The short version
- Get your licenses in order: a contractor license if your trade needs one, a city business license where the agency requires it, and DIR public works registration for public works.
- Register as a vendor with each agency you want to work for: Kern County on Public Purchase (and PlanetBids for county road work), Bakersfield on PlanetBids, and the smaller cities on their own bid pages.
- Pick every commodity or category code that fits, so the buyers notify you.
- Read the full bid notice: due date and time, where to submit, pre-bid meetings, bond, insurance and license rules, and every addendum.
- Submit before the deadline. Kern County does not accept late bids, with no exceptions.
How do I register to bid on Kern County work?
Register on the County Purchasing Agent's Bidders List at PublicPurchase.com. It is free. Pick every NIGP commodity and service code that fits your business, because buyers use those codes to notify vendors. Public Purchase reviews new accounts, which can take 24 hours, and then sends a link to finish registering with the County of Kern.
Where does Kern County post road and infrastructure bids?
Kern County Public Works posts road construction and infrastructure projects on PlanetBids, where you view, register and respond. County capital and major maintenance construction projects have their own listing on the county's Doing Business page.
How do I register with the City of Bakersfield?
Bakersfield uses PlanetBids. Go to the city's PlanetBids portal, choose New Vendor Registration, fill in the company info, licenses and categories, and submit. You also need a City of Bakersfield business license. Purchasing questions go to 661-326-3746.
Do I need to register with the state for public works?
Yes, for public works. California's Department of Industrial Relations requires public works contractors to register. Registration is $400, $800 or $1,200 for one, two or three fiscal years (July 1 to June 30). Bidding on a public works project while unregistered can bring a $2,000 penalty.
What kinds of county bids are there?
Kern County Purchasing uses written quotation requests (usually goods and services over $30,000), best value bids (typically over $100,000, scored on more than price), and requests for proposal for professional services, which departments run and the Board of Supervisors awards. Informal bids of $5,000 to $30,000 are not posted publicly; buyers use the Bidders List to find vendors.
Does Kern County favor local businesses?
Yes, for goods, materials, equipment and services, but not construction. If a local vendor's bid is within 5 percent of a non-local low bid, the local vendor may submit a new bid within 48 hours, and wins if it matches or beats the low bid (County Ordinance Code 2.38.131).
Do I need a bond?
Often, for construction. Kern County says its informal construction bids between $45,000 and $175,000 require bonding. Each bid notice spells out its own bond, license and insurance rules. For example, Wasco's Filburn Avenue project requires a City business license and a Class A contractor license at award.
What happens after bids close?
Kern County awards formal bids to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, except best value bids and RFPs, which go to the best overall value under the stated criteria. Bid tabulations are public records, available after award, which normally takes five to seven working days after the bid opening.
Facts from the official sources below, checked Oct 18, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you bid. This is not legal advice.