DC Green Book 2026

Sabrina Candelario
1 day ago
4 min read

Updated: 22 hours ago

Interested in doing business with DC Gov? compliBLOOM Explains What You Actually Need To Do

Yesterday I attended the District’s Green Book 2026 briefing with Mayor Muriel Bowser and other small businesses.I walked in expecting a quick and formal briefing but was stunned with the organization of the event.

If you're thinking it was going to be just a presentation, you'd be wrong.

It was basically the city explaining:

“We already have money set aside. We need vendors. But only businesses inside our system can receive it.”

Many people hear “government contracts” and immediately assume it is political, complicated, or only for big companies. The truth is simpler:

DC government works like a large organization with hundreds of departments. Every department must hire outside companies to complete projects. They cannot do everything internally.

They just don’t search Google to find you.

They search their vendor database.

So What Is the Green Book?

The Green Book is the city’s yearly forecast of what agencies plan to purchase.Think of it as DC telling you:

“Here is what we will be buying this year. Prepare.”

You can view it here:https://dslbd.dc.gov/greenbook

Inside it are planned needs like:

• training programs

• media documentation

• IT support

• outreach campaigns

• event coverage

• reporting and data support

Most small businesses never read it — but agencies actually use it to plan their budgets.

Why the Meeting Matters

During the meeting, officials emphasized keeping DC dollars local and explained billions have been directed to Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs).

Here is the program:https://dslbd.dc.gov/service/certified-business-enterprise-cbe-program

DC law requires agencies to include local businesses whenever possible.That means the city is not only allowed to hire you — sometimes they are expected to.

But here is the part many people miss:

You do not “apply for contracts” first.

You position your business to be selectable.

How Agencies Actually Find Vendors

This surprised almost everyone.

An agency usually follows this order:

Check their internal vendor system
Look for CBE companies
Contact vendors directly for small jobs
Only then publish larger bids

If you are not registered, you never even see the opportunity.

The Real Checklist (Conversation Version)

Step 1 — Are you legally visible?

Go to: https://business.dc.gov

You need a DC Basic Business License.Even home businesses qualify with a Home Occupation Permit.

Tip: Many small contracts (under certain dollar amounts) cannot even be issued unless the vendor already has a valid license. Agencies will skip you instead of waiting.

Step 2 — Can the city pay you?

This is the PASS vendor system.

Without it, the government cannot generate a purchase order or cut a check.Think of PASS as the city’s accounting address book.

Tip: After registering, log in every few weeks. Vendors who never log in sometimes appear inactive to agencies.

Step 3 — Are you identifiable nationally?

This is your business’s federal identifier.

Tip: Use the exact same business name and address everywhere (bank, license, SAM, PASS). Mismatches delay payments.

Step 4 — This is the one that unlocks everything

Apply for CBE Certification:https://dslbd.dc.gov/service/certified-business-enterprise-cbe-program

This gives you preference over companies outside DC.

It can allow:

• set-aside contracts

• direct small awards

• subcontractor participation

• priority vendor searches

Tip: Upload clean documents. Most delays happen because of incomplete paperwork, not rejection.

Step 5 — Now read the opportunities

Contracting portal:https://ocp.dc.gov/page/procurement-forecasts-and-plans

This is where larger solicitations appear after agencies plan projects.

A Simple Real-Life Example (Use Case)

Let’s say a DC agency launches a youth workforce training program.

They now need:

• training classes

• a curriculum instructor

• photos of the program

• social media content

• a final report showing participation

Instead of hiring one big company, they often hire multiple small vendors.

Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

Program manager searches PASS for local CBEs
They filter by service category (example: photography or training)
They email 3–5 businesses
They request a quote
A purchase order is issued

No public bid ever happens.

This is extremely common for smaller projects.

Practical Tips Most People Learn Too Late

Tip 1: Create a simple capability statement (1 page)

Include:

• services

• contact info

• NAICS codes

• past work

Program managers often ask for it first.

Tip 2: Call agencies before contracts open

Use the Green Book to identify departments that match your service.Introduce yourself early. You are not asking for a contract — you are becoming known.

Tip 3: Small jobs lead to large ones

Many DC vendors start with:

• a $1,500 job

• a $5,000 documentation contract

• a small training session

Then agencies reuse vendors they trust.

Tip 4: Government values reliability over branding

A consistent, responsive business often wins over a more “flashy” one.

They need vendors who:

• answer emails

• meet deadlines

• invoice correctly

What the Meeting Really Taught Me

The opportunity is not hidden. It is procedural.

The city already spends money every year. They are not waiting for perfect companies, they are waiting for prepared ones.

The Green Book is essentially the early notice system.

The businesses that win are not necessarily the biggest or the most talented.

They are the ones who:

• registered

• certified

• stayed visible

If you want to pursue DC government work but the registrations, certifications, and setup feel overwhelming, CompliBLOOM International Solutions helps businesses become contract-ready and visible to agencies. We assist with DC business licensing, PASS vendor registration, SAM.gov/UEI setup, CBE certification preparation, capability statements, and aligning your services to opportunities listed in the Green Book so you are positioned before contracts open. Schedule a consultation at https://www.complibloomis.com/book-online or email info@complibloom.is — the District can only hire businesses that are properly established, and we help you get there.