The goal of the MarketPlace is to connect Chamber members with companies and individuals that have a need for their services. The system will allow companies to post requests for proposals online. During this process, the company seeking a vendor will choose from a list of vendor categories. The company will provide detailed information about their request, including contact information, objective, detailed description, questions for vendors, vendor category, project start date, and proposal due date. Learn how to post an RFP.

Chamber members who choose to participate will have the option of choosing categories they wish to watch. Members can configure multiple "saved searches" that include keyword phrases and/or categories. Any RFP that meets the search criteria saved by a company is sent via email to that company as soon as it is posted. Learn how to configure email alerts. At any time, Chamber members may log in to view open RFPs. They may submit bids or proposals online, and it is up to the company that posted the RFP to make a selection. The Chamber does not facilitate the selection process, we offer this tool as an initial point of contact between businesses. Learn how to submitt a bid.

I am a vendor/supplier looking to expand my business. How do I participate?

Chamber Members have the opportunity to log into a MarketPlace online account. Once logged in, members can view a list of all available projects, or may perform a keyword or category search for projects that fit their business description. Members can even save keyword and category searches, and can choose to be notified via email when a new project matches saved search criteria. (See Above)

Is there a cost to sign up as a vendor/supplier?

There is no cost to participate as a vendor, but this service is only available to Charlotte Chamber Members. Would you like to participate, but are not a Chamber member? Click here to join now!

I am searching for a vendor/supplier to provide a product or service for my organization. How do I fulfill my procurement needs using MarketPlace?

At this time, only members (companies and individuals) will have the ability to post projects or requests to the MarketPlace system. After a trial period, we plan to expand the the system to non-members. Non-members will have the ability to post projects, but only Chamber members may bid on projects. Members will use their existing Chamber username and password to access their account. Non-members will create a new account.

Upon login, participants can add new projects or RFPs. We ask participants to provide contact information, project objective, detailed description of project, questions for vendors, vendor category, project start date, and proposal due date. Once you submit a project, vendors who fit the category of service you are requesting will be notified by email. Bids placed by vendors are saved in the system and are also emailed directly to the individual that posted the project.

How are vendors/suppliers selected for potential response to an RFP?

Any Chamber member may view and respond to any open project in the MarketPlace system. Vendors will have the opportunity to "watch" categories of projects and keywords contained in the project descriptions by saving a search in their account. Vendors are notified by email if a new project matches their saved search. Vendors can log in at any time and view a list of all open projects.

I am a member who would like to bid for a particular project. How do I place a bid?

First, you will log in to the system to view a list of open projects. If you feel your company is qualified to make a bid on a particular project, you can post your bid for that project. You will provide your contact information, answers to questions posed by the company seeking vendors, and optionally, the cost for your products or services.

How are bids selected, how is the project awarded to the winning bidder?

The Chamber does not facilitate the selection process. The individual that posts the project will make a decision regarding selection. Once a vendor is chosen, the individual will have the ability to log into the system and make a selection, which will automatically notify the winning bidder. It will also notify the rest of the vendors that another company has been chosen for the project. Alternatively, the individual may contact vendors directly using contact information that was provided when the bid was submitted.