Tucson’s public buyers include the City, Pima County, the University of Arizona, Tucson International Airport and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. As a government contracting consultant for Tucson small businesses, GERC handles the registrations, certifications and bids. We serve Tucson clients remotely from California.
City of Tucson
- Bids: the City’s OpenGov (ProcureNow) e-Procurement Portal. Registration is free.
- SBE certification: race- and gender-neutral. Firms need a Pima County address on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission, receipts within SBA size standards, and owner personal net worth up to $2.1 million ($4.2 million for a married couple).
- SBE benefits include bid preferences and subcontracting goals.
- DBE certification: Tucson is one of Arizona’s three DBE certifiers, with ADOT and Phoenix. The reevaluation deadline under the new U.S. DOT rules was June 30, 2026, and firms that missed it were removed.
U.S. DOT finalized its new DBE rules on September 25, 2026. There is no longer a presumption of disadvantage based on race or sex: every applicant must submit a personal narrative showing individual disadvantage and a personal net worth statement, and certifying agencies must re-evaluate existing DBE firms by December 24, 2026.
Other Tucson buyers
- Pima County: bids on BidNet Direct and vendor accounts in Workday. Its small business program accepts City of Tucson SBE certification.
- Tucson International Airport: vendor notification registration and DBE/ACDBE through the City, Phoenix or ADOT
- University of Arizona: RFPs on its Open Opportunities portal and construction work through Planning, Design and Construction
- State agencies: the Arizona Procurement Portal
- Davis-Monthan AFB and other federal buyers: SAM.gov
How GERC helps Tucson businesses win
- Registrations: SAM.gov, OpenGov, BidNet Direct and APP
- Certifications: City SBE, DBE and SBA programs such as 8(a) and HUBZone
- Bid targeting and bid writing services
Example: how a Tucson HVAC company would get started
This is an illustration of our process, not a client story.
A six-person HVAC company in Tucson wants public maintenance work. We register it on the City’s OpenGov portal, BidNet Direct for Pima County, and APP for state facilities, then apply for City SBE certification, which Pima County also accepts. We register it in SAM.gov for work at Davis-Monthan, and track upcoming City, County and university facility bids.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get SBE certified in Tucson?
Apply through the City of Tucson’s Contract Compliance office. You need a Pima County address on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission and must meet size and net worth limits.
Does Pima County accept City of Tucson SBE certification?
Yes. Pima County’s small business program accepts it.
Where do I find Tucson bids?
City of Tucson bids are on its OpenGov e-Procurement Portal. Pima County uses BidNet Direct.
Who can help my Tucson business with government contracts?
GERC (Global Economic Research Consulting), a woman-owned small business, handles registrations, certifications and bids for Tucson firms. SAM.gov registration starts at $899. Call (909) 454-7076 or book a consultation.
Win government contracts in Tucson
Book a free 15-minute readiness call and we will map the registrations, certifications and bids that fit your business.
Related: Arizona · Arizona Procurement Portal · Tucson · SAM.gov Registration · DBE Certification · Bid Writing Services