How to Sell to Hawaii

HI

Register on Hawaii Procurement System. Out-of-state vendors allowed; 10% HI preference and NHB strong preference. $16B spending.

Out-of-State Bidders

Yes, allowed

Small Business Only

No, all sizes

💰

Registration Fee

Free

📅

Payment Terms

Net 30-45

You get paid within 30–45 days after submitting an invoice.

At a Glance

Annual Budget

$16 billion (FY2026)

Competitive Bid Threshold

$20,000

Formal RFP Threshold

$75,000

Registration Time

2-5 business days

Contracting Difficulty

🟡 Medium

Tech Friendliness

🟡 Medium

How to Register

1

Visit HI Procurement System

2

Create account

3

Enter NAICS codes

4

Provide W-9, insurance

5

Receive notifications

State Certifications

NHB

Native Hawaiian Business

Majority NHB owned/managed. Strongest preferences. Residency required.

🏠 Residency Required

SBE

Small Business Enterprise

HI small business. Set-asides.

🌎 No Residency Required

Register on Hawaii Procurement System. Out-of-state vendors allowed but face 10% HI preference and strong NHB (Native Hawaiian) preferences. $16B annual spending on infrastructure, education, services.

Who Can Sell?

Out-of-state vendors can bid but face 10% HI preference and strong NHB preferences. Competition significant.

Registration

Register on Hawaii Procurement System. Free, 2-5 days.

Certifications

NHB: Majority NHB owned/managed. Strongest preferences. Residency required. SBE: <100 emp, <$5M.

Thresholds

Under $20K: simplified. $20K-$75K: competitive. Over $75K: RFP.

Agencies

DOT, Education, University of Hawaii major buyers.

Differences

Remote delivery challenges unique. Seasonal restrictions possible. Logistics expertise valued.

FAQs

Q: Overcome HI preference?

Superior capability, faster delivery, logistics expertise help overcome preference disadvantage.

Q: Remote delivery?

Address logistics clearly. Communication tools, travel plans, time zone support important.

Q: Subcontracting?

Yes. You prime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Out-of-state disadvantage?

HI gives 10% preference to HI-based and strong NHB preferences. Out-of-state faces price disadvantage.

Logistics challenges?

HI island geography requires remote delivery, special logistics. Address operational capability.

Native Hawaiian Business?

NHB provides strongest state preferences. Residency and NHB ownership required.

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