PlanetBids San Francisco: Complete Vendor Registration Guide 2025
Last Updated: December 2025
What is PlanetBids San Francisco?
Direct Answer: PlanetBids San Francisco is the City and County of San Francisco's official online procurement portal where government agencies post construction bids, professional services contracts, and purchasing opportunities. Contractors and vendors must register on this platform to receive bid notifications, download solicitation documents, and submit proposals for city projects ranging from $10,000 to $100+ million.
San Francisco operates one of the most active municipal procurement systems in California, with over $2 billion in annual contract opportunities across multiple departments including Public Works, Airport Commission, Port of San Francisco, Recreation and Parks, Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and the Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). The PlanetBids platform centralizes these opportunities, replacing manual processes and providing transparent access to all qualified contractors.
This comprehensive guide covers San Francisco PlanetBids registration, portal navigation, bid discovery strategies, proposal submission requirements, and local contracting preferences. Whether you're pursuing government construction bids or specialized public works projects, understanding San Francisco's procurement system is essential. Track your San Francisco opportunities alongside other Bay Area contracts with automated deadline reminders and document management.
According to the San Francisco Controller's Office, the city awards 3,000+ contracts annually, with local businesses winning 40-45% of city contracts through Local Business Enterprise (LBE) certification programs. Contractors familiar with PlanetBids navigation and San Francisco procurement requirements maintain 25-30% higher success rates than first-time bidders unfamiliar with the system.
How Do I Register for PlanetBids San Francisco?
Registration Process (15-20 minutes):
Step 1: Access the San Francisco PlanetBids Portal
Visit the official portal at https://sfgov.org/bids or https://sfcitypartner.sfgov.org/pages/index.aspx
San Francisco uses both the legacy "City Partner" system and the newer PlanetBids interface. Most construction and professional services contracts are posted on both platforms, but PlanetBids provides better mobile access and notification features.
Step 2: Create Vendor Account
Click "New Vendor Registration" and provide:
Required Business Information:
- Legal business name (exactly as registered with state)
- Business address (physical location, not PO box)
- Mailing address (if different from physical)
- Federal Tax ID (EIN) or Social Security Number
- Business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership)
- California contractor license number (if applicable)
- Insurance information (general liability, workers comp)
Contact Information:
- Primary contact name and title
- Phone number (must be monitored during business hours)
- Email address (receives all bid notifications)
- Secondary contact (recommended for bid deadline coverage)
IMPORTANT: Use a dedicated email address monitored by your estimating team. San Francisco releases 50-100 bid opportunities weekly during peak season (January-June). Missed notifications = missed opportunities.
Step 3: Select Commodity Codes
San Francisco uses NIGP (National Institute of Governmental Purchasing) commodity codes to categorize vendors:
Construction-Related Codes:
- 90000-90999: Construction Services (general)
- 90500: Building Construction, General
- 90700: Concrete Construction
- 90800: Electrical Construction
- 91000: Plumbing and HVAC Construction
- 91400: Roofing Construction
- 91600: Site Work, Grading, Excavation
- 91800: Structural Steel and Metals
- 92500: Painting and Coating Services
- 93500: Demolition Services
Professional Services Codes:
- 91800: Architectural Services
- 91900: Engineering Services (structural, civil, MEP)
- 95600: Project Management Services
TIP: Select 10-15 relevant commodity codes. San Francisco allows unlimited selections, but focus on trades you actively pursue to avoid notification overload.
Step 4: Complete Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Profile
San Francisco prioritizes local businesses through Administrative Code Chapter 14B:
LBE Certification Benefits:
- 5% bid price preference on city contracts
- Access to set-aside contracts (LBE-only competition)
- Priority notification for subcontracting opportunities
- Networking events and technical assistance
LBE Eligibility Requirements:
- Business location within San Francisco city limits
- At least 51% ownership by SF residents
- Headquarters and management operations in SF
- Business license current and in good standing
How to Apply: Visit the SF Contract Monitoring Division to submit LBE application. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. You can bid on projects while application is pending, but cannot receive LBE preference until certified.
Step 5: Set Up Email Notifications
Configure notification preferences:
Recommended Settings:
- Instant email alerts for new solicitations (matching your commodity codes)
- Daily digest of all new opportunities (backup in case instant alerts fail)
- Addenda notifications (critical - missing addenda = non-responsive bid)
- Pre-bid meeting reminders (7 days and 1 day before)
- Bid due date reminders (7 days, 3 days, 1 day before)
Mobile App: Download the PlanetBids mobile app (iOS/Android) for push notifications. Essential for fast-moving opportunities with short response times (some professional services RFPs have 10-day turnarounds).
What Types of Bids Are Available on San Francisco PlanetBids?
Major Project Categories:
Construction and Public Works (60% of Contract Value)
Department of Public Works:
- Street reconstruction and resurfacing ($500K-$10M typical)
- Sidewalk repair and ADA improvements ($250K-$5M)
- Sewer and stormwater infrastructure ($1M-$50M)
- Municipal building renovation ($2M-$30M)
- Parks and playground construction ($300K-$8M)
SFPUC (Public Utilities Commission):
- Water system improvements ($5M-$100M+ - some of SF's largest contracts)
- Wastewater treatment facilities ($10M-$200M)
- Hetch Hetchy water supply infrastructure ($20M-$150M)
- Power generation and distribution ($2M-$50M)
Port of San Francisco:
- Waterfront development ($5M-$50M)
- Pier rehabilitation ($3M-$30M)
- Seawall strengthening (multi-billion program, phased contracts)
- Maritime facilities construction ($1M-$20M)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
- Terminal improvements ($10M-$500M)
- Airfield pavement and lighting ($2M-$50M)
- Parking and ground transportation facilities ($5M-$100M)
- Utility infrastructure ($1M-$30M)
SFMTA (Transportation Authority):
- Transit facility construction ($2M-$50M)
- Street safety improvements (Vision Zero projects, $500K-$10M)
- Traffic signal and streetlight upgrades ($1M-$15M)
- Bike and pedestrian infrastructure ($250K-$5M)
Typical Project Sizes:
| Contract Type | Small | Medium | Large | Mega | |--------------|-------|--------|-------|------| | Building Construction | $250K-$2M | $2M-$10M | $10M-$50M | $50M+ | | Infrastructure | $500K-$5M | $5M-$20M | $20M-$100M | $100M+ | | Specialty Trades | $50K-$500K | $500K-$3M | $3M-$15M | $15M+ |
Bonding Requirements:
- Bid bond: 10% of bid amount
- Performance bond: 100% of contract value
- Payment bond: 100% of contract value
- Required on all city contracts over $50,000
How Do I Search for Bids on San Francisco PlanetBids?
Effective Search Strategies:
Method 1: Advanced Search by Criteria
Navigate to: Search > Advanced Search
Key Filters:
- Solicitation Type: IFB (Invitation for Bid), RFP (Request for Proposal), RFQ (Request for Qualifications)
- Status: Open (active opportunities only)
- Department: Filter by agency (DPW, SFPUC, SFO, Port, etc.)
- Commodity Code: Your registered trades
- Value Range: $50K-$500K, $500K-$5M, $5M+ (based on bonding capacity)
- Due Date: Next 30 days, 60 days, 90 days
Pro Tip: San Francisco releases most construction bids on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 8am-11am. Check portal daily during this window for newest opportunities.
Method 2: Department-Specific Monitoring
Focus on high-volume departments matching your expertise:
For General Contractors:
- Department of Public Works (DPW) - highest volume
- Real Estate Division - building renovation
- Recreation and Parks - facility construction
For Infrastructure Contractors:
- SFPUC - water/wastewater (largest individual contracts)
- Port of San Francisco - waterfront heavy civil
- SFMTA - street and transit infrastructure
For Specialty Contractors:
- All departments (subcontracting opportunities)
- Track prime contractor awards, contact for sub opportunities
Method 3: Pre-Bid Meeting Calendar
Navigate to: Calendar View > Filter by "Pre-Bid Meetings"
Strategy: Pre-bid attendance is often mandatory for San Francisco contracts. Meetings provide critical information:
- Site conditions and access limitations
- Owner's priorities and concerns
- Question and answer period (clarify ambiguities)
- Meet potential subcontractors and suppliers
- Sign-in sheet proves attendance (required for bid responsiveness)
Meeting Locations:
- City Hall (1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place)
- Department of Public Works (49 South Van Ness Avenue)
- Project sites (address provided in solicitation)
- Virtual meetings (Zoom/Teams - became common post-2020)
Method 4: Saved Searches and Alerts
Create multiple saved searches for different opportunity types:
Example Saved Searches:
- "DPW Construction $500K-$5M" - sweet spot projects
- "SFPUC Infrastructure Open" - large infrastructure opportunities
- "All Departments Electrical" - specialty trade opportunities
- "Port Waterfront Construction" - marine construction expertise
Each saved search generates separate email notifications, allowing you to prioritize by project type.
What Are San Francisco's Local Contracting Requirements?
Mandatory Compliance Programs:
Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Requirements
What It Is: San Francisco requires prime contractors to meet LBE subcontracting participation goals on most city contracts.
Typical LBE Goals:
- Construction contracts: 15-30% of contract value to LBE subcontractors
- Professional services: 20-40% to LBE consultants
- Varies by project complexity and LBE availability in trade
How to Meet Requirements:
Option 1: LBE Subcontracting
- Identify LBE-certified firms in required trades
- Obtain quotes and commitments from LBE subs
- Document outreach efforts (required even if unsuccessful)
- Submit LBE utilization plan with bid
Option 2: Good Faith Effort If unable to meet goal, demonstrate good faith effort:
- Contacted minimum 5 LBE firms per trade (documented)
- Advertised subcontracting opportunities in local publications
- Attended pre-bid meeting and networking events
- Provided adequate response time (minimum 5 business days)
- Offered assistance with bonding/insurance (if needed)
- Negotiated in good faith (documented price discussions)
Where to Find LBE Contractors:
- SF Contract Monitoring Division LBE Directory
- Pre-bid meeting sign-in sheets (LBEs attend to network)
- Local contractor associations (AGC, NECA, ABC San Francisco chapters)
Prevailing Wage Requirements
ALL San Francisco city contracts require prevailing wage compliance:
Applicable Rates: San Francisco maintains separate prevailing wage rates higher than California state rates:
- California DIR rates (base state prevailing wage)
- San Francisco supplemental rates (additional $5-$15/hour typical)
- Total SF prevailing wage often 15-25% higher than state minimum
Example (2025 rates):
- Carpenter: $65.84/hr base + $45.23/hr fringe = $111.07/hr total (SF rate)
- Compare to: $58.50/hr base + $38.50/hr fringe = $97.00/hr (CA state rate)
Where to Find Current Rates:
- Office of Labor Standards Enforcement: https://sfgov.org/olse/minimum-wage-ordinance-mwo
- Prevailing wage determinations included in every solicitation (Section 00 73 29)
Compliance Requirements:
- Weekly certified payroll (submitted via LCPtracker or similar)
- Post wage rates at job site
- Maintain timekeeping records by classification
- Include prevailing wage clauses in all subcontracts
- Subject to OLSE audits (non-compliance = penalties, debarment)
First Source Hiring Ordinance
Requirement: Contracts over $50,000 must prioritize hiring San Francisco residents:
- 30% of new hires must be SF residents
- 50% of apprentice hours must be by SF residents
- Partner with CityBuild (SF's pre-apprenticeship program)
How It Works:
- Post job openings with SF First Source system
- Interview qualified SF resident referrals
- Document hiring decisions (required for compliance)
- Report monthly to First Source office
Health Care Accountability Ordinance (HCAO)
Requirement: Employers on city contracts must provide health care expenditure or pay city fee:
- $2.80-$4.20/hour (2025 rates, adjusted annually)
- Applies to employees working on SF city contracts
- Options: Employer-sponsored health insurance, health savings contributions, or city payment
How Do I Submit a Bid on San Francisco PlanetBids?
Submission Process:
Step 1: Download Complete Bid Package (7-14 days before deadline)
Critical Documents:
- Invitation for Bid (IFB) or Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Contract General Conditions
- Supplemental Conditions and Special Provisions
- Technical Specifications (organized by CSI division)
- Drawings and plans (PDF and often CAD files)
- Addenda (check daily - issued up to 48 hours before bid due date)
- Bid forms and certifications
IMPORTANT: San Francisco issues frequent addenda. Check portal daily during bid preparation. Missing an addendum = non-responsive bid = rejection.
Step 2: Attend Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting
If stated as "mandatory" in solicitation:
- Attendance required for bid responsiveness
- Sign-in sheet proves attendance
- Bring notebook for site conditions observations
- Photograph challenging conditions (for pricing)
- Ask clarifying questions (submitted in writing after meeting)
Virtual Attendance: Many pre-bids now hybrid (in-person + virtual). Ensure you follow instructions precisely. Some require in-person site visit plus virtual technical meeting.
Step 3: Submit RFIs and Clarifications (5-7 days before deadline)
Request for Information (RFI) Process:
- Submit questions via PlanetBids "Questions" tab
- Deadline typically 5-7 days before bid due date
- City responds via addendum (visible to all bidders)
- Never proceed with assumptions - unclear specs = risk
Common RFI Topics:
- Conflicting specifications between sections
- Drawing discrepancies or missing details
- Material substitution approval
- Schedule constraints and phasing
- Site access and staging limitations
Step 4: Prepare Bid Response
Required Bid Forms (vary by project):
- Bid form (pricing schedule)
- Bidder's qualifications statement
- References (typically 3-5 similar projects, last 5 years)
- Financial information (bonding capacity letter from surety)
- LBE utilization plan
- Non-collusion affidavit
- Workers' compensation certification
- Drug-free workplace certification
- First Source hiring agreement
- Conflict of interest form
Bonding Requirements:
- Bid bond: 10% of bid amount (certified check or surety bond)
- Must be on approved surety list (federal SF-25 form)
- Submitted with bid (electronic upload or sealed envelope)
Prevailing Wage Acknowledgment:
- Sign statement acknowledging prevailing wage requirements
- Confirm you've reviewed and included SF prevailing wage rates in bid
- Acknowledge penalties for non-compliance
Step 5: Electronic Submission (before deadline)
San Francisco accepts electronic submissions through PlanetBids:
Upload Requirements:
- All forms completed and signed (wet signature or DocuSign)
- Scanned at 300dpi minimum (readable quality)
- PDF format (individual documents, not one massive file)
- Named clearly: "Bid Form Project XYZ.pdf", "LBE Plan Project XYZ.pdf"
- Total package under 50MB (compress large drawing sets)
Submission Timing:
- Aim to submit 2-4 hours before deadline
- System can crash during final 30 minutes (high traffic)
- Allows time to fix any upload errors
- No late submissions accepted - system locks at deadline precisely
Confirmation:
- Save confirmation email (proof of timely submission)
- Check "My Bids" dashboard to verify submission status shows "Submitted"
- Technical support: (415) 554-6229 (during business hours only)
Step 6: Bid Opening (Public Process)
San Francisco conducts public bid openings:
- Date/time/location stated in IFB
- Now typically virtual (Zoom webinar)
- All bid amounts read aloud publicly
- Recorded and posted to PlanetBids
- Low bidder does NOT automatically win (must be "responsive and responsible")
After Bid Opening:
- Review bid tabulation (posted within 24 hours)
- Compare your bid to competitors
- Identify any bid errors (withdrawal allowed in limited circumstances)
- If you're low bidder, expect phone call within 2-5 business days
What Happens After I'm Awarded a San Francisco Contract?
Post-Award Process:
Contract Execution (10-30 days after award)
Required Submissions:
- Performance bond (100% of contract value)
- Payment bond (100% of contract value)
- General liability insurance ($1M-$5M depending on contract size)
- Auto liability insurance ($1M combined single limit)
- Workers' compensation insurance (statutory limits)
- Pollution liability (if handling hazardous materials)
- Professional liability (for design-build or CMAR projects)
City Requirements:
- San Francisco business registration certificate
- Signed contract (city prepares, contractor reviews and signs)
- Taxpayer identification certification
- First Source hiring agreement executed
- LBE commitment letter (if applicable)
Notice to Proceed (NTP)
After contract execution:
- City issues Notice to Proceed (start date)
- Typically 10-20 days after contract signing
- Allows time for submittals and mobilization
- Contract time starts from NTP date (not award date)
Project Administration
Ongoing Requirements:
- Weekly certified payroll (prevailing wage documentation)
- Monthly First Source hiring reports
- LBE payment documentation (submit with pay applications)
- Progress meetings (typically bi-weekly)
- RFI responses and submittal reviews
- Change order requests (extensive documentation required)
Payment Process:
- Monthly progress payments
- Submit payment application by 5th of month
- 30-day payment after approval (sometimes faster)
- 5-10% retention held until final completion
- Final payment after closeout and acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for PlanetBids if I'm already registered with other California agencies?
Yes, each government agency maintains separate vendor registration. San Francisco PlanetBids registration is required to receive bid notifications and submit proposals for city contracts, even if you're registered with state, county, or other cities. The registration process takes 15-20 minutes and is free. However, your business information, licenses, and insurance can be reused across registrations.
How much does it cost to register for San Francisco PlanetBids?
Registration is completely free. There are no fees to create a vendor account, receive bid notifications, download solicitations, or submit proposals. However, you will need valid contractor licenses, insurance, and bonding - which have associated costs. San Francisco does charge permit fees and project-specific costs (plan check, inspection fees) but these are separate from the PlanetBids registration.
What is the LBE certification and do I need it to bid on San Francisco contracts?
Local Business Enterprise (LBE) certification is a San Francisco program providing certified businesses with 5% bid price preferences and access to set-aside contracts. You do NOT need LBE certification to bid on San Francisco contracts, but certified firms have competitive advantages. To qualify, your business must be located within San Francisco city limits with 51% ownership by SF residents. Apply through the SF Contract Monitoring Division - processing takes 4-6 weeks.
How long does it take to get awarded a contract after bid opening?
San Francisco's award process typically takes 30-90 days from bid opening to contract execution. Timeline depends on: (1) Contract review and approval process (2-4 weeks), (2) Board of Supervisors approval for contracts over $10M (can add 30-60 days), (3) Responsiveness review and responsibility determination (1-2 weeks), (4) Protests or challenges (can delay 30+ days). You'll receive preliminary notice within 5-10 days if you're apparent low bidder, but final award requires multiple approval layers.
Can I bid on San Francisco projects if my business is located outside the city?
Yes, San Francisco welcomes contractors from anywhere in California or nationally. However, local businesses receive advantages through the LBE program (5% bid preference for certified local firms). Most successful contractors outside SF partner with local subcontractors to meet LBE participation goals (typically 15-30% of contract value). You must also comply with San Francisco's First Source hiring ordinance (30% SF resident hiring) regardless of your business location.
What are the typical bonding requirements for San Francisco contracts?
San Francisco requires three bonds on all contracts over $50,000: (1) Bid bond: 10% of bid amount (submitted with bid), (2) Performance bond: 100% of contract value (guarantees completion), (3) Payment bond: 100% of contract value (guarantees payment to subs/suppliers). Bonds must be from sureties on the federal SF-25 approved list. Typical bonding cost: 0.5-3% of contract value depending on your financial strength and project risk. Start building bonding capacity on smaller contracts before pursuing multi-million dollar projects.
How do San Francisco prevailing wages compare to state rates?
San Francisco maintains separate prevailing wage rates typically 15-25% higher than California state prevailing wage. For example, carpenter rates in SF are approximately $111/hour total (base + fringes) compared to $97/hour state rate - a $14/hour difference. These higher rates must be incorporated into your bid estimate. Download current SF prevailing wage determinations from the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) or from specifications in each solicitation package (Section 00 73 29). Failing to use SF rates = under-priced bid = lost profit.
What types of contracts does San Francisco award most frequently?
San Francisco awards construction contracts across all building and infrastructure categories, with highest volumes in: (1) Street and sidewalk improvements (DPW, 100+ contracts annually), (2) Sewer and stormwater infrastructure (SFPUC, $100M+ annually), (3) Water system improvements (SFPUC, some of CA's largest infrastructure projects), (4) Airport terminal and airfield improvements (SFO, $200M+ annually), (5) Municipal building renovation (multiple departments), (6) Parks and recreation facilities (Recreation & Parks), (7) Transit infrastructure (SFMTA). Contract sizes range from $50K maintenance contracts to $500M+ mega-projects.
Conclusion
San Francisco's PlanetBids portal centralizes access to $2+ billion in annual government contracting opportunities across construction, infrastructure, and professional services. Success requires systematic vendor registration (15-20 minutes, free), strategic opportunity monitoring (focus on departments matching your expertise), compliance with local requirements (LBE participation goals, SF prevailing wage rates 15-25% above state minimums, First Source hiring), and meticulous bid preparation (mandatory pre-bid attendance, daily addenda checks, complete documentation).
The competitive advantage in San Francisco procurement comes from understanding layered compliance requirements that eliminate unprepared contractors: prevailing wage rates higher than state minimums require accurate labor cost estimating, LBE subcontracting goals demand established relationships with certified local firms, First Source hiring mandates workforce planning with resident prioritization, and bonding requirements favor financially stable contractors with capacity for $5M-$50M projects. Contractors who master these requirements win contracts while competitors struggle with non-responsive bids or fail to meet post-award obligations.
Start with San Francisco's highest-volume departments (Public Works for general construction, SFPUC for infrastructure, Airport for large specialized work), attend pre-bid meetings to build agency relationships and understand site-specific challenges, pursue LBE certification if your business location qualifies (5% bid advantage and set-aside access), and partner with established LBE subcontractors to meet participation goals on prime contracts. Build bonding capacity gradually starting with $100K-$500K contracts before pursuing multi-million dollar opportunities requiring extensive financial strength documentation.
Start your 14-day free trial of ConstructionBids.ai to receive daily San Francisco PlanetBids opportunities plus 500+ other Bay Area government and private construction bids, with automated deadline reminders, document management, and mobile access for $149-$299/month.
