Iowa RFPs: The Ultimate Guide to Iowa Bids

Is your organization located in Iowa? Are you ready to start finding and responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in the Hawkeye State? Issuers of Iowa RFPs practice the same mantra made famous in the baseball movie Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” And they’re not wrong! Responding to an Iowa RFP means competing against a whole league of organizations looking to hit a home run with a new contract. 

If your organization is doing business in Iowa, it might be operating in one of the top local industries like agriculture, manufacturing, or renewable energy. But what does that mean for your chances at competing for a larger contract? Usually, that means you’ll need to customize your responses to each issuer’s bid requirements. In other words, you’ll want to get to work developing competitive responses that will net business within your niche.

Top Industries in Iowa

Looking for Iowa RFPs in the state’s top industries? Check to see if you’re state-certified before you bid.

• Agriculture: Iowa produces a third of the U.S. corn crop and over 30% of the nation’s pork supply. Depending on the specific agricultural services you offer, you might need to meet certain requirements. You may need certifications for pesticide application, livestock & poultry, and dairy licensing.
• Healthcare: The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in Iowa, with companies such as UnityPoint Health and MercyOne residing there. As you can imagine, there are a myriad of certifications and regulations in the healthcare industry. For example, hospitals must be certified by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA).
• Manufacturing: Did you know that John Deere, Rockwell Collins, and Vermeer are all located in Iowa? Depending on what you are manufacturing, you might need environmental permits. The Iowa construction industry is also booming. Read how to bid for municipal construction solicitations here.
• Renewable Energy: Iowa ranks among the top states for wind energy. Depending on the sector you are in, there are certain requirements you must meet. Examples include Renewable Energy Certifications from organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Iowa Bidding Requirements

To bid on public sector contracts in Iowa, you must register with the IMPACS – the Iowa Management of Procurement and Contracts System. Additionally, depending on the Iowa RFP you are bidding on, you might need to attend a pre-bid conference. You can also learn a lot more about how to bid for an Iowa RFP by checking out the state’s official procurement manual. Check it out here.

Business Registration and Tax Compliance:

• Business Registration: Remember, it is critical that you have a valid Iowa business license. Check your business authorization status if you are operating from outside of Iowa.
• Tax Compliance: Respondents must comply with the tax requirements set by the Iowa Department of Revenue. So, don’t forget to update your sales tax permit. It’ll help if you’re in good standing with your tax obligations.

Iowa also offers several certifications that can give businesses a competitive edge when bidding on certain RFPs. The Targeted Small Business (TSB) certification provides advantages for small businesses owned by minorities, women, or individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification is managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). This certification is applicable to companies that work on federally funded transportation projects.

Finding RFPs in Iowa

Finding Iowa RFPs might seem like a curveball at first, but you’ll hit a home run in no time with these resources. When starting your search, it is definitely helpful to jot down some notes about the types of projects you are looking to bid on.

• Iowa DAS Procurement: This is the official procurement portal for Iowa state government RFPs. It covers state agencies, departments, and public institutions. This should be the first place you start looking for Iowa RFPs!
• County and City Procurement Sites: You can easily check Iowa’s county and city procurement websites via an online search. Just enter the name of your county or city and add the terms “RFP” and “procurement.” Some examples in Iowa include Polk County Purchasing, City of Des Moines RFPs, and Johnson County Purchasing.
• Industry-specific Resources: If your industry is big enough in your local area, chances are you will find industry-specific resources.
  • Iowa Higher Learning: If you are looking to work with institutions of higher learning, you can find procurement departments such as Iowa State University Procurement Services, University of Iowa Purchasing, and the University of Northern Iowa Procurement.
  • Niche Industry Resources: Check out UnityPoint Health Vendors for healthcare opportunities. Other niche resources include the Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Housing Authorities.
• Bid Banana: Find a mix of both private and public sector RFPs through our own user-friendly RFP search engine. At Bid Banana, you can filter and favorite your searches to fit your company’s needs.

You Don’t Have to Bid on Iowa RFPs Alone

Now that you know a little more about Iowa RFPs and procurements, you can start building up your proposal batting average. So, are you ready to take a swing at building a better bid response? If so, we’ve got you covered. Read up on how to create RFP response templates in our Learning Center. Or, if you’re looking to find Iowa RFPs, check out Bid Banana, our user-friendly RFP database. The Bid Banana Blog can help you find bids in all 50 states (including Iowa!). So reach out to schedule a free consultation with us today by calling 1-844-4BIDLAB or emailing respond@thebidlab.com.