Can a small business located out-of-state bid on county or city contracts?

Yes, your Ohio company can bid on this Kentucky county contract, but you need to check the specific county's procurement rules for any local preferences. Federal contracting rules, like the FAR, do not apply to state and local purchases. State and local government entities follow their own procurement codes, ordinances, and policies, which can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

Many state and local governments have residency requirements for vendor registration, but these typically do not block out-of-state businesses from bidding. Some jurisdictions might have a local preference that adds a factor to bids from local businesses, making them appear more competitive than an out-of-state bid, but this is different from an outright ban. You need to review the specific Invitation for Bid documents, the county's procurement website, or contact their purchasing department directly to understand their specific rules for out-of-state vendors and any local preferences. They usually have a vendor guide on their state procurement portal or their county purchasing website.

Yes, your Ohio company can bid on this Kentucky county contract, but you will need to register as a vendor with the county first. Tom is correct that state and local governments follow their own procurement codes, and registration is usually a separate process from SAM.gov. My county's purchasing office required all vendors to complete a vendor registration form, provide a W-9, and sometimes a business license or tax ID, regardless of where they were located. These registrations are often free and can be completed through the county's purchasing website or the state's procurement portal. The Invitation for Bid documents should outline the exact registration requirements and deadlines for out-of-state businesses.