Contracting and Procurement

Explore contracting opportunities for small business growth.

Government and corporate procurement can be an incredible opportunity to grow your business revenues in a new and diversified manner. The SBDC Center for Contracting is here to help you with education, training, and one-on-one consulting, all in support of your efforts to win procurement contracts at the federal, state, local, or private level.

Our team of experts has years of industry experience and is able to assist businesses located in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties at no-cost.

Main Strategic Areas

Whether you are new to contracting or if you receive contracts regularly, the SBDC team of contracting experts is here to help you grow your business in the following key strategic areas.

Research

Target market identification
NAICS/UNSPSC/SIC codes
Market research provided by SBDC Intel
Capabilities statement

Business Certifications

Public utilities
State of California
Private sector
Local municipalities
Federal

Research

Target market identification
NAICS/UNSPSC/SIC codes
Market research provided by SBDC Intel
Capabilities statement

Business Certifications

Public utilities
State of California
Private sector
Local municipalities
Federal

Contracts and Bids

Registering to receive bid notifications
Searching for bids
Understanding the differences — request for proposal (RFP), request for quote (RFQ), and request for information (RFI)
How to read a bid
How to submit a bid
Researching past performance

Managing a Contract

Bonding requirements
Department of Industrial Requirements and Worker’s Compensation requirements
Prevailing wage
Financing
Reporting

Contracts and Bids

Registering to receive bid notifications
Searching for bids
Understanding the differences — request for proposal (RFP), request for quote (RFQ), and request for information (RFI)
How to read a bid
How to submit a bid
Researching past performance

Managing a Contract

Bonding requirements
Department of Industrial Requirements and Worker’s Compensation requirements
Prevailing wage
Financing
Reporting

Contracting Bids

Learn about upcoming opportunities for small businesses.

FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT

COUNTIES

CITIES

TRANSPORTATION

STATE UNIVERSITIES

California State University
University of California

Contracting Connections – May 2026

Contracting Connections is your resource for the latest information on bid notices, contracting trainings, and events.

BID NOTICES

Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Systems: Preventative Maintenance Services
(RFI #FMARC-338)
Agency: County of Riverside
Bid Due Date: May 13, 2026
Link: Public Purchase open bids | County of Riverside Purchasing and Fleet Services

Mead Valley Wellness Village Substance Use Disorder Residential Treatment and Sobering Center
(RFP #MHARC-310)
Agency: County of Riverside
Bid Due Date: May 25, 2026
Link: Public Purchase open bids | County of Riverside Purchasing and Fleet Services

Competitive Bids for General Engineering Job Order Contract Services – GEJOC18
Agency: County of San Bernardino
Bid Due Date: May 20, 2026
Link: San Bernardino County – Bid Solicitation – ANE223-ANE2C-6366

Weapons Detection System Lease
Agency: County of San Bernardino
Bid Due Date: May 19, 2026
Link: San Bernardino County – Bid Solicitation – ARMC126-ARMC-6340

Routine Maintenance and Repairs of Industrial Laundry Equipment
Agency: County of Orange
Bid Due Date: May 28, 2026
Link: Open Bids / County Contracts Portal | County Procurement Office – Orange County California

Purchase of Intercom Equipment (Product Only)
Agency: Fontana Unified School District
Bid Due Date: May 12, 2026
Link: Project Overview

Optometry Services – PR269002
Agency: DGS
Bid Due Date: May 5, 2026
Link: Event Details

Building Repairs (3CA07819) – Small Business Bidders Only
Agency: Cal Fire
Bid Due Date: May 20, 2026
Link: Event Details

Dishwasher and Booster Heater Replacement (25LDM025)
Agency: Dept Of Veterans
Bid Due Date: May 26, 2026
Link: Event Details

Disadvantaged Community Direct Install Turf Replacement Program
Agency: Metropolitan Water District
Bid Due Date: May 29, 2026
Link: PlanetBids Vendor Portal

Are You Interested in Becoming a Supplier for the Upcoming 2026 World Cup or the 2028 Olympics?
Register your business to be considered for future opportunities across the logistics, hospitality, events, and other industries.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Local Supplier Interest Form – Click Here
2028 Los Angeles Olympics Supplier Registration Form – Click Here

TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

SCR-MWD Contractor Academy (Orange County)
Wednesdays in May
SCR-MWD Contractor Spring Academy 2026 – SoCal

Emergency Contracting with the California State Government
Thursday, May 7 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn More & Register

Using AI for Locating Bids and other Critical Proposal Development Insights
Thursday, May 28 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Learn More & Register

CONTRACTING AND VENDOR EVENTS

SoCal Contracting Conference (Riverside)
June 11, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Learn More & Register

2025 Southern California
Contracting Conference

In June, the OCIE SBDC hosted the 2025 Southern California Contracting Conference in Riverside. With more than 30 buyers, 20 agencies, and 20 presenters, the event created opportunities for over 500 attendees to network, connect with agencies and buyers, and learn how to grow their businesses through contracting and procurement.

Unlock New Opportunities

Let the Center for Contracting help you identify opportunities for growth through procurement contracts. Schedule your intake appointment today to get matched up with a contracting and procurement expert, all at no cost.