Centralized Bidder Registration System - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get on the WSSC’s Bid list for contract opportunities?

The Centralized Bidder Registration System (CBR) serves as the central (and only) site for suppliers to register to do business with WSSC. To receive e-mail notifications on contract opportunities, suppliers must register in the CBR identifying their North American Industry Classification System  (NAICS) industry code for the commodity and services they wish to receive notifications. 

I am a certified minority business. Will I have to register and identify my certification status in the CBR? 

Yes, you will need to first register as a bidder in the CBR. You must indicate Yes to Minority Business status, select the certification agency from the appropriate drop-down menu of acceptable certifications, indicate your minority status, gender, certification number and MBE status expiration date. An e-mail will be forwarded automatically to WSSC’s Small Local and Minority Business Enterprise Office (SLMBE). You must forward a hard copy or fax of your certification acceptance letter to the SLMBE Office, at 14501 Sweitzer Lane, 8th Floor, Laurel, Maryland 20707, fax number 301-206-8503. Your minority business status will not be considered until a verified copy of your certification acceptance letter is received. Upon verification your CBR profile will be updated to indicate that you are eligible bidders for solicitations with a minority business status requirement. 

I have a current contract with WSSC. Will I have to register to continue to receive payments under that contract?

No, the CBR does not affect current contracts awarded. However, in order to receive bid notifications or bid documents in the future, you must be registered in the CBR. 

How long will my registration last? Will I be notified when it expires?

The information in your supplier profile will be valid for 2 years from the date you entered or last updated your information. You will receive an e-mail notification 30 days prior to its expiration to allow you to update your information. This will serve as a reminder to review your profile information in case of changes during the 24 month period and will allow WSSC to have a more accurate listing of suppliers wishing to do business with WSSC. 

Can I receive a bid notification if I have not registered in the CBR?

No. You must register in the CBR in order to receive bid notifications, that correspond to your NAICS code(s). 

Why can’t I see the solicitation detail? 

Check to see if your NAICS code in your company profile matches the NAICS code(s) on the solicitation; Check the solicitation type to determine if it is a sheltered market (ex: MBE only or SLBE only).  These are two frequent reasons why the solicitation detail will not appear.

What are NAICS codes?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced Nakes) was developed under the direction and guidance of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as the standard for use by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the collection, tabulation, presentation, and analysis of statistical data describing the U.S. economy.  NAICS is based on a production-oriented concept, meaning that it groups establishments into industries according to similarity in the processes used to produce goods or services. NAICS replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system in 1997.

After I post my bid, how do I see the status of a solicitation?

Bid tabs should be posted 48 hours after the closing date. Log on as you normally would then:

1. Click on View Bid Opportunities and at the top of the page you will see “Select a Solicitation Status:”
2. Change the drop down box from Open to Evaluation; then click Go when it opens;
3. You should now see the bid tab as a PDF file that you can open with a click.