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Writer's pictureTherese W Gamble

10 Bid Opportunities for Minority Businesses in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida, and the State of Florida

For minority-owned businesses, government contracts and procurement opportunities can be valuable sources of revenue. Both local and state agencies offer a range of bid opportunities for goods, services, and construction projects. Below is a list of current and ongoing bid opportunities available in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida, and across the State of Florida.

1. City of Jacksonville Procurement Division

The City of Jacksonville offers numerous opportunities for vendors through its Procurement Division, especially in areas such as construction, public works, and professional services.

  • Vendor Registration: Minority businesses can register through the JaxPro Supplier Portal to participate in bidding opportunities.

  • Current Opportunities: City of Jacksonville Procurement Bid Portal

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Public construction projects

    • Professional services (e.g., consulting, IT, marketing)

    • Goods and materials for city departments

2. Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

JTA offers procurement opportunities for transportation-related services, construction, and other supplies. JTA actively promotes supplier diversity and encourages minority-owned businesses to participate.

  • Vendor Registration: Businesses can register on the JTA Procurement Portal.

  • Current Opportunities: JTA Procurement and Bids

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Construction projects (roadways, public transport infrastructure)

    • Technology and IT services

    • Vehicle and equipment supply

3. Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)

JAXPORT frequently seeks vendors for construction, maintenance, security services, and more. They are committed to working with minority-owned businesses through their Supplier Diversity Program.

  • Vendor Registration: Businesses must register on the JAXPORT Procurement Portal to access bid opportunities.

  • Current Opportunities: JAXPORT Procurement Portal

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Port facility construction and improvements

    • Professional and maintenance services

    • Security equipment and services

4. Duval County Public Schools (DCPS)

DCPS has a range of bid opportunities for minority businesses, particularly for providing services to schools, facilities management, and educational supplies.

  • Vendor Registration: Vendors can register on the DCPS Procurement Portal to access current opportunities.

  • Current Opportunities: DCPS Bid Portal

  • Opportunities Include:

    • School construction and renovations

    • Technology solutions and equipment

    • Professional services (staffing, catering, educational support)

5. State of Florida Vendor Bid System

The State of Florida provides a centralized platform for statewide procurement opportunities. Businesses can find opportunities for state contracts across all agencies and departments.

  • Vendor Registration: Vendors must register on the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Information Portal to access statewide bids.

  • Current Opportunities: Florida Vendor Bid System

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Construction projects for state facilities

    • IT services, consulting, and technology infrastructure

    • Goods and materials supply to various state departments

6. Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC)

NEFRC provides procurement opportunities for planning, public safety, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure projects across multiple counties in Northeast Florida.

  • Vendor Registration: Register via the NEFRC Procurement Division for ongoing contracts.

  • Current Opportunities: NEFRC Procurement

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Emergency preparedness and public safety services

    • Regional infrastructure projects

    • Environmental and disaster recovery services

7. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

FDOT offers numerous procurement opportunities for road construction, engineering services, and transportation infrastructure improvements. They have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to ensure minority business participation.

  • Vendor Registration: Businesses must register via FDOT's Procurement System.

  • Current Opportunities: FDOT Procurement

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Roadway and bridge construction

    • Transportation consulting and engineering

    • Highway maintenance services

8. Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC)

FHFC offers opportunities for minority contractors in the housing sector. These include bids for affordable housing development, maintenance, and related services.

  • Vendor Registration: Register through the FHFC procurement portal for housing development contracts.

  • Current Opportunities: FHFC Bid Portal

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Affordable housing development and renovation

    • Consulting services in housing policy and finance

    • Property management and maintenance

9. JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)

JEA provides procurement opportunities in the utility sector, including water, electric, and energy-related projects. They encourage diverse vendors, including minority-owned businesses.

  • Vendor Registration: Vendors must register with the JEA Supplier Portal.

  • Current Opportunities: JEA Procurement

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Utility construction and maintenance

    • Energy efficiency projects

    • Supplies for electric and water services

10. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SBA 8(a) Program

For small and minority businesses, the SBA 8(a) program offers access to federal contracts, which includes Florida-based projects. It is designed to help disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace.

  • Vendor Registration: Register through the System for Award Management (SAM) to participate in federal contract opportunities.

  • Current Opportunities: SBA Contracting Opportunities

  • Opportunities Include:

    • Federal construction and infrastructure projects

    • Professional services for federal agencies

    • IT, security, and consulting services for government entities

How to Get Started:

  1. Register as a Vendor: Each organization has its own vendor portal where you can register to access bid opportunities.

  2. Get Certified: Some agencies may require certification as a minority-owned business to take advantage of specific programs.

  3. Track Deadlines: Bid opportunities often have strict deadlines. Make sure to monitor them closely.

  4. Prepare for Competitive Bidding: Gather all required documents, including business licenses, tax IDs, and any relevant certifications, and ensure your proposal is competitive.

By taking advantage of these bid opportunities, minority-owned businesses in Jacksonville, Northeast Florida, and across the state can secure valuable contracts and contribute to the region's economic development.



For more resources, reach out to the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce for assistance with navigating bid processes and becoming a certified vendor.

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