Collaboration between Metro and certified MWESB contractors – minority-owned, women-owned or emerging small businesses – will be made easier starting this month, thanks to an online tool designed to more easily connect the two.
The Oregon Procurement Information Network, an electronic solicitation and bidding system managed by the State of Oregon, will now facilitate construction solicitations and bids between Metro and eligible firms.
Through Metro's informal sheltered market, state-certified MWESB contractors can compete exclusively for construction opportunities under $50,000.
Using the new online tool will streamline the workflow for project managers at Metro and make information about Metro's projects more readily available to interested contractors.
The new system is already showing results. Eight MWESB firms who had no previous experience with Metro recently showed interest in an Oregon Zoo sheltered market project.
The tool is being piloted through Metro's sheltered market program, with plans in place to expand it to all the agency's procurement solicitations.