GETTING CERTIFIED
public works contracts under SFPUC or other city agencies, certified LBEs may receive a 10 % bid discount.
Many city contracts also include LBE subcontractor participation requirements or goals. Being a certified contractor means that you can help primes and project owners fulfill those LBE subcontracting goals, which makes you a more attractive project partner.
Additionally, in an effort to keep construction dollars within the local economy, some public works contracts are“ set aside” or only open to certified LBEs or micro-LBEs, which narrows down the competition and gives certified contractors better odds of winning that bid than those who have not been certified.
Certification also means that you will be featured in a directory of LBEs, making it easier for primes or city departments to find you. Some major agencies and programs specifically include LBE opportunities in their planning. 2
LBE certification also lends your company enhanced credibility. Having the LBE certification is an indication that you meet certain standards such as company size, locality, and licensing, which can improve how you are perceived by clients, primes, or public agencies; this increased credibility can help smaller contractors“ punch above their weight” in the procurement process.
The City and County of San Francisco provides free workshops, assistance with the application process, help with finding contracting opportunities, and more. This service helps contractors who may not have in-house capacity or experience to compete in public bidding.
Here are some helpful links:
Get Certified as a LBE Email the 14B LBE Certification Unit Become a Supplier Get Contracting Help as a Supplier
Merriwether & Williams, a HUB International Company, provides those enrolled in our Contractor Development Program with assistance in navigating the certification and prequalification processes. We may be reached at cdp @ imwis. com or by calling( 415) 986-3999.
Sources:
1
SF. gov
2
SFport. com
06- imwis. com