Small / Disadvantaged Business Program
Main Number 713-739-4844
METRO’s policy is to promote equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all of its procurement matters in accordance with state and federal laws. The Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SB/DBE) Program was created to provide additional opportunities for local Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to participate in contracting and procurement opportunities within METRO. METRO’s SB/DBE Program operates in a race and gender neutral manner and is designed to include all segments of the region’s business community and is open to participation without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age or disability. METRO’s SB/DBE Program applies to certain eligible contracts (federally and locally funded) and is a goal-oriented program, requiring contractors who receive contracts from METRO to use Good-Faith Efforts to utilize certified SB/DBE firms.
The Office of Small Business is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the SB/DBE Program through Small Business certifications, technical assistance, professional trainings and contract compliance monitoring. METRO has an annual goal of 35% Small Business participation in all areas of procurement. All small business owners that are eligible for certification are encouraged to bid on METRO procurement opportunities.
Click here for a full description of the SB/DBE Program (PDF)
Click here for the SB/DBE Procedures (PDF)
S/DBE Policy Statement (PDF)
<<< Annual DBE Goal - Revision Notice >>> (PDF)
OUR SERVICES
| Become METRO Small Business Certified Search Certified Small Business (SB/DBE) Directory SB/DBE Contract Compliance System Outreach / Training Events Program Advisor Services Small Business Forms |
How to do Business with METRO Contract Compliance & Dispute Resolution Office of Small Business Staff |
Procurement Services for Vendors
| Current Solicitations Register to Receive Procurement Notifications Recent Contract Awards |
Contract Compliance & Dispute Resolution
Contract Compliance Overview
Contract Compliance staff monitor SB/DBE activity on all METRO contracts with Small Business goals and ensures compliance with all local and federal regulations. Contract compliance staff develops the Small Business contract goal, evaluate prime bidders’ Good-Faith Efforts, and monitor all contracts with a Small Business goal until completion. The staff verifies payments to SB/DBEs and conducts ‘Commercially Useful Function’ inspections throughout METRO. A new SB/DBE Management system has been implemented to monitor all SB/DBE utilization and verification of payments online. The web-based software system is available to all METRO departments, SB/DBE's, and contactors.
If you need assistance in regards to Small Business Contract Compliance, please contact Karen Hudson, Director of Small Business Compliance at 713-739-6048 or via e-mail at kh17@ridemetro.org.
Dispute Resolution Overview
METRO seeks to amicably resolve disputes relating to the operation of the SB/DBE Program. Mediation and grievance procedures are available for dispute resolution.
Available Services:
- Mediation of Prime Contractor and Small Business Dispute
- Arbitration of Discrimination Disputes between Prime Contractor and SB firm
A major component of the Office of Small Business is SB/DBE dispute resolution. This work is extremely important because it allows for the management of the relationships between subcontractors and primes as well as between METRO and its prime contractors. The work is critical because often SB/DBE participation is impacted by poor relationships and those relationships can be managed and prevented from becoming strained and remain positive.
Click here to submit a Dispute Resolution Request online.
Please include as much information as possible to determine the best course of action.
If you need assistance in regards to Dispute Resolution, please contact Deborah Richard, Vice President of Business Services at 713-739-3787 or via e-mail at dr11@ridemetro.org.
How to Do Business with METRO
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Being Certified METRO Small Business or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is not required to do business with METRO, but only SB/DBE certified firms will count towards METRO’s Annual SB/DBE Participation Goals. METRO highly encourages SB/DBE participation at all applicable Pre-Bid Conferences. Be sure to register for automatic e-mail notifications of new solicitations, updates and contract awards for user-selected commodities. Registration (for solicitations)
For additional PROCUREMENT information please call 713-739-4881. |
Office of Small Business Staff Contact
| Name & Title | Phone | |
| Deborah A. Richard FTA DBE Liaison Vice President of Small Business |
713-739-3787 | dr11@ridemetro.org |
| Karen Hudson Director of Small Business Compliance |
713-739-6048 | kh17@ridemetro.org |
| Tiko Hausman Compliance & Program Advisor Manager |
713-739-6032 | tk15@ridemetro.org |
| Deepali Chanana Small Business Compliance Specialist |
713-739-4858 | dc12@ridemetro.org |
| Shurronda Murray Small Business Certification Specialist |
713-739-4845 | sd01@ridemetro.org |
| Marita ‘Charu’ Palkamshetty Small Business Coordinator |
713-739-4846 | mp18@ridemetro.org |
| Toinette Wright Executive Assistant IV |
713-739-6041 | tw16@ridemetro.org |
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