Bid guide
How to bid on Pinellas County SBE Consultants per the Consultant Competitive Negotiations Act
What Pinellas County is buying
Pinellas County is looking for small-business consultants to participate in its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program. This program, established in 2001, aims to provide opportunities for small businesses to work with the county government. It is open to all eligible small businesses, regardless of gender or race.
A key part of the SBE Program is a sheltered market component for projects valued up to $150,000. This means that certain projects within this value range are specifically set aside for SBE-certified firms.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was published on September 11, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is September 11, 2031, at 3:00 PM ET. All submissions must be received by this time.
It is important to submit your response well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Late submissions are typically not accepted.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses that provide consulting services and are interested in working with Pinellas County. To qualify, your firm must meet the county's requirements for its Small Business Enterprise Program.
Firms that are new to government contracting, or those looking to expand their work with local government, may find this program particularly beneficial due to its focus on small businesses and the sheltered market component for smaller projects. This is a professional services category.
How to respond
To access the full details and respond to this RFQ, you need to use OpenGov Procurement, which is the agency's procurement portal. First, navigate to the original source of the opportunity. The OpenGov platform may perform a brief security check; allow it to complete.
Once on the project page, you will need to sign in or create a free vendor account. This account will allow you to download all necessary plans and documents, ask questions to the county, join the planholders list to receive updates, and submit your final response before the deadline. Any addenda or important notices will be distributed through OpenGov.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
When preparing your response, focus on clearly demonstrating how your firm meets the Small Business Enterprise program requirements. Highlight your specific consulting expertise and any relevant experience that aligns with the types of projects Pinellas County might undertake.
Pay close attention to all instructions provided in the RFQ documents. Ensure your submission is complete, accurate, and addresses all requested information. Proofread your entire response carefully to avoid errors. If you have questions, submit them through the OpenGov portal within the allowed timeframe to get official clarification from the county.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Pinellas County; the original posting controls.