Tips on Doing Business with the State

• Centralized Master Bidder's List (CMBL) Registration - If your company is not already registered on the State of Texas CMBL, you are encouraged to consider registering. State agencies and institutes of higher education are required to use the CMBL to identify business' to solicit their procurement opportunities when purchasing goods and services. The CMBL is equivalent to the Yellow Pages, which others can access and research when purchasing goods and services. To inquire about CMBL registration please contact a Texas Procurement & Support Services (TPASS) Bid Services representative at 512-463-3416 or toll free at 888-863-5881. You may also view the Centralized Master Bidder's List (CMBL) on the TPASS website.
• Ensure that the information is current that you have provided to TPASS regarding your Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification, and CMBL registration (if applicable). Outdated information such as phone numbers, or fax numbers could make all the difference in having an opportunity to do business with the State of Texas.
• Market your business. Marketing your business to various entities is one of your strongest attributes. Use your company's stationary, business cards, logos, etc., to get the word out about your business' qualifications (i.e., CMBL statewide bidder, HUB certification) with the State of Texas. Attend economic opportunity forums (EOFs) to network, and build a clientele relationship with state agency purchasers and HUB coordinators. A list of state agencies and HUB coordinators may be viewed on TPASS's web site at: http://esbd.window.state.tx.us/agaddress/addresslist.cfm
• Familiarize yourself with the purchasing needs of the various state agencies and cooperative purchasing members. A copy of the HUB report which gives a detailed breakdown of what each agency purchases is available on the TBPC's web site at: http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/hub-reporting/
• Upon receiving bids, read each document thoroughly. Contact the agency in writing and request the bid tabulations or previously awarded bid. Be sure that your bids are submitted before the specified closing date and time. Failure to do so could result in your bids being rejected. Follow up on your bids; contact the agency and request the bid results (i.e., who won the award, prices, competitors). Save this information, as it may assist you with your pricing on future bid opportunities.
• Maintain a good reputation for the the goods and services you provide. Not only does competitive pricing count, but your performance, and reliability in the delivery of your goods and services is equally important.