Everlasting, not sure which level of government that is for. I can only speak on the state level. When I was doing this, we were an approved vendor on the vendor list and we would occasionally receive packets requesting bids for projects that we fit. There was also a main office in our area with several terminals that you could visit as you wished. You logged in, searched jobs that would be options for your company based on the products/services needed and were able to print the bid requests, process quotes and submit required costs and information to the department making the request. We usually checked the bids via the terminals about once a week.

The others have already mentioned it, but the `vendor bid lists` are essential. Yes they are a pain in the neck, but they`re a necessary part of marketing your business.  Your state may also have an RFP list.  You may need to sign up for an RFP alert service to find out when the contracts are out for bid. 

Be benefit driven to the agent that is hiring.  And don`t worry about the price too much. Lowest price probably won`t win, because they just want to make sure that the job gets done (so if it`s too lowball they might have trouble getting it accomplished).  But offer a benefit beyond getting the job done.  City officials have to deal with a lot of stuff -- so make what you do easier for them.

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