FAQ: Replacement of Online Business Directory with Procurement Portal

What is happening?
The City of Seattle will be retiring the Online Business Directory (OBD), which has been used by vendors in the past to express interest in working with the City, on Aug. 15. The Online Business Directory will be available as a read-only, searchable database until Dec. 31, 2025, at which point it will be retired.

Moving forward, vendors should register in the procurement portal that was launched last year in OpenGov. If you’ve not already registered and subscribed to the City of Seattle’s page within OpenGov, you’ll need to do so to ensure you can stay apprised of contracting, solicitation and public works opportunities.

Who should register and subscribe in the City of Seattle’s new procurement portal?
Anyone with a current City contract or anyone who is interested in learning about contracting opportunities with the City. Opportunities include Public Works, Consultant Services, and Supplies and Routine Services.

What if I am already registered in OpenGov?

If you are already registered in OpenGov, log in and verify that you are subscribed to the City of Seattle’s Procurement Portal.

How can I register in OpenGov and subscribe to the City of Seattle’s procurement portal?

  • Register
    • If you are new to OpenGov, you will first need to make an account in OpenGov. This account will allow you to subscribe to the City’s Procurement Portal and respond to their posts requesting services.
    • Click this link to go to the OpenGov registration page: https://procurement.opengov.com/signup
      • Enter your email and click the Sign Up button.
    • More detailed instructions on registering in OpenGov can be found here: Vendor Registration
  • Subscribe

photo showing the City of Seattle's new procurement portal website

Short videos for OpenGov vendor users: Video Guides: OpenGov Procurement Vendor Training

Will I have to register again if I am already registered with the State’s Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, (OMWBE)?

No, the City already has vendor information from the State’s Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, (OMWBE). However if you would like to edit your profile, you can find the instructions with screenshots and at this link.

Can suppliers still self-register as WMBEs in the Procurement Portal?

Yes, once suppliers have created their profile in the Procurement Portal they can log in and add their certifications (WMBE, Certified Small Business, etc.) to their profile. Suppliers can find this feature by selecting “Company Profile” in the top right drop-down menu, then selecting “Edit Profile”, where they can find the “Certifications” tab. Detailed instructions with screenshots can be found at this link.

What should vendors do if they need support?
For vendors seeking system support, contact OpenGov.

Vendors seeking technical assistance and training on navigating City of Seattle’s contracting processes, including OpenGov, can contact the City’s designated Technical Assistant firm, Tabor 100 (Contract FAS 2024-014).

For vendors with questions on how to do business with the City, visit the City’s website or contact the City’s Purchasing and Contracting (PC) team at (206) 684-0444.

Link to City’s “Doing Business with the City” webpage: https://www.seattle.gov/purchasing-and-contracting/doing-business-with-the-city

How can I apply for the consultant roster program without signing into the Online Business Directory?
The City will release several solicitations for the consultant roster program in the City’s Procurement Portal beginning on Aug. 15. To apply for a consultant roster, submit a response in the Procurement Portal to the appropriate Consultant Roster Solicitation for your line of consulting. Additional information about the application process and the roster program will be detailed in each solicitation.