L.A. Metro launches pilot program for SBE, DBE, and DVBE firms
The $1.3 million Contractor Development and Bonding Program will enable qualified entrepreneurs to successfully compete for construction-related contracts.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) implemented a one-year pilot program to assist Metro-certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, (DBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms secure sufficient bonding to work on Metro construction projects.
Metro will provide a bonding guarantee to qualified SBE, DBE, and DVBE firms to expand their bonding capacity on Metro construction contracts as a prime contractor or subcontractors. The bonding program is applicable to all Metro construction contracts that require bonding.
Ad Loading...
The $1.3 million Contractor Development and Bonding Program (CDBP) will enable qualified entrepreneurs to successfully compete for construction-related contracts.
Metro is responding to concerns expressed by small business communities, who have noted that obtaining bonding for small contractors is deemed a barrier to participate in the agency’s construction contracts.
“Measure M is creating opportunities, and we want everyone to access them at this time of extraordinary growth,” said Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Chair Eric Garcetti. “This program helps us make sure that all businesses --- especially those that may have previously been overlooked --- are part of the historic expansion of our transportation network.”
The CDBP will be managed by Metro’s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department and will be administered by Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services (MWIS).
Some of the firms that apply for Metro construction contracts are willing and able to bid, compete for, work, and complete public works construction contracts but are unable to do so due to the inability to secure the required bonding, or because they cannot meet the strict financial requirements demanded by financial institutions.
This new initiative is the latest effort by Metro to increase small business participation on Metro projects.
“The adoption of the pilot Metro Contractor Development and Bonding Program is yet another effort to create economic opportunities for small businesses,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “Building local contracting capacity is critical to enabling robust competition on Metro’s contracts.”
The program will require that participants be assessed and put through a strict evaluation process in order to determine the contractor’s credit worthiness. MWIS will assess the contractors.
The program will be available to all SBE/DBE/DVBE contractors and subcontractors and is applicable to all Metro construction contracts that require bonding. In addition, the pilot program will convene a series of in-depth clinics and contractor training programs tailored to Metro’s unique construction program.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.
LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.
An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.
