Houston OBO - Insights to Opportunity - November/December 2020

INSIGHTS TO OPPORTUNITY November / December 2020 | Vol 21 | Issue 3

News & Events from Houston OBO | houstontx.gov/obo

WHAT’S INSIDE Pay or Play Program Benefits Contractors, Uninsured Workforce Learn how POP enhances fairness in the bidding process and how it supports the City’s health programs Page 2

OBO Named Houston MBDA’s Community Partner of the Year SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PIPELINE: The City of Houston has more than 4,200 certified MWSBE vendors available to perform divisible work on goal-oriented contracts.

Certified firms can forge path to success in City procurement By: Angel Rodriguez

P

rocurement is the gateway to financial engagement with the City of Houston (COH).

Understanding how to unlock these opportunities is integral to performing work with America’s fourth largest city.

The COH and the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) are committed to fostering the growth of Houston certified minority, women and small business enterprises (MWSBE) through participation goal percentages set on citywide contracts. Recognizing that MWSBE vendors are catalysts for economic growth and ingenuity, OBO seeks to create a competitive and diverse marketplace through its advocacy for these firms. As a result, the number of MWSBE vendors grows every year, as well as the opportunities to participate in the citywide procurement process. As of December 2020, the City had 4,259 certified MWSBE vendors available to perform divisible work on goaloriented contracts. Prime contractors are encouraged to find certified

MWSBE firms listed in the expansive online directory to receive goal credit for contracts that include construction, professional services, commodities & supplies, equipment and work services. In fiscal year 2020, citywide MWSBE vendors were awarded more than $741million worth of contracts.

The path to success in procurement revolves around networking, registering as a city vendor, staying current on upcoming opportunities, attending pre-bid meetings and being proactive in this highly competitive environment.

To get started, one must create an online account with the Strategic Procurement Division (SPD); this will enable a business to register as a city vendor and receive a vendor number.

This number is used as an identifier in doing business with the City, including: submitting bids online, receiving email alerts on bid solicitations, and cataloguing activity. The SPD manages the formal bids, pre-bid schedules Go to PROCUREMENT, page 3

OBO receives award for continued commitment to construction industry and city’s small business community Page 4

FROM THE DIRECTOR Greetings!

We have made it to the end of 2020, a year like no other!

While this year has brought many challenges, I think it’s important to celebrate any wins you have experienced this year, big or small. More importantly, my hope is that you look forward with the optimism and confidence that you will weather whatever comes your way, and remember that the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) continues to serve as a resource for your business.

We do have some exciting new programming planned Go to DIRECTOR, page 9

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DIVISION HIGHLIGHT - CERTIFICATIONS AND DESIGNATIONS

Pay or Play (POP) – A City of Houston Program for a Healthy Workforce By: Enzo Mungu

E

stablished on July 1, 2007 with Ordinance 2007-534 and governed

by Executive Order 1-7, the Pay or Play (POP) program was introduced to serve as a solution to create a more level playing field, enhancing fairness in the bidding process between competing contractors who choose to offer health benefits to their workforce and those who do not. Considering the eversoaring cost of health care/insurance, the POP program also accounts for the cost associated with the healthcare of uninsured citizens in the Houston and Harris County area. Recognizing this fact, the program seeks to offset the cost of caring for these uninsured residents.

contractor(s) or sub-contractor(s) agree to provide their employees a minimum level of healthcare benefits.

Funds received as a result of the POP program in the CRF are used to support health programs such as the Client Access Program (CAP), the Emergency Telehealth and Navigation Program (ETHAN) and the Call Crisis Diversion Program (CCD), as well as the program’s administration costs. Combined, these health programs (CAP, ETHAN and CCD) provide affordable emergency medical resources, access to health benefits, and assist with finding social and medical services for City contractors and the uninsured.

apply to contracts which the primary purpose is procurement of property, goods, supplies, and/or equipment and any inter-governmental contract, inter-governmental agreement or purchasing cooperative. Additionally, all employees of a covered contractor or subcontractor, including contract labor, who are over age 18, work at least 30 hours per week, and work any amount of time under a covered city contract or subcontract, are subject to the program.

There are available waivers/exemptions to the program enabling the contractor to neither pay nor play. Such can be given to a contractor upon approval by the respective city department.

The POP program’s administrative oversight is carried out by the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), while contractor performance in meeting Pay or Play program requirements is managed by the contracting department.

Each city department is assigned a POP liaison tasked with the above-mentioned responsibility and who can provide answers pertaining to the program.

As of FY 2012 through FY 2020, the POP program has collected an estimated $7.1 million from various contractors.

POP on the Web Find helpful, updated information CONNECT WITH OBO: Brianne Maxwell is OBO’s POP Program liaison. For more information about the POP program, contact brianne.maxwell@houstontx.gov or visit the Pay or Play tab at houstontx.gov/obo.

about the City’s Pay or Play Program

How the program works is very much self-explanatory. A City of Houston contractor of a contract valued at or above $100,000 and/or a subcontractor of a contract valued at or above $200,000 can choose to either “pay” or “play”. To “pay” simply means City of Houston contractor(s) or subcontractor(s) agrees to contribute prescribed amounts ($1.00 per covered employee per regular hour for work performed under the contract with the City) to the Contractors Responsibility Fund (CRF) for their uninsured employee.

To “Play” means City of Houston

Click on the Pay or Play tab

There are various elements to the POP program, such as covered contracts, contract values, and types of contracts.

Covered contracts are those contracts advertised after July 1, 2007 or executed on or after the effective date of Executive Order 1-7. Contract values applies to contracts valued at or above $100,000.00 (contract) and $200,000.00 (subcontract), including contingencies, amendments, supplemental terms and/ or change orders. Lastly, POP considers whether a contract is for professional service, construction, or general service.

It is worth noting that POP does not

at houstontx.gov/obo.

to access: · POP liaison contact information · Tutorials for the POP Management System (POPMS) · Required POP forms · Information about the Client Access Program (CAP)

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: BARBARA SMALL-ROBINSON By: Sherese Branch Barbara Small-Robinson, administrative associate in the Office of Business Opportunity’s Certification division, has been with the City of Houston for 30 years. She has spent 17 years with the Houston Police Department and the past 13 years with OBO.

Q

: How does your position with the city impact the small business community?

A: I am the first person they deal

with when applying for certification.

I do the initial screening when they first submit their application.

Q

: What is your favorite part of working within your division?

A: I like to do the initial screening,

sometimes it is like putting together a puzzle when trying to understand

the structure of a company. I also like the satisfaction when a company is approved and sent to the certified firm directory and knowing I had a part in it.

Q

: What advice would you give to a small business that wants to do business with the City?

A: Do your research first and go to

our website at www.houstontx.gov/ obo. There is a lot of information there. Also watch the video of the pre-certification workshop to understand the program. Also go to www.purchasing.houstontx. gov. There is a lot of information on there about how to do business with the City and to get your vendor number.

Q

: What do you do outside of the office, as a hobby or in your leisure time?

A: I like to read, crochet, play

games on my computer, and spend time with my family.

Q

: Are you from the area? If so, what do you like about the Houston area? If not, where are you from and what are some highlights of your previous location that you would like Go to SMALL-ROBINSON, page 9

PROCUREMENT: Best practices include active networking, trade memberships Continued from page 1 and requests for proposals issued by city buyers. Interested contractors are encouraged to visit the SPD website at https://purchasing.houstontx.gov to search for open bids.

In general, city buyers and procurement managers suggest the following best practices to secure work with the City: participate in networking forums, join trade associations and professional groups and attend pre-bid workshops to speak with buyers and to meet prime contractors. Attending pre-bid meetings is necessary for a firm’s interest to be known to other prime contractors.

“This is the best opportunity to get your name out there and let the primes know the work you can do as a subcontractor,” said Dr. Porscha Jackson, OBO’s business development manager.

Virtual workshops and events are not only a great way to network but they can

assist in simplifying the procurement process and answer any questions on conducting business with the City.

Additionally, the weekly OBO e-blast provides information about pre-bid workshops, networking events and upcoming bids. To sign up for the e-blast, send the following information to OBOSC@houstontx.gov: first and last name, company name, phone number and email address.

An event that should not be overlooked is the Meet the Buyer Procurement Forum. This annual networking event, hosted by OBO, draws together vendors, prime contractors, industry professionals, business support organizations and city purchasing agents. Meet the Buyer occurs annually in December; however, due to pandemic restrictions, it was held virtually this year.

In accompaniment with Meet the Buyer, OBO will offer a Procurement Basics for Contractors course in January 2021 for interested vendors who want insight in

governmental bidding and contracting.

For more information, contact Porscha Jackson at porscha.jackson@houstontx. gov or 832-393-0935.

Lastly, social media can be a great resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned small business owners who want to stay current on the latest procurement offerings and workshops.

OBO actively posts invitations and announcements on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The posts range from upcoming webinars, virtual procurement workshops, free programs and services, continuing education and more.

Overall, OBO is committed to assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs interested in understanding governmental procurement to navigate this process and to ensure equal opportunities to do business with the City. For more information about all OBO has to offer, visit www.houstontx. gov/obo/.

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The Office of Business Opportunity: Houston MBDA’s 2020 Community Partner of the Year By: Pearl K. Cajoles

T

he Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) was named Community Partner of the Year during the 6th Annual Salute to Minorities in Construction, presented by the Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center. OBO Director Marsha E. Murray accepted the award on behalf of her team, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City of Houston during the virtual event on Nov. 10, 2020.

Operated by Houston Community College and funded in part by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Houston MBDA aims to foster the growth and global competitiveness of minorityowned business enterprises (MBEs).

Since 2013, MBDA and OBO have partnered in several initiatives to provide workshops, webinars, training and other events to the business community, including OBO’s capacity building and mentorship programs tailored to assist those in the construction industry to grow their business and increase their subcontracting opportunities.

“The Office of Business Opportunity and the City of Houston have always been intentional in creating opportunities in the construction industry,” Murray said.

“The City spends millions and at times billions in construction projects, and we want to make sure that minorities also get a piece of that pie. In fact, the City spent more than $280 million with MBEs in the construction arena during the last fiscal year.”

Including those in the construction industry, there are more than 4,259 small businesses in OBO’s certified firm directory. By successfully completing the City of Houston’s certification process, facilitated by OBO, these businesses

“We will continue to make a difference in 2021 and beyond.”

GROUP EFFORT: OBO Director Marsha E. Murray credits the entire OBO team — including from left, Tifney Scott, Donald Black, LaQuinta Burton and Tamara Luera — for the 2020 Houston MBDA Community Partner of the Year Award.

are better poised to take advantage of contracting opportunities in and outside of the City. The impact of OBO, however, goes beyond certification. With a mission of cultivating a competitive and diverse economic environment in Houston, and with a focus on growing small business and workforce development, the department touches the community in a myriad of ways.

OBO’s Contract Compliance division monitors more than $8 billion in City

contracts and ensures fair wages, the Certification division has improved processing time for applications, and the External Affairs division has increased participation in its business development and workforce development initiatives.

Since March, OBO’s online COVID-19 Resource Hub has received more than 4,291 visitors.

As Murray leads her team toward the new year, she is looking forward to expanding and extending the reach

Nov - Dec 2020 | Insights to Opportunity

IMPACT OF OBO

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OBO DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE Certification

$1.89 Billion+

+62%

awarded to minority, women, and small business enterprises since FY 2017.

increase in the number of graduates of Turner School of Construction Management in 2020.

3,065

$240,000

jobseekers participated in 16 Turnaround Houston Readiness and Disaster Recovery Hiring Fairs since 2016.

in start-up capital awarded to emerging entrepreneurs in the LiftOff Houston StartUp Business Plan Competition.

4,291

$8 Billion

approx. number of visitors to the online COVID-19 Resource Hub. of OBO’s free programs and finding innovative ways to reach the small business community in an economic landscape impacted by the pandemic.

in contracts monitored by OBO’s Contract Compliance Division.

Contract Compliance Department Services External Affairs Pay or Play Program OBO Solutions Center OBO-Houston Airport System OBO-Houston Public Works

4,259

certified firms poised to take advantage of contracting opportunities in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working at OBO is having the opportunity to make an impact in our local economy, to assist in job creation, and to help improve financial stability of the City’s small business owners,” Murray said.

“It is through the collective effort of everyone on the OBO team – and through the support of partners like MBDA – that we will continue to make a difference in 2021 and beyond.”

To watch the 6th Annual Salute to Minorities in Construction, go to youtu. be/HXoU3wa5_9M. To learn more about the Office of Business Opportunity, go to houstontx.gov/obo.

COMMITTED TO SERVE: OBO continued its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Management and staff who reported to the office followed recommended procedures for masking up and social distancing.

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OBO PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT Startup Entrepreneurs Fund Dreams with LiftOff Houston By: Niyonsaba Magnifique

O

n November 7, 2020, three Houston start-up entrepreneurs won $10,000 each to start their businesses. In addition to the cash prizes, they gained business literacy by attending workshops from July to November, all online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courses included starting a business, business marketing, business financials, personal and business credit, pitching the business and access to capital.

Contestants also interacted with mentors who guided them to ensure that they were equipped to start their businesses.

After attending classes, they wrote and submitted their business plans. Through a rigorous process, nine finalists were selected to pitch their businesses to judges via Microsoft Teams, and three winners emerged from the competition in the following categories: service, product and innovation.

Sponsored by Capital One Bank and administered by the Office of Business Opportunity and the Houston Public Library, the competition uplifts and support small business owners by providing essential tools for them to be successful. ”Winning LiftOff Houston has provided the proper knowledge and financial foundation for GOAT+BEAR to be successful. With our foundation solid

FUNDING DREAMS: Since the inception of LiftOff Houston eight years ago, Capital One Bank has given more than $240,000 to startup entrepreneurs in Houston.

for years to come, we are able to focus on creating impactful relationships and products,” said Wendell Matthews, winner of this year’s product category.

Inspired by his grandfather and motivated by success and the ability to create a legacy, Wendell Matthews became LiftOff Houston’s 2020 product winner with GOAT+BEAR Grooming Company. His plant-derived beard products assist in eliminating bacteria and fungi, while providing calming aromatherapy for modern men to have nourished and captivating facial hair.

Through his business, this Carbondale, Illinois native plans to use his electrical

DID YOU KNOW? Did you know Houston’s econothat Pteronophobia ➡ ➡is theDidfearyouofknow my is larger than Sweden? being tickled by feathers? ➡

Did you know Houston is the only major city in the US that doesn’t have land zoning laws, meaning that anything can be built anywhere?

Did you know banging your head ➡ against the wall for one hour burns 150 calories? Alternatively you can walk your dog for 45 minutes, which also burins 150 calories - and is less painful.

It’s also a fear of feathers themselves.

The word “ptero” is the Greek word for feather and “phobia” is also Greek, meaning fear.

➡

Did you know that during your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools?

Did you know that in Uganda, ➡around 48% of the population is under 15 years of age?

engineering degree from Tuskegee University to continue his mission to leverage technology to deliver products quickly, conveniently and with the customer in mind.

Jerome Vielman won the services category with Kairos Chemical and Distribution, Inc., a company he started to provide fire resistant hydraulic fluids to midstream pipeline companies. Born in the Philippines and a 20-year Houstonian, Jerome grew up helping his parents with their catering services company. There, he witnessed the trials and triumphs of running a small business, and as a result, was motivated to start his own one day.

After losing his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vielman met the challenge head on and turned his idea into a reality.

Encouraged by his parents and inspired by curiosity, courage and creativity, Jerome read a multitude of business books and came up with a framework to start his business. He attributes his winning framework to making a commitment, finding an opportunity, doing the math, building a team and executing the plan.

Kimberly Jones wowed the judges with her company, Cosmetic Concierge Nurses, to win the innovation category.

As a registered nurse and nurse educator, Go to LIFTOFF, page 8

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different scopes of work currently up for bid for interested minority-owned firms with projects extending through December 2022 that range from small contracts of $1,000 - $50,000 to larger contracts of $500,000 and above.

PROCURING VIRTUALLY: Dr. Porscha Jackson and guest speakers Greg Williams of Honesty Construction Group and Michelle Levi McDaniel of Elite Image Tax & Notary Services participate in the Success Stories panel discussion.

First Virtual Meet the Buyer Forum Boosts Procurement Opportunities By: Damita Roberts

M

eet the Buyer Procurement Forum is an essential key to the development and growth of small businesses in Houston. This annual event connects small business owners with procurement agents and meets educational needs of entrepreneurs seeking procurement opportunities with the City of Houston and other entities in public and private sectors.

This year’s event, with the theme of Procuring Virtually, focused on educating business owners on aspects of the procurement process, from becoming a certified subcontractor to seeking funding for projects as a prime contractor. In its twelfth year but first virtually, Meet the Buyer was coordinated by Dr. Porscha Jackson, Business Development Manager of the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), to provide a common space for small business owners in various industries to virtually network and build connections with procurement agents.

“We fine-tuned last year’s event and incorporated suggestions from past attendees to provide a well-rounded experience that walked business owners through important aspects of the procurement process,” said Jackson.

Houston’s growing innovation and

technology sectors are producing many opportunities for small businesses to land contracts with government and private agencies. Rice Management Company (RMC), responsible for the stewardship of Rice University’s endowment, presented the event’s featured opportunity for small business owners to gain insight on upcoming contracts at The Ion. Samuel Dike, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, shared RMC’s plans to focus on minority and women business enterprise (MWBE) capacity projects as well as business opportunities for these firms with the Now, Next and the Future outline.

He said, “The Now: focus on real and immediate opportunities. The Next: increase MWBE Capacity. The Future: focus on further business opportunities that we can outline for MWBE firms.”

Robin Owens of Mpact Strategic Consulting discussed her company’s role in The Ion’s procurement process and informed attendees that the first set of opportunities available are leasing, operations and maintenance.

“Our role on the project is to ensure that there are opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses to engage with a project in a time and a manner, so that they can really take advantage of the opportunities,” Owens said.

With The Ion project, there are about 40

With this year’s event being virtual, attendees were able to access virtual exhibitor booths and attend on-demand workshops accessible throughout the event on topics that included: Accessing Capital for Procurement, Citywide Small Business Development Programs, How to Access Business Resources, and The Role of Certification in Procurement. Those who logged into the workshops were able to learn about programs that offer pitch funding, small business coaching and operation planning.

During the live show, attendees were able to hear experiences from certified companies who landed contracts with the City and how they were able to grow and scale their companies due to procurement opportunities. Michelle Levi McDaniel of Elite Image Tax & Notary Services, LLC and Greg Williams of Honesty Construction Group laid out the road map they used, individually, that enabled them to continue to work on contracts and partner with other small businesses.

“My first year of business I made $97.

Through my procurement opportunities, right now, we are on a bulk of business through procurement with the City of Houston that’s $4.4 million,” McDaniel said.

In addition, she touched on a key business concept of how a company can market its services to attract new business and build new relationships.

Using Williams’ company as an example, she connected the dots for attendees on how networking and building business connections can yield high reward. Michelle referenced how prime contractors meeting their MWBE participation goal gives a competitive edge to companies that are City certified to be included in large budget projects.

The event recording and workshops are available on OBO’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/houstontxobo. For more information on Meet the Buyer, visit http://houstontx.gov/obo/meet-thebuyer.html.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

MCA Communications: Employees Key to Company’s Success have the opportunity to network with city and other governmental procurement agents as well as prime contractors. This informative program consisted of many moving parts and MCA’s Virtual Event Team assisted with broadcasting the live presentations.

“We enjoyed meeting the City of Houston’s procurement team and were very pleased to see that over 450 people participated in this event,” Ricky said.

FAMILY LEGACY: Ricky Cortez, President of MCA Communications, followed in the footsteps of his father, Rick, who founded the company in 1983.

By: Julie Garay

S

mall businesses can face many challenges but with dedication and development a company can progress from a local company to a nationally recognized enterprise. This is exactly the case when it comes to MCA Communications, who was recently named one of the Top 50 Technology Integrators in the United States.

In 1983, Rick Cortez founded MCA Communications in Houston as a telecommunications installation company that focused on building lasting relationships with their customers and providing quality service. In this process, MCA also built a lasting relationship with the City of Houston by becoming a certified subcontractor through the Office of Business Opportunity. MCA rapidly grew from 10 employees to over 250, becoming one of the leading cabling subcontractors in Houston. Rapid growth is one of the most desired attributes for many local business owners, and MCA achieves that on a daily basis by constantly focusing on appealing to their market and finding new ways to further develop their company internally and externally.

MCA Communications has grown immensely over the years and now has a second-generation leader following in

his father’s footsteps, Ricky Cortez. Ricky, who 20 years ago started as a part-time field technician while attending high school, currently serves as President of MCA. In his trajectory to president of a nationally recognized company, Ricky focused on dedicating time and gaining insight from MCA’s different departments, such as: operations, sales, engineering, and finance. “Knowing each aspect of your company shows you exactly how each piece correlates with the others, which can lead to finding new ideas and development,” he said.

Ricky shared with OBO how their dedication to the development of their staff is always priority. Staff training and development are assets that can help build a successful firm and there are many resources which can help business owners attain it. Ricky emphasized that their employees are the reason for their success and that MCA’s best investment, thus far, has been building an in-office training facility consisting of a full-time trainer, specifically for employees.

“My advice to other business owners is to invest in your employees through training and career development,” said Ricky.

On December 10, 2020, MCA Communications hosted Meet the Buyer Procurement Forum, one of OBO’s largest events, in which small businesses

MCA Communications has successfully grown into a company that has been awarded numerous national contracts, including projects for some of the top Fortune 500 companies. With so many triumphs, comes experience and wisdom.

When asked what he wished someone would have told him before embarking on this journey, Ricky said, “I wish someone had told me to slow down and enjoy the ride. Time flies when you’re having fun.”

LIFTOFF: Funding Dreams continued from page 6 Kimberly used her medical surgical unit, operating room, outpatient clinic and school nursing experience to provide direct nursing care, care coordination, and health education to cosmetic and plastic reconstructive post-surgery clients.

She travels to their homes or recovery locations to make it easier for her clients to receive the care they need during their recovery period. Kimberly saw the business as an opportunity to continue to do what she loves the most, which is save lives while gaining financial freedom. She holds a Bachelor of Science of Nursing from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington.

LiftOff Houston has impacted these winners by not only giving them funds they need to start their businesses, but also the foundation to run their businesses effectively. They learned how to create a business roadmap and develop a clear vision on how their businesses will thrive in the present and future.

Nov - Dec 2020 | Insights to Opportunity

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Procurement Basics for Contractors Course: Every Tuesday at 1:00 PM, January 12 -February 16, 2021. Learn to establish your business for success in government procurement. This training course contains six (6) 1-hour online modules and is designed to enhance the competitive contracting skills of new or existing contractors who sell goods, services and construction service to government agencies or large corporate customers. This course is FREE. Register at tinyurl.com/pbfc2021. Details: Dr. Porscha Jackson at 832-393-0935 or Porscha.jackson@houstontx.gov.

Virtual Pre-Certification Workshop: Every first and third Tuesday of each month (except for holidays and City closures) at 2:00 PM. The workshop addresses certification requirements, procedures and provides business owners with information on how to do business with the City of Houston. To sign up for the virtual workshop, please visit our Pre-Certification Workshop and Q&A Signups page at www.houstontx. gov/obo/registrations.html. This workshop is FREE. For assistance with the certification process or questions, call 832-393-060.

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SMALL-ROBINSON: Houston native proud of city’s good people Continued from page 3 people to know?

A: I am a native Houstonian. What

I like about Houston is we are basically good people that believe in helping others. We also have a lot of different forms of entertainment, different types of restaurants, and plenty of places to shop.

Q

: Are there any other fun facts about you that you’d like to share?

DIRECTOR: OBO offers procurement assistance Continued from page 1 for 2021 that we believe will enhance your business development. We have listened to your requests and have made note of common pain points you have highlighted in the process of growing your business.

Resoundingly, local businesses have requested assistance with navigating the City’s procurement processes, in particular, step-by-step assistance with submitting bids/proposals. In response, starting in January, OBO is hosting Procurement Basics for Contractors, a 6-week online training course “designed to enhance the competitive contracting skills of new or existing contractors who sell goods, services and construction services to government agencies or

large corporate customers.”

In addition, we will roll out an on-demand procurement assistance portal, accessible online 24/7, to demystify and provide guidance with navigating procurement processes. These tools will be especially helpful as businesses seek to diversify and expand their customer base to include governmental entities, as well as the private sector.

Lastly, as usual, I encourage you to stay healthy and safe, and to continue to prioritize the health and safety of your employees and customers.

I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and a healthy and prosperous new year!

Marsha E. Murray was appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner and confirmed by City Council to serve as the Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) in April 2020, after having served as OBO’s Interim Director.

A: I’m a great-grandmother of two and grandmother of six. I’m 5 feet tall.

WHO WE ARE Insights to Opportunity is produced by the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). OBO is committed to cultivating a competitive and diverse economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

Executive Editors Marsha E. Murray, Esq. Lalla V. Morris, Esq. Managing Editors Pearl K. Cajoles Enzo Mungu Copy Editor Dr. Porscha Jackson Contributing Writers Sherese Branch Julie Garay Niyonsaba Magnifique Damita Roberts Angel Rodriguez Any information in this newsletter does not constitute the Office of Business Opportunity’s endorsement of any business or organization.

If you have a story idea, e-mail pearl.cajoles@ houstontx.gov. Follow @HoustonOBO on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and @HoustontxOBO on YouTube.