For minority, women and small business owners
The regional government Metro has made new commitments to hire minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses.
To increase opportunities for MWESB firms the Metro Council has directed staff to expand outreach to additional minority business groups, including the Asian, native American and Hispanic business communities.
Metro is also planning to package construction projects to fit within the current sheltered market program for projects up to $50,000; engage the Office of Metro Attorney to promote the use of MWESB firms within the bounds of state and local contracting rules; and create an electronic notification system for MWESBs to provide automated notice of upcoming bids and requests for proposals (RFPs) and include employee compensation as a factor in the selection of service contractors.
Metro also will encourage prime contractors to subcontract at least 15 percent of their work to MWESBs and require them to formally report their use of MWESB subcontractors.
Diversity goals will be included as evaluation criteria in all Metro RFPs and to increase MWESB training throughout the agency, including the Oregon Zoo and the Convention Center. Metro aspires to utilize MWESB contractors for 15 percent of the total value of every formal bid and RPF.
