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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
- What is the Small Business Office?
- Who completes the Small Business Compliance Guidelines and Forms?
- How do I become a vendor?
Finding Opportunities
- Where can I find solicitations?
- What does Dallas ISD purchase?
- How do I receive notifications?
Small Business Enterprise Certifications
- Which certifications are recognized?
- How do I become certified?
- Is certification required?
After Contract Award & Compliance
- What happens after contract award?
- Does receiving a contract guarantee that my company will receive business?
- How do I market my business after contract award?
Getting Started
Q: What is the Small Business Office?
A: The Dallas ISD Small Business Office serves as a resource for businesses interested in working with the district. We help companies understand the procurement process, connect with business opportunities, provide training and educational resources, monitor Small Business Program compliance, and advocate for small business participation in district contracting.
Our services Include:
- Vendor education and outreach
- Small business certification guidance
- Webinars and business development workshops
- Compliance assistance
- Contract monitoring and reporting
- Networking opportunities
- Philanthropic partnerships supporting Dallas ISD students and families
Q: Who completes the Small Business Compliance Guidelines and Forms?
A: The prime contractor is responsible for completing and submitting the required Small Business Compliance Guidelines and Forms as part of the solicitation response. These forms are included with each applicable solicitation and must be completed and submitted by the proposal due date. Contractors should carefully review the solicitation documents for specific requirements, instructions, and submission deadlines.
For applicable solicitations, the Small Business Compliance Guidelines and Forms may be worth up to 20 of the 100 evaluation points. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may negatively impact a vendor's evaluation. Prime contractors are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and ensure all requested information is submitted by the solicitation deadline.
Q: How do I become a vendor?
A: To be eligible to do business with Dallas ISD, businesses must first register through the district's Bonfire Supplier Portal.
Vendor Registration Portal: dallasisd.bonfirehub.com
Registering your business allows you to receive notifications of applicable solicitation opportunities and submit responses electronically. However, registration alone does not authorize your company to provide goods or services to Dallas ISD or guarantee that your business will receive a contract.
To do business with the district, businesses must successfully compete through the district's procurement process by responding to a solicitation, such as a:
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
- Other competitive solicitation opportunities, as applicable
Contracts are awarded in accordance with Dallas ISD procurement policies and the evaluation criteria outlined in each solicitation.
To view current opportunities, visit: www.dallasisd.org/opportunities
Finding Opportunities
Q: Where can I find solicitations?
A: Dallas ISD advertises contracting opportunities through several channels.
Construction and Bond Projects
Goods and Services Opportunities
www.dallasisd.org/opportunities
Opportunities may also be promoted through local newspapers, chambers of commerce, technical assistance centers, outreach events, and business organizations.
Q: What does Dallas ISD purchase?
A: Dallas ISD purchases a wide variety of goods and services in support of district operations. Examples include:
- Construction
- Professional Services
- Information Technology
- Marketing and Printing
- Office Supplies
- Furniture
- Food Services
- Transportation
- Maintenance and Facilities
- Educational Supplies
- Consulting Services
- Safety and Security
Current opportunities can be found at: www.dallasisd.org/opportunities
Q: How do I receive notifications?
A: Businesses can receive bid notifications by registering through the Dallas ISD Bonfire Supplier Portal. During registration, you can select the commodity codes that best match the goods and services your business provides. Dallas ISD uses this information to notify registered vendors of applicable solicitation opportunities.
Small Business Enterprise Certifications
Q: Which certifications are recognized?
A: Dallas ISD recognizes certifications issued through a variety of local, state, and national certifying agencies and programs. Because the list of approved certifying agencies may be updated periodically, businesses should visit the Approved Certifying Agencies webpage for the most current information.
Q: How do I become certified?
A: Businesses interested in obtaining a recognized Small Business Enterprise Certification should contact one of the certification agencies recognized by Dallas ISD. Each agency has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and documentation requirements. Visit the certification agency's website or contact them directly for information on how to apply.
Q: Is certification required?
A: No. Certification is not required to do business with Dallas ISD. However, obtaining a recognized small business certification may increase visibility and can help support the district's Small Business Program goals on eligible projects.
After Contract Award & Compliance
Q: What happens after contract award?
A: Congratulations on your contract award! Being awarded a Dallas ISD contract means your company is eligible to provide the awarded goods or services to the district; however, a contract award does not guarantee business or a specific dollar amount. Many Dallas ISD contracts are awarded to multiple vendors, and district schools and departments may choose from the awarded vendors based on their business needs and the terms of the solicitation.
Dallas ISD operates under a decentralized procurement model. Because purchasing decisions are made at the campus and departmental levels, awarded vendors should proactively introduce their company and awarded products or services to potential district customers. Building awareness of your contract is an important part of successfully doing business with Dallas ISD.
After contract award, vendors should:
- Complete the Dallas ISD iSupplier registration process to ensure they can receive purchase orders and payments.
- Become familiar with the schools and departments that may purchase the goods or services covered by the awarded contract.
- Actively market their products and services to district schools and departments.
- Maintain current business, contact, and payment information with Dallas ISD.
- Review and comply with all contract terms and conditions.
- If subcontractors were identified in the Small Business Compliance Guidelines and Forms, comply with all Small Business Program requirements, including reporting, documentation, and compliance monitoring throughout the life of the contract.
- Respond promptly to communications from Dallas ISD and fulfill all contractual obligations in accordance with the awarded contract.
- Provide excellent customer service and performance to build strong relationships with district end users.
Q: Does receiving a contract guarantee that my company will receive business?
A: No. A contract award does not guarantee that your company will receive purchase orders, a minimum dollar amount, or a specific volume of work. Many Dallas ISD contracts are awarded to multiple vendors, and purchases are made based on district needs and the terms of the solicitation.
Q: How do I market my business after contract award?
A: After receiving a contract award, vendors are encouraged to introduce their products and services to Dallas ISD schools and departments that may purchase under their awarded contract. Developing relationships with district end users, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining accurate contact information can help increase awareness of your company's offerings.