The Governor’s Marketplace — Oregon’s premier event focused on public contracting and business resources — returns to the Salem Convention Center on April 2, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This conference brings together state agencies, businesses, and community resource partners from across Oregon to strengthen connections and expand opportunities in public contracting.
This year’s theme, “Pathways to Partnerships,” highlights the importance of building shared success across the state by increasing collaboration between businesses, communities, and public agencies. Through direct engagement with agency procurement teams, prime contractors, and technical assistance organizations, attendees will gain valuable insights into how to participate in state contracting opportunities.
This event will feature exhibitor booths, networking opportunities, and multiple training sessions designed to help businesses better understand government procurement processes. Contractors licensed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board may also earn continuing education units (CEU) for training sessions attended.
Attendance is free, and participants will receive light morning refreshments and lunch. The Governor’s Marketplace continues to serve as a key platform for building relationships that support equitable participation and strengthen Oregon’s public contracting ecosystem.
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The Advisory Committee on Proposed Rule Changes for HB 2337 (2025) will convene in March to guide the implementation of the new preference for Oregon Small Business Enterprises (OSBE).
Business Oregon has set eligibility standards and will certify businesses as OSBE, while DAS will develop the preference program itself. The March Rules Advisory Committee will review the draft rule language, provide feedback, and support DAS in refining the buy-decision process to advance small business equity in Oregon procurement.
The meeting will be recorded and available on the Office of Procurement Equity’s website under “Outreach and Upcoming Events” following the March 18 meeting. Early comments can be sent via email to das.procurementequity@das.oregon.gov until close of business on April 3, 2026.
The public comment part of the rulemaking process will occur later in April. Information is available on DAS’ website the Rulemaking page.
The Department of Administrative Services E-Procurement team is currently testing a new OregonBuys update rolling out in late April. The new release will make the system easier to use, including a new quick search bar and a clearer Advanced Search link right at the top of your welcome screen after you log in.
Stay tuned here for more information about the change in features and we’ll keep you up to date on all things Oregon Buys!
The Office of Procurement Equity is concluding a yearlong effort to engage Oregon’s business community in advancing the recommendations from the 2023 State of Oregon Disparity Study. Through work groups and listening sessions, we collaborated with the community and state agency representatives to review all 29 recommendations. Each session provided valuable insights to support more equitable participation in state procurement. As we develop the final report, we want to thank all our partners for lending their expertise to drive meaningful, lasting changes for businesses across the state.
The report will be published on the Office of Procurement Equity’s website this spring.
The Oregon Commission for the Blind’s Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is pleased to announce plans to expand services into the Eugene area. This expansion supports the mission to create competitive, sustainable business opportunities for blind Oregonians while enhancing access to high‑quality food and vending services in public facilities.
Under the Randolph‑Sheppard Act and Oregon state law, the BEP is a non-competitive program authorized to provide a wide range of operations, including:
- Vending machine services
- Espresso and specialty‑coffee carts
- Snack bars
- Cafeterias
- Micro markets
- Convenience‑store–style services
If you would like to express interest or learn more about partnership opportunities in the Eugene area, please contact Ryan McBee at ryan.mcbee@ocb.oregon.gov or 503‑847‑4568.
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Q: March is women's history month which has me thinking. Hey Jenine, what resources are there for women owned small businesses in Oregon?
A: Great question! Women owned small businesses are an important part of the Oregon economy.
First, there is a Certification Office of Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) certification specifically for women owned businesses. Check out info on the Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification and the qualifications on COBID's website. Certification is a great step, especially for businesses that want to do government contracting.
Other resources for WBE firms in Oregon include:
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Oregon Women's Business Center at Livelihood NW: Free membership provides access to one-on-one business advising, grant and networking opportunities, as well as discounts and access to workshops and trainings.
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Xcelerate Women: Built by and for women to succeed as small business owners. Xcelerate provides advising, peer mentorship, and growth education to support your business goals.
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Adelante Mujeres: Empresas Small Business Program provides educational and advising services as well as access to commercial kitchens for developing Latine businesses in Washington county.
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