FAQ on City’s New Procurement System

What is happening?
To create a more seamless, efficient, and modernized user experience for employees and the public, the City of Seattle (“City”) is adopting a new procurement solicitation system, OpenGov.

The City will begin using OpenGov for new procurement solicitations on Aug. 12, 2024. This includes developing and posting solicitations, engaging suppliers, and evaluating responses.

For general information on how to do business with the City of Seattle: Doing Business with the City - Purchasing and Contracting | seattle.gov

 What are the benefits of OpenGov?
OpenGov will make it easier for suppliers to do business with the City of Seattle by: 

  • Streamlining the City of Seattle’s solicitations to provide more consistency across departments.
  • Centralizing City of Seattle’s solicitations onto one platform to find opportunities for Public Works, Consulting and Purchases of Goods and Routine Services.                                                          

When is the change occurring?
By Aug. 12, 2024, the City will release solicitations to OpenGov. Solicitations that were active prior to the switch will still be live on the City’s procurement sites (Purchasing BuyLine, Consultant Connection, Bonfire, and ProcureWare).

What should suppliers do?
Effective Aug. 12, suppliers will be able to see newly posted solicitations in one place. Through the City’s website you will be able to link to the City of Seattle’s solicitations powered by OpenGov.

 How to view solicitations:

  • Visit the City of Seattle Procurement Portal powered by OpenGov at Click the Menu button located on the top right of the procurement portal to Sign Up or Login.
  • Receive a solicitation invite: When the City adds a new solicitation, suppliers may be notified of the solicitation via email.
    • From the solicitation invite email, click the link to view the solicitation or register with OpenGov to download the solicitation documents.

 How can I receive automatic notification about solicitation opportunities?
Register for an account on OpenGov. Registering on OpenGov is free. Suppliers may register for a new account at any time and will only need to do so once.

Instructions on registering on OpenGov: Vendor Registration

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

What should a supplier do if they need support using OpenGov?
Users must contact OpenGov for support. Live support will be available 4am to 7pm PT, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Suppliers seeking technical assistance to engage in doing business with the City of Seattle may contact our partner association, Tabor 100.

More information will be added in the coming weeks so please stay tuned and check this page regularly.