City of Long Beach PlanetBids: Complete Vendor Registration & Bidding Guide 2025
Master the City of Long Beach PlanetBids system with our comprehensive guide. Learn vendor registration, bid submission strategies, and winning tips for Long Beach municipal contracts.
Long Beach PlanetBids Overview
Quick Facts: City of Long Beach Procurement
Annual Contract Value:
$500M+
Active Vendors:
3,500+
Average Monthly Opportunities:
45-60
Portal URL:
pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/15130
The City of Long Beach utilizes PlanetBids as its primary e-procurement platform, managing over $500 million in annual contracts across construction, public works, professional services, and goods procurement. As California's seventh-largest city with a population exceeding 460,000, Long Beach offers substantial opportunities for contractors and vendors.
Construction & Public Works
- • Infrastructure improvements ($150M+ annually)
- • Port of Long Beach projects
- • Parks and recreation facilities
- • Water and sewer systems
Professional Services
- • Engineering and design services
- • Environmental consulting
- • Technology and IT services
- • Construction management
Vendor Registration Process
- Navigate to pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/15130
- Click "Register" in the top menu
- Select "Vendor Registration"
- Complete the registration form with:
- • Legal business name and DBA
- • Federal Tax ID (EIN) or SSN
- • Business type and structure
- • Primary contact information
- Create a unique username and secure password
Required Business Information:
- Business licenses (City of Long Beach business license required)
- Insurance certificates (General liability minimum $1M)
- Contractor's license (if applicable)
- DIR registration number (for public works)
- Financial capability documentation
Select NIGP commodity codes that match your products and services. Long Beach uses these codes to notify vendors of relevant opportunities.
Pro Tip: Select all relevant codes but avoid over-selection. Focus on your core competencies to receive targeted notifications.
Finding Bid Opportunities
Construction Projects
Average monthly: 15-20
Threshold: $200,000+ formal bid
Professional Services
Average monthly: 10-15
RFP/RFQ process typical
Goods & Supplies
Average monthly: 20-25
Various thresholds apply
1. Active Solicitations Search
- • Use keyword searches for specific project types
- • Filter by posting date for newest opportunities
- • Check "All Solicitations" tab daily
- • Review both formal and informal bids
2. Set Up Auto-Notifications
- • Configure email alerts for your commodity codes
- • Enable push notifications for urgent bids
- • Set frequency to daily for best results
- • Include addenda notifications
3. Monitor Future Opportunities
- • Review Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects
- • Check annual procurement forecast
- • Attend pre-bid conferences
- • Track council agendas for upcoming projects
Bid Submission Requirements
- Log into your PlanetBids account
- Navigate to the specific solicitation
- Download all documents and addenda
- Complete required forms digitally
- Upload documents in specified format (typically PDF)
- Submit before the deadline (system locks automatically)
- Print/save confirmation receipt
- Bid form/proposal (completed and signed)
- Bid bond (10% for construction over $200K)
- Non-collusion affidavit
- Subcontractor list (if applicable)
- References and past performance
- Insurance certificates
- • Submissions must be received by the exact deadline (no exceptions)
- • System automatically locks at the specified time (typically 2:00 PM PST)
- • Allow extra time for large file uploads
- • Submit at least 1 hour before deadline to avoid technical issues
- • Late submissions cannot be accepted per California Public Contract Code
Evaluation Criteria
- • Complete and accurate bid submission
- • Proper licensing and registration
- • Bid bond included (10% of bid amount)
- • Subcontractor listing compliance
- • No material deviations from specifications
Long Beach offers preference points to local businesses with valid Long Beach business licenses. This can provide up to 10% preference in evaluation scoring for certain contracts.
Qualification Requirements:
- • Active Long Beach business license
- • Physical business location in Long Beach
- • At least 50% of workforce resides in Long Beach
- • Registration in vendor database as local business
Compliance Requirements
- • Required for all public works over $1,000
- • DIR registration mandatory
- • Certified payroll submission weekly
- • Use of ePrevailing Wage system
- • Apprenticeship requirements apply
- • List all subs performing >0.5% of work
- • Substitution restrictions apply
- • Prompt payment within 7 days
- • Good faith effort documentation for DBE
- • Insurance flow-down requirements
- • Bid bond: 10% (construction >$200K)
- • Performance bond: 100% of contract
- • Payment bond: 100% of contract
- • Maintenance bond: May be required
- • Surety must be Treasury-listed
- • General Liability: $1M per occurrence
- • Auto Liability: $1M combined single limit
- • Workers' Comp: Statutory limits
- • Professional Liability: $1M (if applicable)
- • City named as additional insured
Winning Strategies
Research & Preparation
- ✓ Review past similar awards
- ✓ Analyze winning bid amounts
- ✓ Study specifications thoroughly
- ✓ Identify DBE requirements early
Engagement Activities
- ✓ Attend all pre-bid conferences
- ✓ Submit clarification questions
- ✓ Conduct site visits
- ✓ Network with prime contractors
Missing Addenda
Always check for addenda up to bid deadline. Missing addenda = non-responsive bid.
Incomplete Subcontractor Listing
List all subs performing >0.5% of work value at bid time.
Calculation Errors
Double-check all math. City may allow correction of clerical errors only.
Late Submission
Submit at least 1 hour early. System locks exactly at deadline.
1. Build Relationships
Establish connections with City departments, attend industry days, and participate in meet-and-greet events. Long Beach values vendors who understand local needs.
2. Leverage Technology
Use bid management software to track opportunities, manage documents, and ensure timely submissions. Consider automating repetitive tasks.
3. Focus on Performance
Past performance weighs heavily. Deliver quality work, meet deadlines, and maintain good standing to improve future award chances.
4. Partner Strategically
Consider joint ventures or subcontracting to gain experience with Long Beach projects. Build your track record gradually.
Resources & Support
Purchasing Division
Phone: (562) 570-6288
Email: purchasing@longbeach.gov
PlanetBids Support
Phone: (818) 992-1771
Email: support@planetbids.com
Business License
Phone: (562) 570-6211
Email: LBBIZ@longbeach.gov
The City of Long Beach regularly offers vendor training sessions and workshops. Topics include:
- • How to Do Business with the City (quarterly)
- • PlanetBids navigation and tips (monthly)
- • Small business certification assistance
- • Contract compliance workshops
- • Meet the Buyers networking events
Check the Purchasing Department website for upcoming events and registration.
The City of Long Beach offers significant opportunities for prepared vendors. With over $500 million in annual contracts and a commitment to local business participation, now is the time to register and start competing.
Next Steps:
- Register on PlanetBids today
- Complete your vendor profile thoroughly
- Set up bid notifications for your categories
- Attend the next vendor orientation session
- Start reviewing current opportunities
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