The City of Knoxville actively solicits bids from small businesses on every project.  All parties submitting quotes, bids, proposals, or qualifications will be asked to identify the classification of their business as well as any subcontractors, if applicable.  The City uses the State of Tennessee’s DBE definition established by T. C. A. 12-3-1102(9) and Executive Order 14, to increase opportunities for DBE businesses, which can be found at the following link, Governor's Office of Business Initiatives and Development.

Although the City of Knoxville no longer certifies vendors, a vendor must be certified under the authority of an entity recognized by the City or self-certify as part of their registration with the City.

Looking for a Small Business to furnish products or services, or a for construction or subcontractor related services? The Supplier Outreach Directory is an Excel database, searchable by business name, classification, product & service, location, and contact information. 

The suppliers listed in the directory represent those who have registered or have expressed interest in doing business with the City, by attending outreach events. The City does not make recommendations on use of the businesses but simply offers the list of those available.  Please do the appropriate due diligence before selecting a listed business for use.


CITY SUPPLIER OUTREACH DIRECTORY:

View the Supplier Outreach Directory

KNOXVILLE BUSINESS SUPPORT NETWORK (KBSN):

View the KBSN Flyer

CERTIFICATIONS RECOGNIZED BY THE CITY INCLUDE:

Although the City of Knoxville no longer certifies vendors, a vendor must be certified under the authority of an entity recognized by the City or self-certify as part of their registration with the City.

Tennessee Governor’s Office of Business Initiatives & Development
• GO-BID

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
• TN.gov/TDOT

Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Women-Owned Business
• Minority-Owned Business

Tennessee Unified Certification Program (TNUCP Certification)
• TDOT.TN.gov/Applications/DBEDirect

National Business Supplier Development Council (MBE Certification)
• NMSDC.org

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WNENC Certification)
• WBENC.org

Tristate Minority Supplier Development Council 
• TSMSDC.net

City of Chattanooga Certification
• Certification Program Information



VENDOR REGISTRATION:

Vendor Registration can be completed online at BidNet Direct. Vendors must be registered with the City in order to respond to solicitations. Quotes, bids, qualifications, or proposals submitted by businesses that are not registered with the City may be rejected.  There is no charge to register. 

• Click the blue "Vendor Registration" button below to be directed to the BidNet website
• Click either of the orange "Register Now" or "Vendor Registration" buttons.
• Create your account
• Choose the "Basic" package ($0)
• Select "Continue". You will receive an activation email to complete your registration.

You will receive notifications of matching solicitations and addenda even when selecting the free, Basic Access package.

Please note that while every effort is made to ensure that registered vendors receive email notifications of solicitations when posted to the website, the City cannot guarantee receipt of these notifications.

Additionally, vendors will not receive automatic email notification when an addendum is posted. Vendors are responsible for checking the website for posted addenda and must respond to all additions and alterations specified. 

If you need assistance with your BidNet account, you will need to reach out to BidNet Support at 800-835-4603.