The Green Bay Draft is around the corner and the NFL is looking to engage event-ready businesses within the state to support the production of this world-class event.
This procurement program is an opportunity for local, minority, woman, person with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned businesses to gain exposure to sub-contracting opportunities related to the Draft (April 2025) and provide networking and capacity building for all accepted businesses.
Businesses selected for the program will be profiled in a directory for the Draft, which NFL primary contractors and event producers use to identify and select local suppliers to fulfill their sub-contracting needs. Becoming a member of the procurement program is a competitive process, and acceptance within the program does not guarantee contracts and/or RFP invites.
Program Guidelines
- Be headquartered in the state of Wisconsin
- Be 51% owned and operated by a minority, woman, person with disabilities, LGBTQ+ or veteran individual
- Provide a product or service requested by the Green Bay Draft Source Program
- Be the direct source of the goods and services proposed in their bid
- Be in good standing and eligible to do business within the state of Wisconsin (Secretary of State status must equal Organized, Restored to Good Standing, Incorporated/Qualified/Registered, or Registered)
- Have been in operation since April 2022
Certification Guidelines
To ensure fair and equitable inclusion within the Draft Source Program, diverse businesses are encouraged to show proof of at least (1) certification from the approved certifying agencies below.
National Certifications Accepted by the NFL
Disability:IN
- DOBE: Disability-Owned Business Enterprise
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)
- LGBTBE: LGBT Business Enterprise
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
- MBE: Minority Business Enterprise
National Veteran Owned Business Association (NaVOBA)
- VBE: Veteran’s Business Enterprise
- SDVBE: Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise
National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC)
- MBE: Minority Business Enterprise
- WBE: Women’s Business Enterprise
- VBE: Veteran’s Business Enterprise
Small Business Administration (SBA)
- 8(a)
- VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
- SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
U.S. Black Chambers Inc. (USBC)
- ByBlack
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)
- Veterans First Verification Program
- VOSB: Veteran-Owned Small Business
- SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- WBE: Women’s Business Enterprise
ADDITIONAL LOCAL CERTIFICATIONS RECOGNIZED BY THE NFL DRAFT
State of Wisconsin Small Business Certifications – Department of Administration
- Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Disabled Veteran Owned Business (DVB)
WisDOT, Milwaukee County, Dane County, and/or the City of Madison
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Businesses that are currently in the process of obtaining their certification and can show proof will be considered.
Acquiring a diverse certification is best practice and solidifies that ownership has been vetted at high-level of rigor.
Acquiring a diverse certification is best practice and solidifies that ownership has been vetted at high-level of rigor.
NFL 2025 DRAFT SOURCE PROGRAM PROCUREMENT NEEDS
Below is a list of the most common Business Disciplines leveraged to support the production of the Draft and the events leading up to the day.
Event Production
-
- Audio Visual
- Barricades/Fencing
- Cable Wire Contractors
- Carpet/Flooring
- Catering/Food & Beverage
- Contract Labor
- Décor
- Entertainment
- Equipment Rentals (Heavy)
- Event Production
- Florals
- Food Trucks
- General Contractors
- Golf Carts
- Janitorial Services
- Laundry Services
- Office Supplies
- Photography/Video
-
- Port-O-Lets
- Printing/Large Format
- Promotional Items
- Scaffolding
- Security
- Shoring
- Signage
- Staffing
- Staging & Lighting
- Temporary Housing
- Temporary Structures (Containers Included)
- Tenting
- Traffic Management
- Trailers
- Transportation
- Venues
- Waste Removal
Event Production
-
- Audio Visual
- Barricades/Fencing
- Cable Wire Contractors
- Carpet/Flooring
- Catering/Food & Beverage
- Contract Labor
- Décor
- Entertainment
- Equipment Rentals (Heavy)
- Event Production
- Florals
- Food Trucks
- General Contractors
- Golf Carts
- Janitorial Services
- Laundry Services
- Office Supplies
- Photography/Video
- Port-O-Lets
- Printing/Large Format
- Promotional Items
- Scaffolding
- Security
- Shoring
- Signage
- Staffing
- Staging & Lighting
- Temporary Housing
- Temporary Structures (Containers Included)
- Tenting
- Traffic Management
- Trailers
- Transportation
- Venues
- Waste Removal
Professional Services
-
- Business Administration
- Financial
- Legal
- Marketing/Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Management & Advisory
-
- IT/Technology
- Engineering
- Web/App Development
- Cybersecurity
- White Glove/Concierge
- IT/Technology
Professional Services
-
- Business Administration
- Financial
- Legal
- Marketing/Advertising
- Graphic Design
- Management & Advisory
- IT/Technology
- Engineering
- Web/App Development
- Cybersecurity
- White Glove/Concierge
Interested in Doing Business with
the NFL Draft?
Interested in Doing Business with the NFL Draft?
The Green Bay Draft Source Program application is now closed
Businesses were notified of program status in October 2024
Interested in Doing Business with the NFL Draft?
The Green Bay Draft Source Program application is now closed
Businesses were notified of program status in October 2024
FAQs
What does it mean to be a member of the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program?
Being a member of the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program means your company was selected as an event-ready local, diverse provider of goods and/or services in your specific business specialty area. Members are eligible to compete for contracts related to the Draft and are also included in the 2025 Draft member directory utilized by NFL vendors (which will be disseminated to partner organizations at the conclusion of the program).
It is important to note that securing a spot in the program does not guarantee that a contract opportunity will be presented.
Am I a “preferred” supplier?
Member businesses accepted in the program will be a part of an exclusive listing of suppliers utilized by NFL event producers and vendors looking for experienced, qualified, local suppliers with the capacity to help execute Draft contracts.
However, once in the program, there is no distinction between members. Accepted businesses are considered “approved suppliers” which designates they have met all eligibility criteria of the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program.
How will the member directory be used? Will my information be shared with any third-party organizations?
The member directory is intended to help promote accepted businesses to the NFL and its affiliates, including the Green Bay Packers and Visit Pittsburgh in preparation for the Draft. The directory will be available on the NFL’s internal website accessible by NFL prime vendors. At the conclusion of the 2025 Draft, the directory will be uploaded to the NFL’s National supplier database which may be accessed by NFL staff, teams, sponsors, and partner organizations affiliated with the NFL.
Are the NFL and its primary contractors required to use the member directory to select suppliers?
The directory is a primary resource for NFL vendors and event producers associated with the 2025 NFL Draft. While there is an expectation for local business engagement by all NFL Vendors, they are not limited nor mandated to exclusively use companies listed in the 2025 NFL Draft Source member directory. This procurement program provides increased exposure to opportunity but remains a competitive process and will not guarantee contracting.
Can I use NFL Source, 2025 NFL Draft, or Green Bay Packers logos to promote my involvement in the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program?
All logos associated with 2025 NFL Draft including the Source Program, Green Bay Packers, NFL Shield and all associated event logos are copyright protected brands and cannot be reproduced, copied, or utilized without written permission in any format (e.g., websites, social media, company newsletters, press releases, promotional items). Logos produced by the NFL may be provided for member use at the League’s discretion.
The specialty area I provide is not listed within the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program application. What does that mean?
The products and services listed on the program website and application are historically proven to align with the categories that are most often procured to support Draft events. Even though it is unlikely that businesses that provide unlisted products or services will be accepted into the program, we still encourage all local businesses to apply as needs may vary for the 2025 NFL Draft and beyond.
Is my business limited to only one product or service in the application?
If your business provides more than one product or service, you should select the specialty area that aligns with your main line of business in which you have the strongest experience. Businesses should not submit more than one application as it could lead to disqualification. Member businesses will be listed by their primary category in the member directory, however, there will be an opportunity for additional specialty areas to be designated once accepted.
If accepted, what is the timeline for procurement opportunities?
Draft contracting is a competitive 8-month process between September 2024 and April 2025. Businesses can be contacted to bid at any time during this period. Event producers and NFL vendors use the member directory as a tool to identify suppliers. All purchasing processes, decisions and timelines rest solely with the buyer. There is no centralized site for RFPs nor a master calendar of opportunities available. This is a vendor-led process, and buyers will contact members at their discretion. Members are encouraged to always be prepared, responsive, and keep all business information updated.
How can I improve my chances of being selected for a contract?
It is advantageous to attend events and activities related to the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program. Regular networking helps decision makers build direct relationships and better understand your company’s capabilities. Participation also increases member exposure and is noted in your company file. Finally, we encourage business owners to be responsive, honest about their capabilities, and flexible when meeting and working with buyers.
Please understand that there are no guarantees that participating in the Draft Source Program, or its activities, will result in a contract award.
Will it cost me anything to be a part of this program?
The program is completely free and there are no costs associated with matchmaking, capacity building, or networking. However, the program encourages diversity certification which may carry costs to obtain and is the responsibility of the business. Additionally, there may be standard business development costs that the business may choose to incur that are inherent in any competitive bidding process (e.g., marketing materials, product samples).
What are the compliance requirements for credentialing, licensing, bonding, and/or insurance for the 2025 NFL Draft?
Every contract will carry its own specific requirements. Member businesses must work directly with each contract owner to review and negotiate all compliance terms and timelines which can vary widely for each contract.
What are the three most important tips to stay competitive if/when provided with an NFL Draft contract opportunity?
Feedback from NFL buyers are as follows:
- Responsiveness is key: List your cell phone number in the directory, on your Source Program materials, and email. Buyers often work nights and weekends and will want to reach you directly.
- Be diligent in your reviews: It is important to carefully examine all legal agreements, deadlines, and requirements. Once engaged, businesses are responsible for executing on all agreed terms.
- UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER: Do not oversell your capacity or overbid your services. Businesses are expected to provide competitive pricing at the highest level of performance. Doing so nurtures the possibility for long-term relationships and future opportunities.
Will there be other opportunities that extend beyond the Draft?
The goal of the NFL Draft Source Program is to create a robust database of event ready suppliers that can fulfill contracts related to Draft, but also take advantage of long-term opportunities with the NFL, its teams and partners. As a legacy component of this program, member businesses will be included in the Draft directory which will continue to be used by the NFL and disseminated to partner organizations at the conclusion of the program.
Do I need to be certified to be accepted into the 2025 NFL Draft Source Program?
No. Certification is not required to apply or to be accepted into the program. However, accepted participants are expected to become certified while in the program. Businesses that are working toward certification can benefit from the program’s capacity building and networking activities.