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How to do Business with METRO

January 9 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm CST

How to do business with METRO
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“How To Do Business with METRO” (with an emphasis on Procurement)

Hosted by: The Old Spanish Trail  (OST) Community Partnership

Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Houston Development Business Inc – 5330 Griggs, Houston, TX 77021

We Will Learn about the following:

  • How METRO Procures Its Goods and Services
  • How to Access METRO’s Contracting Opportunities
  • Small Purchases Under $50,000
  • Certifications!
  • Small Business Contract Language
  • Vendor Registration
  • Walk Through Procurement Website

METRO Contact

Shurronda Murray
METRO Small Business University
713-739-4845
small.business@ridemetro.org

METRO’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program

METRO’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program operates in a race and gender-neutral manner and is open to participation without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age or disability.

METRO has an aspirational annual goal of 35% small business participation. METRO encourages all small business owners to apply for METRO SBE certification and participate in METRO procurement opportunities.

Benefits of becoming a METRO certified SBE:

  • Increased opportunities for visibility for METRO contracting
  • Certification is available at no cost and valid for three (3) years
  • Quick processing of certifications in 30 days
  • Free business development training
  • Certification accepted by Port Houston, Houston Community College, Fort Bend ISD and Houston First
  • Five-day Prompt Payment Policy in effect for contracts with small business goals
  • SBE reciprocity for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certified firms
  • Eligibility to participate in METRO training, events and networking opportunities
  • Fast track certification with Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC)

View the SBE program for more information about the application process for becoming certified and how to contact us for assistance.

METRO’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has determined a proposed overall goal of 16% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in its FY23-FY25 contracts which are funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) is the DBE certifying entity for Houston, Texas.

View the DBE program  for more information.

Access the City of Houston (OBO) directory  of DBE certified firms in Texas.

Access the list of DBE Financial Institutions.

METRO’s Disability Owned Business Enterprise Program

METRO’s Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) Program  helps ensure disability owned firms have equal access to opportunities in procurement and contracting at METRO.
To be classified as a certified Disability Owned Business, your business should meet the following qualifications:
  • Is at least 51% owned, operated, managed and controlled by individuals with a disability (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act)
  • Is at least 51% owned, operated, managed and controlled by either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  • Exercises independence from any other business enterprise
  • Principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
  • Formed as a legal entity in the United States
  • METRO recognizes certifications from external certifying entities. METRO will not perform certifications.

For more information view the METRO’s DOBE program  or email us at DOBE@ridemetro.org.

METRO’s Veteran Owned Business Enterprise Program

METRO’s Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (VOBE) Program helps ensure veteran owned firms have equal access to opportunities in procurement and contracting at METRO.

To be classified as a certified Veteran Owned Business, your business should meet the following qualifications:

  1. Is a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by an individual who served in the United States active military, naval, or air service; who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable; and who has at least 51% ownership in applicant firm
  2. Is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  3. Exercises independence from any other business enterprise
  4. Principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
  5. Formed as a legal entity in the United States

METRO recognizes certifications from external certifying entities. METRO will not perform certifications. For more information, view the program(Open external link) or email us at VOBE@ridemetro.org.

Learn more about the B2G Victory Team and additional training courses on the B2G Victory Event’s Page.