One of the obstacles many startups face is low cash flow. Because they’re still establishing themselves, their client base is often small. As such, they need to tap into other markets to grow.
Thankfully, startups can offer services to government agencies requiring a product or service. The government agency will act as the client, so working with them can help the startup grow its network and improve its credibility. These deals are called business-to-government (B2G) transactions.
B2G ventures provide many benefits, especially for small and medium enterprises. These agreements allow small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) to access larger markets and resources, build their reputation, and secure lucrative project contracts.
There may be a common misconception that the chances of working with the government are low. Thankfully, PhilGEPS, an automated contract awarding system, changes that by opening business opportunities to private companies.
The Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) is the country’s official government online procurement portal. This centralized database is the central source of information for all government procurement projects.
Local government units post details about projects in the pipeline on PhilGEPS. Then, SMEs bid for the right to provide products or services for a particular venture. You can also supply resources for government projects as long as you register with PhilGEPS.
Know the steps on how to apply for PhilGEPS membership in this blog.
How to Register in PhilGEPS: Requirements and Steps
Red Membership Registration
The Red membership is PhilGEPS’ default member tier, allowing SMEs to view bid abstracts below P1 million, available opportunities, procurement service logs, and award notices.
If you have all the requirements, registering with PhilGEPS is free. However, Red members cannot directly bid on the PhilGEPS portal.
You’ll need the following PhilGEPS membership requirements to register:
- Company Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) License
- Important information that proves the legitimacy of your company’s business operations
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Certification
- Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Registration Number, if you’re unable to get an SEC certificate
- Valid email address
After gathering the requirements, you can start the registration process for Red membership. Here are the steps on how to register in PhilGEPS.
- Visit the PhilGEPS website and look for the “Sign Up Button” on the homepage’s upper-right corner, then choose “Merchant Supplier.”
- Accomplish the Merchant Registration form and click “Send OTP to Email.”
- Check your email for the one-time passcode (OTP) and input it into the appropriate field in the registration form.
- Go to the login page, select the “Merchant” option, and input your account credentials.
- The website will automatically redirect you to another window. Click “Apply for Red Registration,” where you’ll need to fill in your complete business details and upload the requirements.
- After completing the form and uploading the documents, click “Submit.”
The system will notify you via email regarding your approval status within 24 hours. Upon gaining access to the PhilGEPS portal using your Red membership privileges, a prompt will ask you if you want to upgrade to a Platinum membership. Here are the requirements and procedures to apply for PhilGEPS Platinum membership.
Platinum Membership Registration
The PhilGEPS Platinum membership is the paid premium member tier, allowing you to submit project bids in the portal directly. You’ll also receive a PhilGEPS registration certificate, which you must present each time you bid on government projects.
Here are the PhilGEPS platinum membership requirements you must have to upgrade:
- Audited Financial Statement (AFS) stamped and received by the BIR
- Business Registration Certificate: CDA, DTI, or SEC
- Mayor’s Permit, Business Permit, or any equivalent document
- Notarized PhilGEPS Sworn Statement
- Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) License for Contractors
- Tax Clearance Certificate
Upon completing the requirements, you may now register on the PhilGEPS website. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhilGEPS platinum membership.
- Log in with your Red membership details on the PhilGEPS website.
- Under “Pending Task,” click “Upgrade Platinum Registration.”
- Accomplish the form and upload your documents. Click “Save and Continue.”
- Choose between two modes of payment: over-the-counter payment in any PhilGEPS branch or through Oncoll, available in any Landbank branch.
- Print your payment slip and present it to complete the payment.
- Pay the P5,000 annual membership fee to proceed to the next steps in applying for Platinum membership.
- Log back into the PhilGEPS website.
- Go to “Pending Task” again and click “Platinum Registration Under Preparation.”
- Fill in your payment details and upload a scanned proof of payment.
- Click “Submit for Approval.”
Expect an email confirmation within three (3) days regarding your membership approval. Alternatively, you may check the PhilGEPS website by clicking “Platinum Registration” under the “Pending Task” section.
The Power of PhilGEPS
PhilGEPS can be an excellent tool for SMEs to access a bigger market, gain exposure, and increase their profits. If you haven’t registered with PhilGEPS yet, we hope this blog helps you get off on the right foot in exploring B2G opportunities.
To fund your ventures, apply for a small business loan with Asialink Finance. The Philippines’ premier online financing company, Asialink Finance provides quality financing and loan products to empower Filipino individuals and entrepreneurs. For more details, contact us today!
- 7 Credit Score Myths DEBUNKED! - April 29, 2024
- How to Talk about Money with Your Partner: 7 Tips - April 24, 2024
- Truck Maintenance Checklist: 14 Ways to Keep Your Truck in Top Shape - December 20, 2023
