Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be located in Grand Prairie to participate in ACCESS GP?
No. Businesses can attend available ACCESS GP educational and outreach events. Procurement preferences are limited to qualifying certified businesses located in Grand Prairie or the 11-county North Texas Geographical Market Area, as specified in the applicable solicitation.
Does participating in ACCESS GP guarantee a City contract?
No. ACCESS GP provides information, resources, and connections. City contract awards follow applicable law, City policy, and solicitation requirements.
How do I find opportunities to do business with the City?
Visit the City Suppliers webpage for Workday Strategic Sourcing registration and current procurement opportunities. (link)
Is ACCESS GP only for businesses interested in City contracts?
No. ACCESS GP offers information, educational opportunities, and business connections that can benefit businesses even if they do not pursue City contracts.
Do I need to register as a City supplier to attend ACCESS GP events?
No. Supplier registration is separate from general event participation. Individual events may have their own registration requirements.
Does ACCESS GP reserve City contracts for small businesses?
ACCESS GP provides eligible certified small businesses with certain evaluation preferences when competing for City contracts. These preferences do not guarantee a contract award. All bidders must comply with applicable procurement requirements, and contracts are awarded in accordance with state law, City policies, and solicitation requirements.
Why does the City offer bid evaluation preferences?
The preferences are intended to expand opportunities for qualifying small businesses to compete for City contracts. They recognize eligible certified businesses through established evaluation criteria while maintaining applicable procurement requirements. The City understands that when small businesses in our community grow, so does the entire local economy.
Does ACCESS GP reserve City contracts for small businesses?
No. ACCESS GP provides eligible certified small businesses with certain evaluation preferences when competing for City contracts. These preferences do not guarantee a contract award. All bidders must comply with applicable procurement requirements, and contracts are awarded in accordance with state law, City policies, and solicitation requirements.
Why does the City offer bid evaluation preferences?
The preferences are intended to expand opportunities for qualifying small businesses to compete for City contracts. They recognize eligible certified businesses through established evaluation criteria while maintaining applicable procurement requirements.
What if my business does not qualify for SBE certification?
Businesses do not have to be SBE-certified to pursue City contracting opportunities. Businesses that do not qualify for certification may still register as suppliers, review available solicitations, and submit bids or proposals for which they meet the requirements.
ACCESS GP also provides educational information and networking opportunities that are not limited to certified businesses.
How does ACCESS GP help businesses that do not sell to the City?
ACCESS GP connects business owners with workshops, networking opportunities, educational information, and organizations offering business development resources.
Whether you operate a retail shop, restaurant, daycare, salon, or another type of business, ACCESS GP can help you learn about resources and make connections that support your business goals.