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Procurement Opportunities

METRO is committed to integrity in all facets of the procurement process, ensuring fairness, accountability and efficiency. In addition, the Office of Economic Business Opportunity (OEBO) has several programs designed to further assist in the procurement efforts. On this page, you’ll find:

  • Business opportunity programs
  • Open and anticipated procurements
  • Vendor registration process
  • Useful links to key procurement topics

For more information, email us at procurement@ridemetro.org.

METRO Administration Building at 1900 Main Street in downtown Houston.

Business Opportunity Programs

METRO’s Office of Economic Business Opportunity Programs operate in a race and gender-neutral manner. We are committed to providing a variety of programs to ensure equal opportunity, inclusion and nondiscrimination in all our procurement and contracting matters.


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. All small business owners are encouraged 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 program for more information.

Click or tap the Learn More button below for information about the application process for becoming certified and how to contact us for assistance.

Learn More

As required by Section 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 26, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County 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 is the DBE certifying entity for Houston, Texas.

View the program for more information.

Access the directory of DBE certified firms in Texas.

Access the list of DBE Financial Institutions.

METRO's Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) Program was created to help 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)

  1. Is at least 51% owned, operated, managed and controlled by either a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
  2. Exercises independence from any other business enterprise
  3. Has its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
  4. Has been 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 or email us at DOBE@ridemetro.org.

METRO's Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (VOBE) Program was created to help 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. Has its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
  5. Has been 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 or email us at VOBE@ridemetro.org.

Open Procurements

METRO is committed to providing equal opportunity and fairness in all its procurements. The table below contains current opportunities that are open for solicitation.

Apply for certification, access vendor accounts and search for SBE and DBE certified vendors in the SBE/DBE Contract Compliance System.


Solicitation Number Title Due Date
4023000097 Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Disability, and Leave Management Services April 5, 2023 5 PM
4023000065 West Bellfort Park & Ride Modification Project April 19, 2023 2 PM
4023000042 Heavy Duty 40-Foot Clean Diesel Transit Buses April 26, 2023 2 PM
4023000061 Red Line Tactile Replacement April 26, 2023 2 PM
4023000096 Landscape Maintenance for METRO Undeveloped Properties April 26, 2023 2 PM
4023000098 Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Consulting Services April 26, 2023 2 PM
RFQs under $50k Past Solicitations on Bonfire
Photo of a METRO bus at a local bus stop in downtown Houston.

Sole Source Awards

On occasion, METRO may award a Sole Source contract.

View Awards

Anticipated Procurements

Each tab below contains information based on estimates, assumptions and other data, which are subject to change. Any proposed project/service may vary materially and/or be removed from the final list. This is provided for planning, contracting and teaming purposes only.


Project NameProcurement MethodSmall Business GoalAdvertisement MonthProject Description
Pre-Employment Background Investigation ServicesRFP15%April 23Consistent and Non-Discriminatory Pre-Employment Background Reviews
Westheimer BOOST 82 ConstructionCSP35%April 23Construction of BOOST 82 Westheimer
OPEB Consulting Services RFPN/AApril 23Section 115 Other Post Employment Benefits Trust
H1 METRORail Train Wrap Installation and RemovalIFBN/AApril 23Train Wrap Installation and Removal of METRORail H1

The items listed above include Board-approved and non-Board-approved projects.

Procurement Method Definitions
RFP – Request for Proposal    
RFQ – Request for Qualifications    
IFB – Invitations for Bid    
CSP – Competitive Sealed Proposal    
IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity
Projects Procurement Method*
ACI Refresh
DIR
Background Investigations
RFP
Buffalo Bayou North Canal Channel
RFQ
Bus Operating Facility IT Rehab
DIR
Central Stores Fire Alarm Sprinkler Upgrade
IFB
Central Stores Roof Replacement
IFB
Construction Management Services (Multiple Contracts)
RFQ
Contracted Park & Ride Service
RFP
Disability Insurance
RFP
Disability & Family Medical Leave Management
RFP
Electric Bus Civil Infrastructure at TMC Transit Center
IFB
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
RFQ
Exterior Washing of Administrative Office Building
RFP
Facility Tools & Off-Road Equipment Purchase
IFB
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Purchase
IFB
Landscape Maintenance – Public Facilities
RFP
Leadership Development Program
RFP
LinkedInSOLE SOURCE
Life AD&D RFP
Load Balancers  DIR
Northline Transit Center Parking Structure  IFB
Server Refresh 
 DIR
Storage Upgrades  DIR
Underground Storage Tank Replacement (Multiple Locations)  IFB OR RFP
University BRT Final Design  RFP
West BOF Passenger Elevator  IFB
West BOF Electrical Generator  IFB
Westheimer 82 BOOST – Package 1 – Civil Infrastructure  RFQ
Westheimer 82 BOOST – Package 2 – Civil Infrastructure  RFQ

* Subject to change.


Procurement Method Definitions
RFP – Request for Proposal    
RFQ – Request for Qualifications    
IFB – Invitations for Bid    
CSP – Competitive Sealed Proposal    
IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity
Projects Procurement Method*
1900 Main Roof Upgrade
IFB
Addicks P&R Joint DevelopmentTBD
GasolineIFB
Landscape Maintenance – Undeveloped PropertiesIFB
LMS – Course ContentRFP
MPD CAD/RMS
RFP
S4/HANA Project Implementation Efforts
RFP
SAP ARIBA Implementation
RFP
Salary Survey
RFP
Underground Storage Tank Upgrade
IFB
Westheimer 82 BOOST – Package 3 – Civil Infrastructure
RFQ

* Subject to change.


Procurement Method Definitions
RFP – Request for Proposal    
RFQ – Request for Qualifications    
IFB – Invitations for Bid    
CSP – Competitive Sealed Proposal    
IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity
Projects Procurement Method*
Bus Operations Facility (BOF)
IFB
Gulfton BRT – Final DesignRFP
Life AD&DRFP
Stop Loss Insurance
RFP
Underground Storage Tank Upgrade
IFB

* Subject to change.


Procurement Method Definitions
RFP – Request for Proposal    
RFQ – Request for Qualifications    
IFB – Invitations for Bid    
CSP – Competitive Sealed Proposal    
IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity
Projects Procurement Method*
Google Search Services
RFQ

* Subject to change.


Procurement Method Definitions
RFP – Request for Proposal    
RFQ – Request for Qualifications    
IFB – Invitations for Bid    
CSP – Competitive Sealed Proposal    
IDIQ – Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity

In the table below, all letting dates, estimated project values and the SBE% (Small Business Enterprise percentage) are anticipated and subject to change. The table is sorted by Advertising Date, with the most current date listed first.


Project DescriptionAdvertising DateEstimated Project ValueSBE%
Westheimer 82 BOOST - Package 1/2/3 - Civil InfrastructureQ2 2023$25-30 million35%
Northline Transit Center Parking Structure
Q2 2023$35-45 million35%
Underground Storage Tank ReplacementQ2 2023$15-20 million35%
Maintenance of Way Facility
Q4 2023$30-40 million35%
Bus Operating Facility
Q4 2023$200 million35%
Inner Katy Bus Rapid Transit - CivilQ1 2024$400-600 million35%
University Corridor Bus Rapid Transit - CivilQ3 2024$1.5-2 billion35%
Emergency Operations Center & Parking StructureQ4 2024$50-55 million35%

Procurement Vendor Login

Register online as a vendor with METRO.

Resource Center

METRO's resource center provides access to additional procurement and program information, as shown below.

Business University

View the METRO Business University event and training calendar.

Video Training

Access an overview of requirements, certification, compliance and more.

Program Documents

See support documents, presentations, METRO Disparity Study and more.

Past Procurements

See METRO's past contract awards and bid tabulations.

Procurement Statistics

Examine historical procurement data and statistics.

Learn More

Procurement Manual

Access guidelines for procurement of goods, services and disposal of property.

View Manual

Common Questions

Small Business Certification

The primary criteria for METRO’s Small Business certification are company size and net worth of the owner(s). The size limits are determined by the SBA standards and the maximum net worth of the owner(s) is $1.32M.

METRO offers a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification for eligible firms. Access the list of SBE certified firms.

METRO also accepts Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications from any DBE certifying agency and the 8(a) certification from the Small Business Administration. Learn more about the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) and see the list of DBE certifying agencies in Texas.

    METRO Small Business Enterprise Certification is free of charge.

    Oversight

    During the solicitation process the following METRO SBE program requirements are in place for primes responding to solicitations with small business goals. To be deemed responsive:

    • All certified and non-certified primes must self-perform a minimum of 30% of the contract value, regardless of the small business participation goal percentage.
    • A certified or non-certified prime cannot self-perform 100% of their bid/proposal value.
    • All certified and non-certified primes must, at a minimum, meet the small business participation goal percentage.
    • All certified primes must subcontract, at a minimum, 50% of the small business participation goal to one or more certified firms.

    The METRO SBE Program does not accept Good Faith Effort (GFE) response. Only the participation of METRO SBE certification and DBE certifications (which include SBA-8a) count towards the small business goal.

    After the award of a contract, the prime must (but not limited to):

    • Adhere to all compliance requirements of METRO'S Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs
    • Get pre-approval from the Office of Economic Business Opportunity (OEBO) prior to removing or adding certified and non-certified subcontractors to the team
    • Must utilize the current SBE/DBE compliance tracking and reporting system, B2Gnow
    • Replace the removal of a certified firm with another certified firm (determined on a case-by-case basis)
    • Involve OEBO in the dispute resolution process on SB-related matters
    • Adhere to the Prompt Payment Policy on contracts with small business goals: prime must make payments to subcontractors within five business days of receipt of funds from METRO
    • Receive payment from METRO within 15 days of issuance of a properly prepared invoice
    • Meet their Small Business Goal Commitment or risk a negative OEBO evaluation on a new solicitation

    The OEBO Contract Compliance staff monitor all SBE and DBE activity on all METRO contracts with small business goals and ensures compliance with all local and federal regulations.

    If you need assistance in regards to Small Business Contract Compliance, please contact Felicia Davis, OEBO Compliance Manager, at 713-739-4604 or email Felicia.Davis@ridemetro.org.

    Access our compliance system to search, renew, or apply to join our database of certified vendors.

    Support

    Detailed instructions for responding to a solicitation are included in the solicitation document(s). To facilitate the process, METRO recommends the following:

    1. Register as a vendor for automatic e-mail notifications of new solicitations and updates that are aligned with your company’s services.
    2. Check the METRO website for upcoming procurement opportunities.
    3. Attend METRO's pre-bid / pre-proposal conferences.

    For additional procurement information, email us at procurement@ridemetro.org.

    METRO’s SBE Business Assessment collects critical information to help craft the best recommendation on how your firm can effectively compete in the procurement process. This assessment is done via one-on-one sessions and the utilization of METRO's Online SBE Business Assessment Tool.

    Yes. Through our business networking forums, you can get tips on doing business with METRO and connecting with decision-makers.

    Other

    Yes. To inquire about METRO’s Fast Track SBE certification, email Keandra.Brooks@RideMETRO.org.

    With the goal of maximizing opportunities with the business community, METRO is seeking to build certified small business capacity for the following types of work:

    • Rail construction
      • Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS)
      • Traction Power Substations (TPS)
      • Concrete pouring for platform construction
      • Laying track
      • Rail ties
    • Bridge construction
    • Boring and tunneling
    • Major IT equipment (authorized supplier)
    • IT (SAP certification and modules)
    • Private utilities
    • Street sweeping (with water and vacuum option)
    • Sound walls
    • Specialized trucks (waste removal, fuel tank cleaning, etc.)
    • Fuel transportation
    • Underground fuel storage tanks
    • Personal property claims (non-real estate property)
    • Bus wrapping
    • Solar energy provider/installer

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