Supplier Diversity

The EBO Program helps businesses by offering bid discounts when they bid on City contracts. These discounts give businesses that are contributing to our local economy, workforce, and sustainability goals a competitive edge during the bidding process.

Here’s how it works:

If you bid $100,000 and qualify for a 5% discount, the City will evaluate your bid as if it were $95,000, but if you win, you’ll still be paid the full $100,000.

The program applies across all types of City contracts — whether you're bidding on a construction project, providing professional services, or offering goods and supplies. See the sections below for more information.

If you're in the construction industry and interested in working on City-funded projects, the EBO Program provides several pathways to make your business more competitive.

Contractors who take steps to support local workers, partner with Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBEs), and invest in workforce development can qualify for up to 5% bid discounts during the evaluation of their proposals. The maximum discount available is $100,000 per bid.

However, a select group of four (4) bid discounts may be applied individually or in combination with other discounts to exceed the 5% or $100,000 limit—up to a maximum of 10% or $200,000, whichever is lower. Unless otherwise specified, all bid discounts remain valid through December 31st of the calendar year in which they are granted.

Some of the ways you can qualify include:

• Partnering with MLBEs as subcontractors or in a joint venture
• Employing Grand Rapids residents, especially those from neighborhoods in the City's Neighborhoods of Focus (NOFs)
• Participating in programs that train and mentor small or emerging construction businesses
• Employing graduates from recognized construction training programs
• Utilizing MLBEs in your private sector, non-City projects.

For a complete list of all available discounts and how they can apply to your business, please visit the Administrative Guidelines for Construction (600-12)(PDF, 569KB).

These discounts are designed to reward companies who contribute to the City's goals around equity, workforce development, and inclusive economic participation.

Even if your bid isn’t the lowest on paper, these discounts might make your proposal the most competitive during the evaluation process.

Important Note: Before bidding on City construction projects, you’ll also need to complete the City's online prequalification process through the Engineering Department.

Please complete the applications below to apply for the Construction Bid Did Discounts

Online Construction Bid Discount Application

Print out Construction Bid Discount Application(PDF, 1MB)

For companies that provide goods, supplies, and professional services — from consulting firms and creative services to office supplies and maintenance contracts.

Businesses participating in these types of contracts can qualify for up to 5% bid discounts, with a maximum of $25,000 per bid.

Ways to qualify include:

• Being a certified Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE)
• Having a business located within the City of Grand Rapids Neighborhoods of Focus (NOF's)
• Paying City of Grand Rapids income taxes and being current on your filings
• Employing Grand Rapids residents, particularly from the NOF's

For the complete list of discounts and eligibility, review the City’s Administrative Guidelines for Goods & Services (600-15)(PDF, 442KB).

Please see below on how to apply for bid discounts on goods and services contracts 

Online Goods & Services/Professional Bid Discount Application
Print out Goods & Services/Professional Bid Discount Application(PDF, 962KB)

The Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) Certification is the City’s way of recognizing small, local businesses and opening doors to more opportunities.

Becoming certified as an MLBE gives your business a distinct advantage when bidding on City contracts. Certified MLBEs automatically qualify for certain bid discounts under both construction and goods & services/professional services projects.
Additionally, your business will be listed in the City’s MLBE directory, making it easier for City departments, contractors, and developers to find and work with you.

Who should consider MLBE certification?
Small businesses that are based in Kent County, meet the City’s eligibility criteria, and want to increase their visibility and competitiveness in City projects.

Benefits of MLBE certification include:

• Access to bid discounts through the EBO Program

• Enhanced visibility with City departments, contractors, and developers

• Opportunities to participate in special initiatives like the Grand River Restoration MLBE Registration Plan, MLBE Bonding Pilot Program, & the Economic Development Department Inclusion Plan

Learn more about the MLBE program, eligibility, and how to apply by visiting the MLBE Certification page:
Visit the MLBE Certification Page

Want to do business with us? We're excited to partner! Your first step is to register as a vendor online. Complete the vendor registration process by clicking below.

Register as a Vendor (VSS).

Construction

Planning a construction project? Check in with our Engineering Department and look out for current Bid & Opportunities. Make sure to pre-qualify with the Engineering Department here.

Economic Development

For more details about doing business in the city, please reach out the City's Economic Development Department.