Frequently Asked Questions
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Small Business Encouragement (SBE) Program Vendor Registration
Being certified as a local small business opens the doors to increased opportunity with school district buyers, sites, and divisions who procure goods and services as well as construction services.What is certification?
Certification can be applied for using the various city, county and state entities. Your business must be a certified local small business to qualify for registration with the HCPS Office of Supplier Development's Small Business Encouragement Program (SBEP).Does the Office of Supplier Development provide Small Business, Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business certification services?No. Eligible companies will only register with the OSD's Small Business Encouragement Program (SBEP). Certification of Small Business are accepted from the following agencies: City of Tampa, State of Florida, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Florida Minority Supplier Development Council* or the City of St. Petersburg. *Note: If you are submitting a Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) certificate, it must be accompanied by a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification from one of the approved agencies listed.How do I confirm my registration for the District’s Small Business Encouragement Program (SBEP)?
The Office of Supplier Development will send an approval notice and certificate of registration in the Small Business Encouragement Program via email.What information do I need to register with VendorLink?
You should have your current business address, FEIN, number of employees, Net and Gross Income, a current Business Tax Receipt and certification as a local SBE from one of the approved agencies, and Hillsborough County Public Schools Substitute W-9 Form.
Who should register in VendorLink?
All Vendors who wish to do business with the School District are required to complete and submit an online registration form in the VendorLink System.What information do I need to register with VendorLink?
You should have your current business address, FEIN/SSN, current W9 Form, a current Business / Sales Tax Receipt and certification as a SBE/W/MBE or SDVOSB from one of the approved agencies, Hillsborough County Public Schools Substitute W-9 Form, etc.1. Must be certified as a Small Business, Woman-Owned Business, Minority-Owned Business and/or a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with one of the agencies listed below. Only one certification is needed.
Do I mail my registration form to VendorLink?
No. You should upload the document to your VendorLink profile.What if I do not have a computer?Electronic devices such as iPads, tablets, cell phones or your local library can access the internet to register. Computers are available at the Office of Supplier Development for registering in VendorLink, by appointment only.When will my SBEP registration expire?All SBEP registrations will expire on the same day as the expiration of the enterprise’s Small Business certification.
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Bid Opportunities
How do I find the status of current District construction projects?
The projects are listed on the Planning and Construction web page at: http://projects.mysdhc.org/pub_projects.aspxHow do I bid on new construction or major renovation subcontract opportunities?
The District uses the Construction Management form of project management for new construction and major renovation projects. As a result, the Construction Management firm is responsible for issuing the invitation to bid to potential subcontractors. If you are not invited to bid by the construction management firm, then the only way for you to submit a bid is as a part of a subcontractor team for the particular bid package.How will VendorLink notify me of bids?
When a bid is posted that matches a commodity code you selected, you will be notified via email.What should I do if I receive notification of a bid?
Log on to VendorLink and select "Current Bids". Search for the bid reference in your notification and view the documents. If you are interested in responding or receiving updates for the bid, select “Participate”.Can I see the bid results?
Yes. Once notified via Board recommendation and tabulation sheet, you will be able to download and print the documents from your office.
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Small Business Encouragement (SBE) Program Vendors
What are the Office of Supplier Development’s Office hours?
Please visit our Contacts page for office hours.What if I forget my VendorLink password?
The helpdesk can reset your password for you. Log on the VendorLink website, and click on the Help button on the right. To maintain security, after the password is reset, you should change it one more time to a password of your choosing.
