Learn how to register as a vendor, learn about the solicitation process, how to use National Institute for Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) commodity codes, and sign up for the Vendor Academy.

How the City buys goods and services

The City of Austin makes purchases on the open market, by informal or formal requests, or utilizing cooperative contracts.

The City makes purchases based on dollar ranges:

  • $0 - 3,000: Purchases made based on a single quote and may be authorized and/or paid using a purchasing order or purchasing card.
  • $3,000.01 - $50,0000: Purchases made based on an informal request with a minimum of three quotes, with attempts made to obtain at least two quotes from a certified Women or Minority Owned Business
  • $50,000.01 and above: Purchases made based on a formal solicitation and may require approval by the City Council

Vendor registration

City of Austin vendors may participate in the City’s procurement process by receiving solicitation notifications for contract opportunities and submitting responses through our website. If awarded a contract or order, an approved account is needed to complete contract execution and process future payments.

For more information or for assistance call 512-974-2018 or email us at vendor@austintexas.gov

Downloadable vendor registration instructions (1.2 MB)

Search registered vendors

Already registered?

Each federal taxpayer ID number can only have one associated vendor account. If you think you’re already registered, you can search by taxpayer ID number to find your vendor account.

Search commodity codes

Commodity codes represent the goods and services a vendor provides. When the City issues a new solicitation, our Procurement Specialists identify all related commodity codes, and send the solicitation to all vendors who have those codes associated with their vendor profile. Vendors must provide at least one commodity code on their profile, but we recommend adding multiple to cast a wide net. You can also use the search tools find commodities other vendors have registered with.

Attend the 2025 City of Austin Vendor Academy

The Academy has been designed to provide training on a variety of procurement topics to assist them to successfully do business with the City. Topics are relevant to vendors who provide goods, services, professional services, and construction-related services. Learn how to navigate the requirements of doing business with the City of Austin while keeping informed of new opportunities.

Learn about our Local and Small Business Preference Programs, invitation for bid (IFB) process, request for proposal (RFP) process, construction contracting methods, and more.

 

Vendor Academy schedule 2025

January 22, 2025

  • Getting Started: How to Register as a Vendor with the City of Austin
  • Commodity Codes: Get Notified of Upcoming Solicitations

February 19, 2025

  • Funding Sources/Types and Business Planning Services

March 27, 2025

  • Updates to the Construction Training Program (CTP) Requirements

April 16, 2025

  • Minority and Women - Owned Business Program Overview

May 21, 2025

  • Overview of the Solicitation Processes for Goods and Services Contracts
  • The City of Austin's Local Preference and Small Business Programs

June 18, 2025

  • Submitting Statement of Qualifications and the Evaluation Process
  • Rate Review Process for Construction-Related Professional Services

 

Vendor Academy schedule 2024

January 24, 2024

  • Local Business Preference Program and Small Business Program
  • MBE/WBE Program Overview

February 28, 2024

  • Navigating AFO:  Vendor Registration, Usage of Commodity Codes
  • Funding Sources and Types/Business Planning Services

March 27, 2024

May 22, 2024

June 26, 2024

July 24, 2024

  • Construction Training Program (CTP) Overview
  • Getting Bonded for Construction Contracts

August 14, 2024

  • Wage Requirements
& Construction Contracting Methods

October 23, 2024