Houston Metro achieved its commitment of $285 million, to small (mostly local) business enterprises (SBEs), which is $30 million more than the authority’s established goal. The SBE Program is a major element of the MetroRail expansion project that is currently building three new light-rail lines.

“Houston’s MetroRail expansion project ambitiously set out to award more than 35 percent of contracts to SBEs,” said George Greanias, president/CEO, Metro. “We established an unprecedented goal for a construction project of this magnitude, and we got there in record time, as the project is nearing its halfway completion milestone. We are undeniably Houston-proud of this feat.”

To date, the SBE program numbers reflect contracts with 270 certified SBE businesses ranging from construction contractors working on utilities and roadway paving, to enterprises providing tools, traffic control signs and office supplies. Houston-based subcontractors make up 95% of the group, and upwards of 50% classify as “disadvantaged businesses.” Almost one-third of the businesses are women-owned.

Metro’s Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (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.