Begin with the agency you want to sell to, then find a specific opportunity that fits what you can deliver. The City of Orlando and Orange County have separate procurement resources. Registration and notification emails help you get started; they do not guarantee a contract.
Start with the City of Orlando
The city uses OpenGov for bid opportunities, proposals and purchasing notifications. When registering, you select commodity codes: categories describing the goods or services you sell. The city says notification emails match those selections.
Start from the city’s official guidance, choose relevant categories and keep your contact details current. Check the portal regularly as well as your inbox. The city’s page also links to tutorials for finding opportunities and submitting proposals.
Use Orange County’s vendor route
Orange County’s vendor page separates registration, participation and award information. It links to the county’s e-procurement portal, where businesses can maintain a company profile, choose category codes and submit responses online.
Use the county’s own instructions when targeting its work. The same page explains where to follow public openings, recommendations and awards. Keep those stages distinct when tracking an opportunity: finding a notice or submitting an offer does not mean you have won the work.
Check the fit before preparing a response
Open the full solicitation, the agency’s request for bids or proposals. Note the work, delivery requirements, response deadline and required documents. Compare them with your capacity before investing time in a submission.
Orange County’s guide explains that bid packages contain specifications and instructions, while requests for proposals use stated evaluation criteria that can include experience and qualifications. Follow the particular opportunity’s requirements. If a detail is unclear, use its stated question process rather than guessing.
Get help with your next step
Florida APEX Accelerator at UCF supports businesses exploring government work, including local contracts. Orange County is in its service area. Its consultants help newer and established government suppliers with planning, research, marketing materials and proposal development.
Consulting sessions are confidential, no cost and by appointment. Bring the opportunity you are considering and a short description of your business. Ask which preparation steps deserve attention first, and check the current arrangements before booking any separate training.
Using these resources
This guide covers selected City of Orlando and Orange County resources. Follow the current solicitation and agency instructions. It is not legal advice, a complete bidding checklist or an award guarantee.