teaming partners.
Additional Resources:
Understanding the Port’s procurement process can help you compete with confidence and know what to expect throughout each solicitation. Learn about the key phases of the procurement process—from solicitation through contract award—and the actions you should take along the way.
Building relationships and staying informed can help position your business for future contracting opportunities. Attend outreach events, connect with Port staff and industry partners and stay up to date on new opportunities and business resources.
Don’t Do It Alone
If you need additional support, connect with PACE Business for one-on-one technical assistance. Services include business planning, financing and bonding guidance, government contracting assistance and other resources designed to help your business prepare for public contracting opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Vendors must create a free PlanetBids account to access solicitation documents and submit bids or proposals electronically.
No. Registration allows you to receive opportunity notifications and participate in solicitations, but contracts are awarded through a competitive procurement process based on the requirements and evaluation criteria identified in each solicitation.
No. Contracting opportunities are open to all qualified businesses. However, certain contracts include Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation goals. If your business qualifies, obtaining certification may increase your opportunities.
Technical Assistance (TA) refers to personalized guidance, training, and resources to help businesses develop skills, solve problems, and achieve specific goals. In a small business or procurement context, technical assistance may include: one-on-one business counseling, help identifying contracting opportunities, capability statement development, bid and proposal preparation, budget and pricing guidance, small business certification assistance, business planning and strategy support, marketing and outreach guidance, compliance and procurement readiness support, referrals to funding and business resources.
A variety of free and affordable resources are available to support your business, including one-on-one business counseling, educational workshops, mentorship opportunities, access to funding, and government contracting assistance. Some great places to start are your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), and PACE Business. If you are interested in receiving technical assistance from PACE Business, please complete the Technical Assistance Request Form on the Technical Assistance page.
