Certified firms can forge path to success in City procurement

By: Angel Rodriguez

Procurement 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 goal-oriented 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 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/.

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PIPELINE: The City of Houston has more than 4,200 certified MWSBE vendors available to perform divisible work on goal-oriented contracts.