How to Submit a Bid or Proposal for City Opportunities

If you have not already done so, please read How to do business with the City of Santa Monica.

Next, please Register as a City Vendor.

The City requires certain forms depending on the type and/or dollar value of contract or proposal.  Download and read about these forms and the City's standard professional and contractual services agreement templates here.

How and where to submit your bid will be described in each bidding package on the OpenGov Procurement website. See how to find bidding opportunities and register as a vendor on the adjacent tabs above.  Check these details, and make sure to allow enough time for delivery. The City will not accept bids received after stated deadlines. You can call or email the City contact listed on the bid information package to verify that the City has received your bid before the deadline.

The City will review all submissions according to the process described for each bid/proposal and will award the contract to the Best Bidder (goods or contractual services) or Best Qualified Person or Firm (professional services). This means that the lowest bidder may not necessarily receive the award.  

Final approval processes depend on the type of service (professional services or goods/contractual services) and on the amount of the contract.  

• City staff can award an informal bid or proposal without City Council approval.  This means that the process will likely move more quickly, and as staff can execute the contract with the City Manager's approval.
• A formal bid or proposal requires City Council approval.  This means that staff will prepare a report recommending the award and will move forward upon Council's approval.