Small Business and Local Preference Program. Most Frequently Asked Questions. What is the Small Business and Local Preference Program?

Transcription

1 Small Business and Local Preference Program Most Frequently Asked Questions What is the Small Business and Local Preference Program? o It is the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority s (WMATA) Board mandated program established to enhance opportunities for qualified small and local businesses (Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia) in the procurement of goods and services. It applies to nonfederally funded purchases, of less than $150,000, through the simplified (operating) acquisition process. How does a firm qualify for this program? o Its place of business is located in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, or the Commonwealth of Virginia, o Its average revenue, during the last 3 years, meets small business requirements as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 13 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 121 o It registers in WMATA s Supplier Portal; and o It self-certifies its status, by signing, notarizing and returning the SBLPP Declaration of Certification affidavit. 1

2 What process must a firm go through for certification? o Applying for a SBLPP certification is a two-step process: 1) Register: As a supplier, register into WMATA s Supplier Portal. Temporary password will be sent to the Id provided during registration. 2) Apply for Certification: Sign-In using your User Id and Password into the WMATA s Supplier Portal. Navigate to Manage Events and Place Bids > My Certification page > Add a New Value. Select SBLPP Certification. Complete and upload the required forms displayed on the page. How long is certification valid and how long does it take to become certified? o The certification eligibility is for a period of two years and the firm may be certified in less than 30 days. What is the purpose of becoming self-certified in the Small Business and Local Preference Program? o The purpose for becoming self-certified in the Small Business and Local Preference Program is to receive price preference when bidding on contract opportunities in the amount of $150,000 or less. This threshold was established to assist small businesses in receiving awards and develop economic wealth while understanding WMATA s procurement process. This process would also establish a past performance record in an effort to create better relationship with the procurement professionals and the user departments while preparing small businesses for larger contracting opportunities. 2

3 What is the difference between the Small Business and Local Preference Program and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program? o The Small Business and Local Preference Program is a WMATA Board mandated program for small business located in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia only. Awards are based on the utilization of WMATA s operating funds through our simplified acquisition process. These contracting opportunities are for $150,000 or less. Occasionally, an SBLPP goal may be established on a locally funded requirement, greater than $150,000, on a case by case basis. o The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is a federally mandated program for businesses that meet the eligibility criteria, under Chapter 49 of the U.S. Department of Transportation s Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 26. A firm may be located throughout the United States to participate in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. The DBE Program establishes goals for contracting opportunities of $150,000 and greater for services and supplies, and $500,000 and greater for construction and constructionrelated contracts that are federally funded. WMATA encourages firms to participate in both programs if they meet the eligibility criteria. In addition to the federally mandated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, WMATA has a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program that is race and gender neutral. The 51% owner is required to be economically disadvantaged, but not socially disadvantaged. SBE firms must still meet the eligibility requirements of 49 CFR Part 26. How long is the certification valid in the Small Business and Local Preference Program? o Certification is valid for two years. 3

4 How will a firm be notified that they have been certified? o An approval letter will be mailed to each firm that has qualified for the Small Business and Local Preference Program. Does the Small Business and Local Preference Program utilize the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)? o Currently, the Small Business and Local Preference Program utilizes WMATA s Material Category Codes. There are 800 codes that a firm should review and include in the Declaration of Certification affidavit. To review the codes go to click onto Business with Metro, click onto Procurement & Contracting, click the drop down box Material Category Codes (MCC). In the future, WMATA plans to replace MCCs with NAICS codes. Does WMATA s Small Business and Local Preference Program accept other certifications from other transit authorities, local government agencies and other commercial entities? o No. Does WMATA accept 8a firms that have been certified by the Small Business Administration? o No, 8(a) Program is a nationwide certification program based on federal eligibility criteria. Is the Small Business and Local Preference Program a Disadvantaged and/or Minority Business Program? o No, the Small Business and Local Preference Program is race and gender neutral. 4

5 What is WMATA Supplier Portal (formerly, Vendor Registration System)? o The Office of Procurement & Materials designed the Supplier Portal to conduct business transactions in a secure self-service environment through an Internet-based system for current and potential suppliers. The portal will provide vendors access to active solicitations and the ability to submit bids/proposals/quotes, review purchase order transactions, acknowledge purchase orders, provide advance shipment notices, review payments, and amend their contact information. Additional information concerning the Supplier Portal may be found on the website at: Click onto Business with Metro, Procurement and Contracting, and Vendor Resources. All businesses seeking to obtain contracting opportunities must first register in the WMATA Supplier Portal. Where can a firm learn more about the Small Business and Local Preference Program? o Information concerning the program is listed on the website at Click onto Business with Metro and Click onto Small Business and Local Preference Program. 5