10 Steps to Doing Business with Metro

All small businesses interested in doing business with Metro should be familiar with the “10 Steps to Doing Business with Metro”:

1. Attend a Small Business Orientation and Certification Workshop

Metro hosts a two-hour orientation/workshop on the second Tuesday of each month to advise firms on how to do business with Metro and the different small business certification programs that are offered by the agency. During the orientation, firms are provided a one-on-one interview with a Procurement Officer.

For additional information and reservations, contact the DEOD Hotline at 213.922.2600 and press 4.

2. Register in the Metro Vendor Database

Small businesses interested in receiving upcoming contract notifications should register in Metro’s Vendor Database. Firms can complete a Vendor Information Profile online at www.metro.net.

3. Apply for Small Business Certification

Metro’s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD) seeks to provide small businesses with a level playing field in all aspects of the procurement and administration of Metro contracts. Metro actively supports and encourages the participation of eligible small businesses under the following small business certification programs:

1. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
2. Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
3. Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
4. Women Business Enterprise (WBE)

4. Apply for the Metro Pre-Qualification Program

(All firms who wish to compete for contracts of $100,000 or more.) California Public Utilities Code Section 130051.21 mandates that all firms seeking to do business with Metro complete a pre-qualification questionnaire prior to doing business with Metro. The questionnaire requires firms to disclose information relative to their background, experience, financial status and general business integrity. Please contact the Pre-Qualification Program at 213.922.4130 or e-mail pre-qual@metro.net.

5. Contact Buyer or Contract Administrator

Metro’s Buyers and Contract Administrators are the best source of information for vendors interested in pursuing Metro contracts. Contact Metro’s DEOD Small Business Outreach Unit for a current Procurement & Materials Management Directory at 213.922.2600 and press 4.

6. Monitor Metro.net, Ebidboard.com, and Tansportmax.com

Log on to these websites to learn more about Metro’s current and upcoming contracts.

7. Attend Pre-Bid Meetings for Projects of Interest

Pre-bid meetings provide an opportunity to learn more about the contract specifications, meet the Buyer/Contract Administrator, and network with primes and sub contractors interested in the same contract.

8. Contact Potential Prime Contractors

Metro encourages prime contractors to team with certified small businesses. Prime contractors are listed on the project plan holder’s list and should be contacted for partnering or subcontracting opportunities.

9. Submit competitive bids and quotes to Metro or Prime Contractors

Competitive bids and quotes are important to primes and ultimately Metro. Submit your best pricing for potential contracts.

10. Attend the Transportation Business Advisory Council (TBAC) Monthly Meeting

TBAC is Metro’s small business advocate. Current Metro information is disseminated at each TBAC meeting, informing small businesses about upcoming contracts, small business legislative updates and topics on small business economic development.

TBAC monthly meetings are held the first Thursday of each month at Metro Headquarters, One Gateway Plaza, Gateway Conference Room, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. For future meeting notifications, please contact the DEOD Hotline at 213.922.2600 and press 4