Port of Long Beach PlanetBids: Complete Vendor Registration & Bidding Guide 2025
Master the Port of Long Beach PlanetBids system with our comprehensive guide. Learn vendor registration, bid submission strategies, and winning tips for POLB construction and marine infrastructure contracts.
Port of Long Beach Overview
Quick Facts: Port of Long Beach Procurement
Annual Contract Value:
$1B+
Active Vendors:
4,500+
Average Monthly Opportunities:
30-50
Portal URL:
pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/10262
The Port of Long Beach (POLB) utilizes PlanetBids as its primary e-procurement platform, managing over $1 billion in annual contracts for one of the world's busiest seaports. As the second-busiest container port in the United States and a critical gateway for trans-Pacific trade, POLB offers exceptional opportunities for construction, marine infrastructure, environmental, and professional service contractors.
America's Second-Busiest Port
The Port of Long Beach handles approximately 9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, generating $200+ billion in trade value. This scale drives continuous infrastructure investment in terminals, rail facilities, bridges, and environmental systems.
Construction & Infrastructure
- • Marine terminal construction and renovation
- • Wharf and berth improvements
- • Rail facility development
- • Bridge and roadway construction
- • Building construction and renovation
- • Utility infrastructure (power, water)
Professional & Specialized Services
- • Marine engineering and design
- • Environmental consulting (CEQA/NEPA)
- • Dredging and marine surveying
- • Construction management
- • Security systems and equipment
- • Crane and heavy equipment services
- Zero-Emissions Equipment: Major investment in electrification infrastructure and charging systems
- Pier B On-Dock Rail: Multi-phase rail expansion supporting increased cargo capacity
- Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement: Ongoing cable-stayed bridge improvements
- Terminal Modernization: Upgrades to accommodate larger vessels and automation
- Environmental Programs: Clean air initiatives and water quality improvements
Vendor Registration Process
- Navigate to pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/10262
- Click "Register" in the top menu
- Select "Vendor Registration"
- Complete the registration form with:
- • Legal business name and DBA
- • Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- • DUNS Number (often required)
- • Business type and structure
- • Primary contact information
- Create a unique username and secure password
Required Business Information:
- Business licenses (California state and local)
- Insurance certificates (elevated limits for port work)
- California Contractor's license (appropriate classification)
- DIR registration number (required for all public works)
- SBE/DBE/WBE certifications (if applicable)
- TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) clearance capability
Select NIGP commodity codes that match your products and services. The Port uses these codes to notify vendors of relevant opportunities.
Pro Tip: Include marine construction, heavy civil, environmental, and infrastructure codes. Port projects often span multiple disciplines—cast a wide net on relevant categories.
After registration submission, expect verification within 3-7 business days. The Port may require additional documentation given security and compliance requirements.
Note: POLB has enhanced vendor vetting requirements due to federal port security regulations. Be prepared to provide additional certifications and clearances.
Finding Bid Opportunities
| Category | Typical Value Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal/Wharf Construction | $10M - $500M+ | Quarterly |
| Infrastructure Improvements | $1M - $50M | Monthly |
| Building Construction | $500K - $25M | Bi-monthly |
| Professional Services (A/E) | $100K - $10M | Monthly |
| Environmental Services | $50K - $5M | Monthly |
| Maintenance & Repair | $25K - $2M | Weekly |
| Dredging & Marine Work | $5M - $100M+ | As needed |
- Log into your PlanetBids account
- Select "Bid Opportunities" from the menu
- Use filters to narrow by category, department, or date
- Click opportunity titles for full details
- Download bid packages (often large for major projects)
- Navigate to "My Account" settings
- Select "Notification Preferences"
- Choose categories and commodity codes
- Set email frequency (daily recommended)
- Save preferences to activate alerts
Better Alternative: ConstructionBids.ai
While monitoring the Port's PlanetBids directly works, ConstructionBids.ai aggregates POLB opportunities alongside the Port of Los Angeles, City of Long Beach, LA County, and thousands of other agencies—giving you a complete picture of Southern California port and marine opportunities.
- AI-powered matching for port and marine infrastructure bids
- Single platform for both Port of Long Beach and Port of LA
- Never miss addenda or deadline changes on major projects
Bid Submission Requirements
Required Documents
- Completed bid form (all fields)
- Bid security (typically 10-15% for major projects)
- Contractor's license documentation
- DIR registration verification
- Subcontractor list (detailed for major work)
Port-Specific Requirements
- SBE/DBE participation plan
- Safety program documentation
- Security clearance information
- Marine experience qualifications
- Environmental compliance certifications
- Submit early: Port projects often have large bid packages—allow 4+ hours for upload
- File formats: PDF required; check individual file and total package size limits
- Verify upload: Download and verify all components before deadline
- Late submissions: Strictly enforced—system locks precisely at deadline
Evaluation Criteria
Most construction contracts are awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder meeting all specifications.
Responsiveness Factors:
- • All required forms completed correctly
- • Bid security included and valid
- • Proper licensing and DIR registration
- • All addenda acknowledged
- • SBE/DBE requirements met
- • Marine/port experience demonstrated
Professional services (A/E, consulting) are evaluated based on qualifications per California law.
Typical Criteria:
- • Port/marine experience: 30-40%
- • Technical approach: 20-30%
- • Team qualifications: 20-25%
- • Past performance: 15-20%
- • SBE participation commitment
The Port of Long Beach has an active SBE program with participation goals on most contracts. Prime contractors must demonstrate SBE commitment:
- Participation Goals: Typically 15-25% depending on project scope
- Good Faith Efforts: Required documentation if goals cannot be met
- Certification: SBE, DBE, WBE certifications recognized
- Compliance Monitoring: Post-award tracking of SBE participation
Compliance Requirements
All Port construction projects require compliance with California prevailing wage laws.
Contractor Obligations:
- • DIR registration (mandatory)
- • Certified payroll submission
- • Wage rate compliance
- • Apprenticeship requirements
Documentation:
- • Weekly certified payroll reports
- • Fringe benefit statements
- • Apprentice certifications
- • Labor compliance records
All workers accessing secure port areas must possess valid TWIC credentials:
- TWIC Card Required: TSA-issued credential for all port workers
- Processing Time: Allow 6-8 weeks for new TWIC applications
- Background Check: Federal background investigation required
- Subcontractor Workers: All personnel must have valid TWIC
The Port has aggressive environmental goals. Contractors must comply with Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP) requirements:
- Equipment Standards: Clean diesel or alternative fuel requirements
- Dust Control: Aggressive particulate matter mitigation
- Water Quality: Stormwater and marine discharge controls
- Zero Emissions: Growing requirements for electric/hydrogen equipment
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $2,000,000+ per occurrence | Higher for major projects |
| Auto Liability | $1,000,000 combined | All owned/hired vehicles |
| Workers' Comp | Statutory limits | $1M employer's liability |
| Professional Liability | $2,000,000+ (if applicable) | For A/E services |
| Marine/USL&H | As required | For waterside work |
| Pollution Liability | $2,000,000+ | Often required |
Winning Strategies
Port of Long Beach strongly values contractors with demonstrated port and marine construction experience. Strategically build your portfolio:
- • Start with smaller maintenance and repair contracts to build relationships
- • Partner with experienced port contractors as a subcontractor first
- • Pursue similar work at Port of Los Angeles, other California ports
- • Highlight any waterfront, heavy civil, or industrial experience
Pre-bid meetings for port projects are essential—they often include site access that cannot be replicated later.
- Many meetings are mandatory—missing them disqualifies your bid
- Port facilities have access restrictions—pre-bid is your opportunity to see conditions
- Bring key team members (estimators, project managers, superintendents)
- TWIC credentials required for site visits—plan ahead
Strong SBE partnerships improve your competitiveness on Port contracts:
- Build roster: Identify certified SBE/DBE subs with port experience
- Early outreach: Contact SBE partners when opportunities post
- Meaningful participation: Assign real scope, not token work
- Port resources: Use POLB's SBE directory and matchmaking events
The Port's aggressive environmental goals create opportunities for forward-thinking contractors:
- • Invest in clean equipment (Tier 4, electric, hydrogen)
- • Train crews on environmental compliance requirements
- • Develop expertise in zero-emissions infrastructure
- • Highlight environmental track record in proposals
Resources & Support
Contracts & Procurement
(562) 283-7000
contracts@polb.com
Small Business Development
(562) 283-7828
sbe@polb.com
PlanetBids Support
support@planetbids.com
(818) 992-1771
Stop manually checking multiple portals for port opportunities. ConstructionBids.ai automatically aggregates bids from Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, City of Long Beach, and thousands of other agencies—delivering relevant opportunities directly to you.
- AI-powered matching for port and marine infrastructure bids
- Track both Southern California ports in one dashboard
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