Tips on Doing Business with the State of Texas

• Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) Registration. If your business is not already registered on the Comptroller of Public Account’s CMBL, you are encouraged but not required to consider registering. Depending on the dollar amount of the purchase, state agencies and some institutions of higher education are required to use the CMBL to identify businesses to solicit when purchasing commodities and services. For more information regarding CMBL registration, please visit the CMBL Program on the Comptroller’s website.
• Ensure that your information is current. Periodically review all information you have provided to the Comptroller regarding your Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certification and CMBL registration (if applicable). Outdated information such as e-mail addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, etc. can affect your opportunity to do business with the State of Texas.
• Market your business. Use your business stationary, cards, brochures, etc. to get the word out about your qualifications to state agencies and institutions of higher education. Attend economic opportunity forums (EOFs) to network and build a relationship with purchasers and HUB coordinators. Contact the Comptroller’s office or check their website for an index of agency addresses. The index should provide a list of state agencies and institutions of higher education. It may also provide purchasing points-of-contact, including HUB coordinators.
• Familiarize yourself with the purchasing needs of the state. You can access copies of the HUB report on the Comptroller’s website. The HUB Reporting page contains links that you can choose and review to gain a better understanding of what the state is purchasing. Information within the report can also be used to determine where state agencies purchase commodities and services. Once this has been identified, you can contact that agency's HUB coordinator to introduce your business and further understand state procurement.
• Upon receiving bids, read each document thoroughly. Be sure that your bids are submitted before the specified closing date and time. Failure to do so could result in your bids being rejected. Follow up on your bids by contacting the agency in writing to request the bid results (tabulation). This information will identify the awarded vendor, competitors, prices, etc. This information should be saved as it may assist you with your pricing on future bid opportunities.
• Maintain a good reputation for the commodities and services you provide. Not only does competitive pricing count, but your performance and reliability in the delivery of your commodities and services are equally important.

For more information, please see our Doing Business with TPWD brochure.