At a glance
- Competitive bid threshold
- $200,000
- Formal RFP threshold
- $200,000+
- Payment terms
- Net 30Payment is due within 30 days of invoice.
How to register
- Register on eVA portal
- Complete vendor profile with W-9
- Apply for SWaM certification if eligible
- Wait ~60 days for SWaM approval
- Begin bidding on opportunities
Certifications
Small, Women-owned, Minority-owned (SWaM)
No residency requiredVirginia certification. Free, ~60 days. Provides preferences and set-asides.
Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (SDVBE)
No residency requiredFederal and state. Provides preferences.
Micro Business (Micro)
No residency required≤25 employees AND ≤$3M revenue. Set-asides and preferences.
Free tool
Set-aside eligibility checkFor federal bids: see which SBA set-aside programs you meet the tests for.
To sell to Virginia government, register on eVA. Out-of-state vendors allowed; tie bids favor VA residents with reciprocal preference. State spends approximately $42 billion annually with significant tech buying through VDOT, VITA, and Department of Education.
Who Can Sell to Virginia?
Any business can bid on VA contracts. Out-of-state vendors permitted. On tied bids, preference goes to VA residents. Reciprocal preference applies if your state favors its vendors. VA can price-match out-of-state bids within 10%. Your business needs valid structure and federal EIN.
Contract Thresholds and Bidding Rules
Purchases under $200,000 can use small purchase procedures (simplified). Purchases of $200,000+ require formal competitive sealed bids. VA emphasizes best-value selection. Agencies evaluate technical capability, cost, and past performance. Prevailing wage applies to certain contracts. Award timelines typically 6-10 weeks.
Top Agencies Buying Technology
VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) manages highways and transit, procuring fleet management systems, traffic technology, and infrastructure monitoring. VITA (Virginia Information Technologies Agency) purchases enterprise software, cybersecurity solutions, cloud services, and IT infrastructure for all state agencies. Department of Education procures educational technology, learning systems, and cybersecurity solutions.
How State Contracting Differs from Federal
VA state contracts follow state law, not FAR. More flexible than federal. Payment typically Net 30 (faster than federal). Compliance requirements simpler. However, prevailing wage applies to certain contracts. SWaM certification process (60 days) slower than some states but free.
Frequently asked questions
Out-of-state companies?
Yes. Tie bids favor VA residents. Reciprocal preference applies. VA can price-match within 10%.
SWaM certification?
Free Virginia certification for small/women/minority-owned. ~60 business days. Provides strong preferences.
Registration cost?
Free. SWaM cert also free but takes 60 days.
Competitive bidding threshold?
$200K. Smaller procurements may use simplified procedures.
Tech opportunities?
Yes. Strong IT and cybersecurity spending through VITA and education.