Metra’s Small Business Enterprise Program
On June 1, 2016, Metra’s Office of Diversity & Business Enterprise (ODBE) launched its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program. The purpose of the SBE program is to assist small businesses and ensure they have a fair opportunity to participate on Metra projects. It is a set-aside program designed to increase the number of competitively awarded contracts to small businesses, maximize contract opportunities, and minimize contract bundling.
Metra is encouraging all small businesses that qualify to complete the SBE verification process.
To qualify as an SBE, companies must meet the following requirements:
- Be an independently owned business;
- For-profit business;
- Personal Net Worth must not exceed $1,320,000; and
- Meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) size standard, and not exceed $30,720,000 in gross annual receipts.
If you are currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with Metra or one of the other four Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP) members (Chicago Transit Authority, Pace, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the City of Chicago), you are automatically considered an SBE and do not have to complete the verification process. However, you must provide proof of the firm's DBE certification when submitting your bid.
Forms
SBE FAQs
SBE Verification
- Race Neutral Program
- 51% or more owned and controlled by an economically disadvantage individual(s)
- Personal Net Worth
- PNW not to exceed $1,320,000)
- SBA size standard (varies according to business category)
DBE Certification
- Federal Certification
- DOT contracts for highway, transit, and airport
- Ownership
- 51% or more owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantage individual(s)
- Personal Net Worth
- PNW not to exceed $1,320,000
- SBA size standard (varies according to business category)
MBE and WBE Certification
- State and Local Government Contracting Authorities
- Ownership and Control
- 51% or more of the stock owned and controlled by minority or woman.
- Controlling minority or woman must be capable of performing the daily management operations of business.
Eligibility requirements for verification as a SBE are stated in 49 CFR Part 26.39.
The following six requirements must be proved by a SBE applicant, but they do not cover all the requirements found in 49 CFR Part 26.39.
Economic Disadvantage
A disadvantaged owner must be a U.S. Citizen (or resident alien) and meet the federal definition of economically disadvantaged as defined in 49 CFR Part 26.67 or any individual found to be economically disadvantaged on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Net Worth
Only disadvantaged persons having a personal net worth (PNW) of less than $1,320,000 can be considered for SBE verification. Items excluded from a person’s net worth calculations include an individual’s ownership interest in the applicant firm and his or her equity in their primary residence.
Business Size Standard
A firm (including affiliates) must be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). It must not have annual gross receipts over $30,720,000 in the previous three years. Depending on the type of work the business performs, other size standards may apply.
Ownership
Must be a for-profit small business concern whose economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51% interest, control management AND daily business operations.
Independence
The business must not be affiliated with another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control. These include, but are not limited to, such areas as personnel, facilities, equipment, financial and/or bonding support, and other resources.
Management and Control
The economically disadvantaged owner(s) must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and polices of the firm and to make day-to-day decisions, as well as long-term decisions on matters of management, policy and operation.
No. The only cost associated with certification is for notarizing the application.
No. If you are currently certified as a DBE with Metra or any ILUCP participant, you do not need to apply for SBE Verification. Your company is already considered a SBE.
No, at this time there is no reciprocity between Illinois agencies regarding SBE Verification. To bid on Metra set-aside contracts as a SBE you must be verified through Metra or any IL UCP participating agency.
Yes, if you choose not to be certified as a DBE you may still be eligible for SBE Verification. You must complete and submit the initial application and supporting documents for SBE Verification.
No. If you intend to apply for DBE Certification, do that one first. DBE status includes SBE status. By applying once, you will receive both certifications, if approved.
No, verification is just the first step. There will be contracts set-aside specifically for SBEs but you must still aggressively network, market your product or service, and bid competitively.
The verification process begins with the submission of a complete SBE Verification application.
The following steps are taken to verify firms:
- Your information is reviewed to attest that you meet all the necessary requirements.
- A site visit and/or job site visit are scheduled to complete a standard questionnaire, tour the facility, and take pictures if necessary.
- A decision is made, and your firm is notified of the decision via email.
- If verified, your firm will receive a certificate and approval letter of SBE Verification and be eligible to bid on Metra set-aside contracts
On average, the SBE verification process is 60-90 days from the time a complete application and all required supporting documents are received.
Getting verified is just the first step!
- To remain in good standing, all SBE firms are required to submit an annual No Change Affidavit.
- This affirms that there have been no changes in the firm’s circumstances affecting its ability to meet size, disadvantaged status, ownership, or control requirements or any other material changes in the information provided in the firm’s application for certification.
- 60 days before the annual No Change Affidavit is due, you will receive an email from our office notifying you of the due date and required supporting documents that need to be submitted.
- During the period that a firm is verified, the firm must provide written notification of any changes within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the change.
- Become a Registered Vendor with Metra. The process is free and simple. By submitting your contact information and your company’s services/goods online at metrarail.com you will receive notification of upcoming IFBs and RFPs that match your submission.
- Attend training and networking events. Marketing and growing your business are essential to maximizing your verification. Visit ODBE’s Outreach Calendar for an up-to-date list of upcoming events.
Any firm or complainant may appeal our decision in writing to: DBEAppeals@dot.gov
Yes, for questions regarding SBE Verification or to set-up a free consultation, please contact our certification team.
Michele Sutton
Sr. DBE Certification Specialist
312-322-6328
msutton@metrarr.com
