General Questions
What is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)?
A MBE is a business that is at least 5l % owned and controlled by one or more minority persons. A minority is generally defined as an individual who is African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, a Woman.How is DBE different from WBE/MBE?
DBE certification is used only on US transportation programs projects.What happens after I get certified?
Your business name is placed on the City of Austin's vendor database as a certified Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise. An availability list is generated from the database on specific services needed on a City of Austin project. If your company's services match a particular solicitation, you will receive a notice either by fax or mail to submit a bid.How do I find out about City of Austin projects?
You can obtain information regarding City of Austin projects in the public notice section of the Austin American Statesman or at the City's website at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/purchaseHow can I get a business loan?
You may contact the following organizations for assistance with business loans. BIG Austin, Austin Neighborhood Housing, Community Development & Action Texas, and PeopleFund.Certification
What are the advantages of becoming certified as an MBE?
Certification as a W/MBE provides greater exposure for work opportunities on City of Austin projects. Contractors use the W/MBE Availability List to solicit minority participation on projects.Why are so many supporting documents required for certification?
The City of Austin only requests the minimum documentation that will support the ownership, management and control, expertise, personal net worth, role of the disadvantaged/minority/woman owners and key personnel.What is the cost of certification?
There are no fees payable for certification by the City of Austin. Your only certification cost is in getting the application and documentation to us.How long will my certification last?
Certification is valid for three calendar years from the date of initial certification. You must however update your certification annually in order to continue in the program. The certification expiration date will be printed on your certificate.How long is the certification review process?
Sixty days.Does certification ensure that my firm will be automatically placed on the City of Austin's Availability List?
Yes. But certification does not guarantee a contract with the City of Austin.What happens if there are changes to the business or its structure?
Please contact us within 10 days with the updated information.Why do I have to submit personal net worth information to get certified?
A statement of Personal Net Worth is required to determine economic disadvantage.How is DBE different from WBE/MBE?
DBE certification is used only on US transportation programs projects.Will you accept M/WBE certification from another certifying agency?
No. You must apply for M/WBE certification with the City of Austin.Contract Compliance
How does the City of Austin establish the goals for minority enterprises participation?
Every attempt is made to establish realistic and achievable WBE/MBE/DBE goals. Contract goals are set based on the dollar value of the project and the availability of certified WBE/MBE/DBEs to perform the work which is to be subcontracted.What is the purpose of a pre-bid conference?
Pre-bid conferences are a good opportunity to meet the contractors who are going to bid the project, especially if you are bidding as subcontractor. Also, as a contractor you get to hear all the details of the project and you have the opportunity to ask questions specifically relating to your business.How do I know that I have been listed on a compliance plan?
The Department of Small and Minority Business Resources, staff will contact you to let you know that you have been identified as a subcontractor on the project. You can also contact the Prime contractor to verify if your company has been selected.What is a letter of intent?
A document that is a signed agreement between a certified subcontractor and prime contractor to work on a project. Included in the Letter of Intent, is the contract amount and the services that are going to be performed.Am I required to have insurance and bonding?
As a prime vendor, your business will be required to have general liability and bonding. As a subcontractor your business will be required to carry general liability and workers compensation.Where can I get insurance and bonding?
The City of Austin does not offer any type of insurance or bonding. The individual firm must contact their own personal insurance companies for assistance.How do I get paid on City of Austin projects?
The City has specific deadlines in order to receive payment for work performed. As a contractor for the City of Austin, invoices must be submitted as specified in the contract documents. If you are a subcontractor, your firm should be paid within 10 days after the prime receives payment from the City.What happens if I do not get paid?
Contact DSMBR without delay. DSMBR will contact the appropriate city staff to determine if the City has made payments to the prime contractor. If the prime has been paid by the city, then DSMBR will research further by gathering additional information and coordinating meetings with all parties to determine non-payment issue. DO NOT DELAY IN CONTACTING DSMBR. If payment has not been made, immediately contact our department to assist in resolving the issue.Plan Room
What is the function of DSMBR Plan Room?
The function of DSMBR Plan Room is to provide access to technology helpful to Austin minority business vendors in locating, viewing, and printing of construction project plans through the Dodge Plans Internet service.What are the hours of the Plan Room operation?
Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 11:30am; and 1:00pm through 4:30pm.What is the Dodge Plans Internet Service?
A database of construction projects (plans and specifications). Vendors can access this database using the Plan Room facilities. On an average there are approximately 200 projects available in the Austin area.Is membership required to use the Plan Room?
No. The DSMBR Plan Room has state-of-the-art computer and technology equipment to access information. However, there is a nominal fee for printing, copying and fax services.Is there training required to use the Plan Room?
Yes, training is available Monday through Friday, between 11:30am-12:30pm, by appointment only.Can we download plans and specs to CD?
No, the plan room is not equipped with a CD burner. However, you can download plans and specs to your personal USB memory stick.Are there hard copies of plans and specs available?
The plan room receives hard-copy plans from the City of Austin projects, AISD, Travis County, and UT Austin. The plan room also receives plans and specs on CD format from LCRA, and SH 130 Infrastructure.