Government contracting in Imperial County starts with SAM.gov and Cal eProcure, and GERC handles both for you. Imperial County sits on the U.S.-Mexico border and is home to two land ports of entry, Naval Air Facility El Centro and a growing geothermal and lithium sector around the Salton Sea. Border infrastructure, agriculture and energy projects bring federal, state and local contracts to a county with relatively few registered small businesses.
GERC helps El Centro, Calexico and Brawley firms register in SAM.gov and Cal eProcure, get certified and bid, and helps local nonprofits and agencies win grants.
Who buys in Imperial County
Public buyers in the area include:
- Naval Air Facility El Centro
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the General Services Administration at the Calexico ports of entry
- Caltrans District 11, for Interstate 8 and State Route 111 and 86 work
- Imperial County, the cities of El Centro, Calexico and Brawley, and the Imperial Irrigation District
- Imperial Valley College and local school districts
Government contracting help for businesses in Imperial County
- SAM.gov registration and UEI and entity validation, so you are eligible for federal contracts, grants and set-asides
- Cal eProcure registration, so state solicitations for your UNSPSC codes reach you
- California Small Business (SB), Micro Business and SB-PW certification, with the 5% bid preference on state contracts
- DVBE certification for firms owned by disabled veterans
- Local vendor registration with cities, counties, school districts, transit agencies and special districts
- Bid and proposal writing for RFPs, RFQs and IFBs, and capability statements
- Grant writing for nonprofits, tribes, small businesses and public agencies
Cities we serve in Imperial County
El Centro, Calexico, Brawley, Imperial, Holtville, Calipatria and Westmorland, and unincorporated communities including Heber, Seeley and Niland.
Government contracting in Imperial County: frequently asked questions
Is there contracting work tied to lithium and geothermal projects?
Yes. State and federal energy funding and private developers around the Salton Sea create demand for engineering, construction, environmental and workforce services. Being registered and certified puts you in a position to be hired as a subcontractor.
Does it cost anything to register or certify?
No. SAM.gov, Cal eProcure, and California SB, SB-PW and DVBE certification are all free to apply for and hold. You pay GERC only for preparation, troubleshooting and ongoing management.
Economic consulting in Imperial County
GERC is also an economic consulting firm. For cities, counties, special districts, developers, nonprofits and businesses in Imperial County and the Yuma–El Centro border region, we prepare economic impact analysis, fiscal impact analysis, benefit-cost analysis for grants, feasibility studies and market research.
Studies are delivered remotely, and we present findings to councils and boards in person or by video. See all of our economic consulting services.
Related services
- Procurement support for cities and public agencies
- Infrastructure grant writing
- Teaming partners for prime contractors
- BUILD (RAISE), INFRA and Mega grants
Schedule a consultation
- Call (909) 454-7076. This is the fastest route, Monday to Friday.
- Book a consultation at a time that suits you.
- Email us about Imperial County. The message opens with the subject already filled in.