Tips for doing business with SMUD

Getting ready

Register or log into the Ariba network at discovery.ariba.com. Select as many categories as possible that apply to your business when completing your profile.
If you're registering as a SEED vendor, please also create a profile on our Electronic Bid Solicitation System (EBSS) at smud.org/EBSS and select all categories that apply to your business. For assistance, contact SEED.mgr@smud.org.
Remember to submit your DGS Certification and make sure it's current and valid. You can verify your status at dgs.ca.gov.
Keep your Ariba and EBSS profiles up to date, with current contact information and company offerings.
For a list of open solicitations, visit the SMUD Solicitation Portal at bids.smud.org. Check in frequently to keep up with all current solicitations that may be applicable to your business.

Always submit exactly what's requested.
When responding to questions, be concise and answer the question exactly as it’s stated. Please do not use "see attachment" or attach sales pamphlets as a response to the questions.
Even if you have done business with us before, please respond to the questions as if they're being answered for the first time. The SMUD staff currently reviewing your bid or proposal may not be familiar with your past work.
Always provide references when requested.
Review your bid to make sure you have complied with our Supplier Education and Economic Development (SEED) requirements at smud.org/SEED.

Sign all forms requested in the bid documents.
When submitting your bid, verify your calculations are correct.
For material bids, the final price should include Freight On Board (FOB).
For construction bids, the final price should include all taxes.
Sign and submit all addendums. Stay aware of additional addendums that may have been posted while you were preparing your bid.

Always attend pre-bid meetings and take the opportunity to network with the prime contractors. Please note that some meetings may be mandatory.
Request a list of potential bidders from the procurement professional running the solicitation. This list may also be posted in Ariba.
Communicate often with any prime contractors you're working with to ensure you have a clear understanding of the scope of work.
Contact supply chain with any compliance concerns using the procurement professional contact in Ariba.

Work closely with the procurement professional to complete the full Ariba onboarding process, ensuring timely and accurate payment.
Ask supply chain for feedback on your proposal using the procurement professional contact in Ariba.