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Contractor Development and Bonding Program
Metro supports small and disadvantaged businesses so they can successfully bid on Metro construction projects. We help small businesses secure bonding and also provide technical support, including training on bidding, estimating and contract performance.
Overview
Metro created the Contractor Development and Bonding Program (CDBP) to help Metro-certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) firms secure sufficient bonding to work on Metro construction projects. The program launched on March 1, 2018, as a one-year pilot to help increase the participation of small businesses on Metro projects and it is now a regular part of our support services.
Through the CDBP, we help contractors and subcontractors secure the bonding they need to work on Metro projects. This includes assistance with obtaining or increasing bonding capacity and collateral support for bid, performance and payment bonds. The maximum bond guarantee is up to $250,000 or 40% of the value of the contract, whichever is less.
The CDBP also offers technical and contractor support, education and training sessions. During these classes, small contractors learn industry best practices and receive class instruction taught by prime contractors who work on Metro, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), City of Los Angeles and other agency contracts.
This program is managed by Metro’s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department and administered by Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services (MWIS).
Services Provided
Through the Contractor Development and Bonding Program (CDBP), Metro offers a comprehensive set of services to help small and disadvantaged businesses secure the bonding support they need to pursue Metro contracts. We know you may have questions and we’ve got answers. We want to help you help us.
Assessment
Once you enroll in the CDBP, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your current business status to identify areas of opportunity that can better position your firm to successfully compete and perform Metro contracts. After this assessment, you’ll be assigned a dedicated program account manager who will work closely with you to develop a work plan specific to your needs and goals. Your program account manager will also introduce you to program partners and resources.
Bonding Assistance and Technical Support
A key part of the CDBP is helping small businesses obtain or increase their bonding capacity so that they can successfully bid on Metro contracts. And once awarded, we’re here to provide ongoing project support to help you complete your contract.
Our services include:
- Bid, performance and payment bond guarantees available at 40% of contract or $250,000, whichever is less, per contract. There is no maximum contract size for which you can be provided bonding support.
- Contract review, project assessment and field support for program bonded contracts.
- Assistance with project risk identification and mitigation.
- Third-party funds administration.
- Accounting cost subsidy for CPA-prepared financial statements.
- Project opportunities and industry events sent weekly via the “Blitz of the Week.”
- Referrals to specific project opportunities.
- Prime contractor prequalification support.
Please note that the initial process to prepare an underwriting package for bonding requires the gathering of information from your company. If you have what’s needed readily available and complete, you could be approved for bonding in as little as five business days, depending on the size of the bond being pursued.
If you do not have a current broker, we will provide you with a list of brokers who work with small contractors and who work with program surety partners, for your consideration.
Education, Training and Contractor Support
We’re dedicated to helping small contractors successfully bid on Metro contracts and grow their businesses, such as SJN Construction Services and small woman-owned business G&F Concrete. That’s why we offer multiple education and training resources, including:
- Group classes on public construction best practices led by industry experts.
- Contract specific support on Metro bond program supported contracts.
- Contractor profile to assist with business marketing.
CDBP classes are offered at no cost.
Prime Partnership Program
Our Prime Partnership Program is focused on helping small businesses succeed within the Metro network. Through matchmaking and referrals, we help small contractors build strategic alliances with prime contractors and network with public agency staff and peer contractors.
Eligibility
Firms who are certified as Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) are eligible to participate in the Contractor Development and Bonding Program. Please note that bonding collateral support requires an active certification status.
Costs
Zero costs. Metro is investing in the Contractor Development and Bonding Program to increase inclusivity and participation of small, diverse and disabled veteran contractors on Metro projects. We recognize that small businesses face barriers in accessing the resources they need to apply for larger contracts and this program is intended to reduce and eliminate those barriers wherever possible.
Please note there is one small exception. One of the program services provides for a one-time subsidy, to those who qualify, towards a CPA Prepared Financial Statement. If this subsidy is provided to you, it also requires that you pay the first $500 towards your statement and all costs in excess of the subsidy.
Success Stories
Watch Videos
G&F Concrete Demolition for Rosa Parks Station Small woman-owned business, G&F Concrete, demolishes old structures to make way for new Rosa Parks Station facility.
Groundbreaking Ceremony at Rosa Parks Station Metro Board of Directors and CEO, Phil Washington, congratulating small woman-owned business G&F Concrete and prime contractor Icon West during the groundbreaking ceremony at the Rosa Parks station.
G&F Concrete Clearing the Way for New Rosa Parks Station G&F Concrete begins demolition of existing structures to clear the way for the new Rosa Parks Station facility.
Documents
Contact Us
Submit feedback:
Keith Compton, Director
213.922.2406
For general questions:
Cynthia Suerro-Gabler, Senior DEOD Representative
213.922.4979
Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services
MetroCDBP@imwis.com
213.258.3000