Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

dgs

Department of General Services
 

Propel DC

Propel DC

  • Propel DC is a new opportunity for DGS to engage local Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs)* that have not yet done business with the District.  

  • Through Propel DC, participating businesses will have the opportunity to receive small contract awards with the District Government, potentially up to (of up to $100,000).    

  • CBEs selected for the event will present their qualifications to DGS staff serving as Propel DC Judges.  

  • The first 10 CBEs to register during a predetermined window will be the ones selected to present at the Propel DC Event. Learn more about this process here: https://dgs.dc.gov/page/propel-dc   

  • Each CBE is allotted a 15-minute presentation time slot with the Propel DC Judges Panel. Contracts will be awarded on the same day of the presentations. 

  • Propel DC will take place quarterly and is open to all CBEs in the District. DGS encourages participation as we continue to promote a transparent and competitive engagement process.  

Join us on March 25th for a Virtual Propel DC Informational 

  • When: Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 12:00 PM -1:00 PM 

  • Where: Registration Link Coming Soon 

  • What: Learn more about Propel DC and our first solicitation: Beautification Services  

*Please find more information on the CBE program: https://dslbd.dc.gov/page/cbe-certification-frequently-asked-questions-faqs  

 

PROPEL DC PROCESS  

Registration Process 

  • On March 26th, 2026, at a designated time, the first 10 businesses to register via the Microsoft Form on our website will move forward in the Propel DC process. 

  • The first 10 registered CBEs and first‑time vendors will advance to the bid process.  

  • For transparency, all registered businesses and their registration timestamps will be posted on our website.  

Bid Process  

  • The project’s page will include the statement of work, milestone plan, and additional project details.  

Presentation Process   

  • Businesses that submit a proposal will be invited to deliver a 5‑minute presentation before the DGS staff panel of judges.  

  • During the presentation, small businesses should address:  

  • Their capabilities to fulfill the statement of work  

  • Why DGS should select their company for the contract   

  • The senior staff panel will make an on‑the‑spot award decision.  

 

PROPEL DC FAQS 

What is Propel DC?  

Propel DC is a pilot program that promotes innovation and vendor-readiness. It engages Certified Business Enterprises through contract opportunities. The program streamlines how small and local businesses propose, pilot, and scale solutions to District challenges.   

How do I find active Propel DC solicitations?  

Propel DC solicitations will be posted on the DGS Active Solicitations webpage. Each solicitation will include problem statements, submission instructions, timelines, and evaluation criteria. 

How do I participate?    

You may consider reviewing the solicitation and/or attending the Pre‑Bid/Proposal Conference. You will need to register through the designated web-link, and await an email with available dates and first‑come time slots for the oral presentation. (Note: Only the first ten registrants may submit proposals for opportunities under $100K). After registering, submit your proposal via the designated “OpenGov” procurement portal. 

Is this program for me?  

Propel DC prioritizes Washington, DC‑based CBEs and welcomes first‑time DC government vendors, entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged or minority communities, and small businesses or startups based in the District. 

Do I need to be a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) to participate?  

Yes. Propel DC is set-aside for Certified Business Enterprise Firms who are certified by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE).  There is no exception to this requirement. 

 

CBE QUESTIONS  

  1. What is a CBE? 

A Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) is a for-profit business headquartered in the District of Columbia and certified by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). Businesses with CBE certification receive preferred procurement and contracting opportunities. 

  • The principal office of the business must be physically located in the District of Columbia; 

  • Meets one of the following: 

  • Independently owned and operated; or 

  • More than 50% owned, operated, and controlled by a District-based enterprise or not-for-profit business; or  

  • Owned by a non-District-based business enterprise that is more than 50% owned by District residents. 

  • Chief Executive Officer and highest-level managerial employees of the business enterprise must perform their managerial functions in their principal office located in the District; 

  • Meets one of the four following standards: 

  • More than 50% of the employees of the business are residents of the District; or 

  • The owners of more than 50% of the business enterprise are residents of the District; or 

  • More than 50% of the assets of the business, excluding bank accounts, are in the District; or 

  • More than 50% of the business's gross receipts are District gross receipts. 

  1. How do I obtain information on the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) certification program?  

For information, contact the Department of Small and Local Business Development at (202) 727‑3900 or visit: 

  • Department of Small and Local Business Development 
  • 441 4th Street NW, Suite 850N 
  • Washington, DC 20001 

  1. What are CBE preference points?  

The District directs spending to these DC-based businesses that support and contribute to job creation and the city tax base, resulting in a much stronger local economy.  Businesses with CBE certification receive preferred procurement and contracting opportunities. Bids and Proposals are evaluated using a preference point system in the form of points (in the case of proposals) or percentage reduction in price (with respect to bids).  More information is available by contacting the District of Columbia's Department of Small and Local Business Development. 

 

BID QUESTIONS  

  1. Why is the maximum only $100,000.00 for the Propel DC projects?  

Under the simplified Procurement Procedures, the $100,000.00 threshold provides DGS with the greatest flexibility in making a selection.  

  1. Where will I be able to find future project information?  

Vendors can find more information about Propel DC, including current and future project opportunities, by visiting the Department’s website. Additionally, DGS is partnering with DSLBD, who will continue to share Propel DC announcements with the broader CBE community. For questions or to be added to the DGS small business contact list, please reach out to Claudia Barahona at [email protected].  

We will also update the Propel DC website here: dgs.dc.gov/page/propel-dc. 

  1. What if a vendor has a question while filling out a request for quote, bid, or proposal document?  

Please email the point of contact (PoC) identified in the solicitation. 

  1. How do I obtain Bid results?  

The Contracting Officer will issue Notices of Successful and Unsuccessful Bids upon award.  Additionally, the Contracting Officer shall promptly publish the bid abstract on the DGS website.