What is the purpose of this website?
This site is designed to make available procurement-specific documents to vendors that are interested in doing business with the U.S. House of Representatives.
Does the House follow the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)?
No. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs procurement practices for the executive branch of the federal government and its agencies. The U.S. House of Representatives operates under a separate procurement framework.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House conducts enterprise-level procurements on behalf of the institution in accordance with the Guidelines for Procurement of Goods and Services. Information on current enterprise solicitations may be found on SAM.gov or at Doing Business with the House/Procurement Opportunities.
Members of Congress, committees, and other House offices may also make independent purchasing decisions and select vendors of their choice, consistent with regulations issued by the Committee on House Administration. These regulations are outlined in the Member's Handbook, the Committee's Handbook, and the User's Guide.
While individual offices retain significant autonomy in their purchasing decisions, the House also makes centralized purchases when it is economically advantageous. For example:
- Office supplies are purchased in bulk through the House Supply Store.
- Furniture and furnishings for Washington, D.C. offices are provided through the CAO Shops.
- Commodity technology such as laptops, tablets, and printers is purchased through the House Tech Store.
- Opportunities related to these centralized purchases are published on this website when available.
Finally, Committee on House Administration regulations—particularly those governing technology services—generally require purchases to be made through contracts awarded by the CAO. Please see the Technology Services section for additional information.
How can my firm find out about upcoming House procurements?
The House publishes all Requests for Proposals, Requests for Information (Market Surveys) and Invitations for Bids on this website. Solicitations are also announced on Sam.gov. Current or "open" solicitations may be accessed at www.house.gov/doing-business-with-the-house/procurement-opportunities.
How can my firm get on the House vendor list?
CAO Acquisitions Management does not compile or retain "vendor lists." Please refer to Sam.gov or www.house.gov/doing-business-with-the-house for any current solicitations.
How can my firm get its products on the "Approved" list?
The House generally does not maintain lists of "Approved" vendors.
The House maintains a list of authorized technology vendors available for use by Members, Committees, and Leadership Offices. Vendors that complete the review and contracting process are authorized to market their services to House offices, but each office independently decides whether to purchase from these vendors.
There are currently four categories of authorized vendors: Correspondence Management, Website Services, Systems Administration, and Maintenance. Visit the Technology Services section of this website to learn more.
The House also maintains a list of authorized cloud vendors that offices may use for official business after completing a security review process. This is not a contracting process, and each office independently decides whether to purchase services from authorized vendors. Visit the Cloud Services section of this website to learn more.
Are there set-asides for small businesses? Minority-owned businesses? Women-owned businesses?
No. The House conducts procurements that provide for maximum possible competition according to the Guidelines for the Procurement of Goods and Services for the House of Representatives.
Where does my firm submit an Unsolicited Proposal?
Traditional Enterprise Contracts
All unsolicited proposals should be submitted to
CAO Acquisitions Management
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Please be sure that your proposals are clearly marked "UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL" on all copies.
Contact us with your specific questions at (202) 225-2921 or if you would like to arrange to submit your unsolicited proposal via electronic mail.
Technology Services Tech Pitch
Technology vendors wishing to pitch a technology service for Members, Committees, and Leadership – either for an enterprise contract or to be purchased by individual offices — should submit the Technology Services Tech Pitch form.