Doing Business with CPS

Cincinnati Public Schools seeks contracts with businesses and organizations that provide the most efficient use of taxpayers' dollars, while offering high-quality goods and services.

CPS COVID-19 Policies and Protocols

Masks are currently optional in school buildings, district offices, and on yellow bus and van services until further notice. Students, staff, and visitors who want to continue wearing a mask are supported and encouraged to do so.

CDC Community Status - Low or Medium
When community cases are low or medium, mask-wearing will be voluntary for students, staff, and visitors.

CDC Community Status - High
When community cases are high, CPS will inform the board (policy 5321) with a recommendation to wear masks indoors; board will review and provide directive(s).

Students and staff who test positive, but are allowed to return to school/work after Day 5, must continue to wear a face mask for 10 days following a positive test.

CPS New Supplier Registration

Cincinnati Public Schools is now using CPS eBid software, presented on the IONWAVE Technologies, Inc. platform. This software will allow you to view a bid, submit a bid response and receive a request for quotes.

If you are a current vendor with CPS, you will still need to register to become a supplier in order to receive notification when new bids are open, view open bids, submit a bid request and receive a request for quotes.

If you are interested in doing business with CPS, you will need to register as an interested supplier to receive notifications when new bids are opened, view open bids, submit a bid request and also receive a request for quotes.

Please note: Partnering with a school or department is another means to become a vendor.  Visit the "Find A School" link to search for a department or school that may suit your needs.  

In order to do business with CPS, vendors are required to have fully executed purchase orders prior to beginning work.

• Read our memo to vendors  
• New supplier registration
  • View our Supplier Registration Tutorial
• View Current Bids and Legal Notices

Supplier Information

• Supplier Registration Information
• Supplier Conflict of Interest Board Policy 1130
• CPS Terms and Conditions

Solicitation Information

• Formal Solicitations and Quote Qualifications
• Purchasing Procurement Process

CPS Minority Inclusion Opportunity

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is seeking to forge innovative partnerships with certified Minority and Women Owned Business vendors (M/WBE) to help increase the participation of all contracted and procurement dollars spent on an annual basis. Registering in our New IONWAVE Bidding system will give suppliers the opportunity to be awarded a bid or quote. 

• Increasing (M/WBE) Participation
• Procurement Categories & Corresponding Departments

Board Policies & Resolutions

• Purchasing Of Goods And Services — Board Policy 6320

Resource Links

Small & Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

• Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
• SBA Certifications or Qualification Requirements
• "Ask SBA" SBA Information locator
• Small Business Administration (SBA)

Local Resources

• SCORE, Cincinnati Chapter