Doing Business with the City

Become a Vendor:
To become a vendor with the City, please follow the steps at Become A Vendor/Supplier.

Business License:
Businesses operating within the city limits must obtain a City of Raleigh Business License.

Minority and Women-Owned Businesses:

• The City of Raleigh is pro-active in encouraging purchases of goods and services from certified small disadvantaged minority and women-owned businesses (SDMWOB) as well as soliciting their participation in City construction bids. For assistance with purchases of goods and services or construction bids, contact the Purchasing Division at 919-996-3240.
• The City's Business Assistance Program Manager coordinates the SDMWOB Certification Program. All SDMWOB businesses which become certified by the City are listed in a directory for use by City departments. For more information, contact Luther Williams or contact the Purchasing Division at 919-996-3240.

Upcoming Bids:
Current bids, requests for proposals for services, and construction bids are advertised on the City's website at Bids and RFPs.

State Contracts:
The State of North Carolina allows all local governments to participate in any of their contracts for the purchase of supplies and equipment. See the North Carolina Division of Purchase and Contracts for information regarding these contracts. For additional government resources, see UNC School of Government.

Procurement Card Purchases:
Some City employees are issued a City of Raleigh procurement card which gives them authorization to make certain purchases in accordance with the City's Purchasing procedures. The procurement card program provides a more rapid turnaround of purchases for low dollar value goods and reduces paperwork and handling costs. Currently, Bank of America provides this procurement card service for the City, and the cards can be used with suppliers that accept Visa credit cards.

Sales Tax:
The City is required to pay North Carolina state and local sales taxes. Our purchase orders estimate these taxes; however, all applicable taxes should be included on your invoices.

Invoice Payments:
The City's Accounting and Financial Reporting Services Division handles invoice payments. Standard payment terms are thirty (30) days. Contact the Accounting and Financial Reporting Services Division at 919-996-4964.

The City of Raleigh's Federal Tax ID number can be obtained by calling the Accounting Division at 919-996-3210, or by mailing a request to:

City of Raleigh
Accounting Division
PO Box 590
Raleigh, NC 27602-0590

Surplus Equipment Auctions:
Currently, the City of Raleigh is not holding auctions for disposal of surplus equipment. Most surplus equipment is now either consigned to the North Carolina State Surplus Property Agency for disposal or sold by online auction via GovDeals. For more information, see Surplus Equipment Auctions.