Overview

Getting Started

Metro’s Purchasing and Contracts departments maintain a database of vendors interested in doing business with the Authority. You can be added to Metro’s vendor database by using the Online Step Process.

Please note: All vendors awarded a Purchase Order or Contract must have a W-9 on file with us. Completed forms must be submitted to Accounts Payable, AccountsPayable@metro.net prior to Metro’s receipt of your first invoice. , PO Box 512296, Los Angeles CA 90051-0296.

Online Step Process:

1. Get your appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes

2. Have the selected NAICS Codes ready to be placed in the NAICS Code section of the SupplierRegistration Form.

3. Click on Supplier Registration to start the online process.

     

Note: You will receive an email confirmation of your registration status within 3 days after you have submitted your online form

For questions surrounding how to get started as a vendor here at Metro please contact Client Vendor Services (213) 922-1037.

Metro Contracts

To achieve Metro’s goals, the department must comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and guidelines.  This ensures full and open competition and equitable treatment of all bidders/proposers interested in Metro’s business opportunities..

The Procurement and Materials Management Department is responsible for the procurement of all equipment, supplies and services, to support Metro operations this includes construction services, professional services , rolling stock, information technology, goods and inventory replenishment items.

Types of Solicitations

Depending on the type of project, Metro develops an Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Interest and Qualifications (RFIQ), or Request for Quotations (RFQ).

Invitation for Bid (IFB) - Are used when there is a clear understanding of the project requirements, scope of work and technical specifications. 

Request for Proposal (RFP) - Are used in cases where the specific requirements and technical specifications of a project are of a functional nature or unclear, and provide a guideline for potential offerers to use in preparing a bid/proposal. 

Request for Interest and Qualifications (RFIQ) - Are used for engineering, architectural and related services contracts, and consider only technical factors and qualifications in the evaluation process.

Request for Quotations (RFQ) - Are used for procuring materials, equipment and supplies, and some types of professional services (i.e., word processing, graphics).

Contract Administrators and buyers develop the procurement documents and oversee the distribution and advertising of the solicitation. They also receive all bids/proposals, coordinate evaluation meetings, and see the process through the subsequent award and contract administration phases.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

A Disadvantaged Business Certification is the ticket for participation in Metro's Small Business program. Once certified, a firm becomes eligible towards fulfilling the contract utilization goals. DBE, MBE and WBEs are defined as:

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) - A small business concern that is (a) at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals or in the case of any publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and (b) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations 49 part 26.

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) - A concern: (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more minorities or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more minorities; and (b) whose management and daily operations are controlled by one or more minorities.

Women Business Enterprise (WBE) - A concern: (a) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and (b) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

 

Notification of Bids

The Authority is required to advertise the purchase of all supplies, equipment, material and the construction of facilities and worksites over certain threshold dollar amounts. Invitation for Bids (IFBs) are used for these types of purchases, while Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are used for all other complex services, rolling stock and information technology/telecommunications equipment. Notices requesting bids or proposals over $25,000 are published at least once in a publication of general circulation, as well as in several M/W/DBE publications.

Projects are formerly advertised at least 10 days in advance of the due date of sealed bids/competitive proposals. In addition, vendors listed in Metro’s database are often notified, via postcard and electronically, of all IFBs/RFPs according to their declared NAICS codes.

Telephone and Written Bid Procedures

Depending upon the value of the Procurement, Metro may seek informal verbal/written quotes or a formal written proposal.

Competitive bids are not subject to negotiation. When a company is contacted for a quote, they must provide a firm price, including any charges for delivery and installation (when applicable), and lead time for delivery. Award is made to the low bidder who is responsible, and who also meets Metro’s requirements.

Questions?

Firms or individuals with questions about doing business with Metro can e-mail Client/Vendor Relations or call 213-922-1037. For information on Metro’s DBE programs the Certification Hotline at: 213-922-2600. For information on Metro’s Lobbyist Registration and Ethics Programs call 213-922-2975. For information regarding Contractor Pre-Qualification call 213-922-4130.

Contact Procurement and Material Management

This information is provided as a service to those who want access to Metro through this Internet site. The information contained in this system is subject to change at any time. Please call 213-922-1037 or email Vendor Relations to request the most current information available.