To sell to Texas state agencies, you need to know two systems: the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL), where agencies find vendors, and the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD), where they post bids. GERC registers Texas businesses on the CMBL, sets up the right NIGP codes, and builds a routine for finding and answering ESBD solicitations.
What the CMBL is
The CMBL is the Texas Comptroller’s master vendor database. State purchasers use it to build bid mailing lists by commodity and service code, so the codes you choose decide which bids you are invited to.
- Annual fee: $70. Texas HUB (VetHUB) certification is free but does not waive the CMBL fee.
- Codes: you choose the NIGP class and item codes closest to what you sell.
- Firms that hold both CMBL and HUB status appear in one combined listing.
What the ESBD is
The ESBD, at txsmartbuy.gov/esbd, is where state agencies post their solicitations.
- Agencies must post solicitations estimated at more than $25,000, along with addenda and award notices.
- For procurements over $20 million, agencies post a notice of intent at least two months before the solicitation.
- Posting on the ESBD does not replace notifying CMBL vendors, so being on both matters.
Many Texas cities, counties and school districts use their own portals, which is why we pair CMBL and ESBD with local vendor registration.
How GERC helps
- CMBL registration and annual renewal
- NIGP code research so you are invited to the right bids
- ESBD searches and a weekly bid-review routine
- Bid and proposal writing through our bid writing services
- Related registrations: SAM.gov, Texas HUB and city portals
Example: how an Austin janitorial company would get started
This is an illustration of our process, not a client story.
A 12-person Austin janitorial company wants state agency contracts. We register it on the CMBL, pick NIGP codes for custodial and floor care services, and set ESBD searches for those codes and for Central Texas agencies. We also register it in Austin Finance Online and with Travis County, then prepare a capability statement and pricing sheet it can reuse for each bid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the CMBL to bid on Texas state contracts?
Many state agency purchases use the CMBL to find vendors, so registering is the safest way to be invited. Anyone can view ESBD postings, but CMBL registration helps agencies find you for smaller purchases too.
How much does CMBL registration cost?
$70 a year, paid to the state. GERC charges a fixed fee to handle registration and code selection. Call (909) 454-7076 or book a consultation.
What is the ESBD threshold?
State agencies must post solicitations estimated at more than $25,000 on the ESBD.
Does the CMBL cover Texas cities and counties?
No. Cities like Houston, San Antonio and Austin, and most counties and school districts, run their own vendor portals.
Get on Texas state bid lists
Book a free 15-minute readiness call and we will map the registrations, certifications and bids that fit your business.
Related: Texas · Texas HUB Certification · Texas CMBL and ESBD · SAM.gov Registration · DBE Certification · Bid Writing Services