The City of Saint Paul Vendor Outreach Program (VOP) supports buying from businesses that are small and local. The Central (CERT) Certification Program certifies eligible businesses.
Last Edited: January 26, 2026
Most contracting opportunities are in these areas, where goals can be set for each project:
Vendors must be certified to count toward VOP goals. The CERT program is a certification process for the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County.
To qualify for CERT certification, businesses must show they are small and local. Businesses can additionally be certified as woman-owned and/or minority-owned.
VOP documents you may need when bidding on or participating on City-funded projects:
a guide intended to help navigate the CERT directory.
Learn more about the VOP and its compliance process.
City contract awardees must complete this document to identify subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
An ID sheet variation to be completed by city vendors that have a professional services agreement with the city.
Saint Paul City Hall
Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO)
15 W Kellogg Blvd.
Office 280
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-266-8966
Email: contractcompliance@ci.stpaul.mn.us
HREEO’s hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday–Friday. Walk-in visits are not available at this time. In-person meetings are available by appointment only.
Please call or email us (using the information above) to schedule—we look forward to assisting you!
Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and assistance, including language assistance, are available upon request.