How to Become a Prime Vendor

There’s no sign-up list or registration to become a DIR vendor. To be considered, you must respond to a DIR-posted solicitation—typically a request for offers (RFO). If there’s no active solicitation, you may still participate as a subcontractor under an existing DIR contract while you wait. 

It is important to note that if there is no request for offers (also known as an RFO) or solicitation notice posted, you still have the option to become a subcontractor while you wait for one to be posted. 

Key Requirements 

To become a DIR vendor, you must formally respond to a posted RFO that matches your company’s core products or services. Prime vendors may be: 

• A manufacturer or publisher
• An authorized reseller
• A service provider 

To stay informed, monitor DIR’s Schedule of Solicitation Opportunities and the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). 

Helpful Terms 

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the process: 

• Request for Offers (RFO): A formal invitation for vendors to submit proposals for goods or services.
• Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD): Texas’ online platform for procurement notices.
• Schedule of Solicitation Opportunities: A list of upcoming DIR solicitations with expected timelines.
• BidStamp Portal: DIR’s online tool for managing vendor accounts and submitting solicitation responses. 

The Process 

Here’s how to become a prime vendor with DIR: 

• DIR posts RFOs on the ESBD, with updates on the Schedule of Solicitation Opportunities.
• Vendors submit proposals via the BidStamp Portal by the deadline.
• DIR evaluates responses and identifies vendors in the competitive range.
• Selected vendors are invited to negotiate.
• Contracts are awarded for a specified term. 

Note: DIR may end a solicitation or negotiation at any stage if it’s in the state’s best interest. 

Prime vendors can also work with subcontractors and resellers under their awarded master contracts. 

Additional Info 

Being listed on the Centralized Master Bidders List is not required to respond to a DIR solicitation or receive a contract award. However, it can help you receive notifications about relevant opportunities. 

DIR encourages vendors to attend Outreach & Training sessions for deeper insights into our procurement process. These sessions help you better understand how to navigate our system and successfully engage with DIR. 

We also recommend reviewing the DIR BidStamp Training Guide to learn how to effectively use the portal for submitting offers. 

At DIR, we’re committed to supporting all vendors through transparency, efficiency, and collaboration. We’re here to provide the tools and guidance you need to succeed in partnering with us for the benefit of your business and the state. 

Questions? 

Learn more about DIR's vendor process 

If you're interested in meeting with DIR for more information, please fill out this form: DIR Vendor Interest Form 

Ask DIR? Question, Comment, or Feedback 

For general inquiries or to provide feedback about any DIR program or service, you may use either our online form or call our general information access line: 1-855-ASK-DIR1 (1-855-275-3471). 

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