Doing Business with the City

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Grow Your Business Through City Contracts

The City of Fort Worth purchases a wide range of goods and services annually, including construction, maintenance, equipment, office supplies, technology, and professional services. Local businesses are encouraged to take part in this process, from new entrepreneurs and small firms to established contractors.

Every contract awarded to a local company helps keep tax dollars in Fort Worth, supports local jobs, and strengthens the local economy. By becoming a City of Fort Worth supplier, your business becomes an active partner in maintaining and improving the quality of life for residents.

 

Getting Started

To be considered for bid opportunities, register your small business in the City’s bid portal, Bonfire. Registration is easy, free, and only takes a few minutes to complete.

 

Prequalification Information & Workshops

To be eligible to work on certain City of Fort Worth horizontal public works projects, either the prime contractor or a subcontractor must be prequalified in one of the categories listed below:

  • All water and sewer work
  • Concrete and asphalt paving
  • Pedestrian and roadway lighting
  • Bridge work – Coming soon!

View the City's current prequalification lists

 

Supporting information

 

Workshops

The City of Fort Worth is hosting quarterly workshops to help construction companies and contractors learn how to become prequalified to perform several major work categories for projects in Fort Worth. Workshops will be available both online and in-person at Fort Worth City Hall. Live translation for Spanish speakers will be available for in-person workshops only.

 

 

Small Business Contracting Opportunities

The City of Fort Worth seeks to empower small businesses through access and opportunity, and has adopted small business preferences and goals for City contracts.

Key program components include:

  • Small Business Preference: Eligible small businesses will receive a 5% bid preference on contracts up to $100,000.
  • Small Business Goal: For all contracts of $100,000 or more, the City has set a 30% small business utilization target.
  • Economic Development Incentivized Projects: When businesses receive economic development incentives, a small business utilization goal will be included in incentive agreements.

Program Requirements

Small businesses must hold an active Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification from one of the following entities:

Small businesses must also have a principal place of business in Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Parker, or Wise County.

This initiative aligns with federal grant requirements and builds on existing partnerships and community feedback.

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