Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Small, Local and Minority Business Enterprise (SLMBE) Program

The Small, Local and Minority Business Enterprise (SLMBE) Program

SLMBE Program Overview Is one of our core strategies to achieve world-class status; Helps our organization meet important business needs and facilitate good business; Promotes job creation and stimulates the local economy by increasing the contracting opportunities for small and minority businesses located in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties; Reinforces our leadership, not only in the water and wastewater industry but in the wider community. Exceeded organizational goal of 25% in FY 2009 with payments made to MBE* firms totaling $72 million (30%) of WSSC’s total contract payments of $252.5 million. Exceeded organizational goal of 25% in FY 2010 with payments made to MBE* firms totaling $59.9 million (26%) of WSSC’s total contract payments of $249.5 million *Note: Total MBE$ include MBE and WBE payments

Our Strategy - Four (4) Pillars

Supplier Development Foster the development of sustainable SLMBE firms by… Creating targeted contractor/vendor training events and workshops for SLMBE firms Workshops Scheduled for FY 2010 : –Architectural and Engineering Consultation Selection Workshop –SymTrac™ Training Workshop –Insurance and Bonding Workshop –Banking and Financing Workshop –How to Bid Successfully Workshop –MBE/SLBE Certification Workshop

Supplier Advocacy To ensure fair and equal access to WSSC Contracts for all vendors by… Developing and implementing policies and procedures to further the purpose and goals of the SLMBE Program; Serving on WSSC Internal Contract Review and Strategy Committees; Validating MBE certifications; Validating Subcontracting Plans; Reviewing and approving SLBE applications and guidelines; Reviewing Solicitations and recommending MBE or SLBE subcontracting requirements for Contracts estimated in excess of $25K; and Reviewing and evaluating Bids and Proposals for responsiveness and responsibility.

Extensive Outreach To communicate contracting opportunities and processes in the Commission and create awareness about the SLMBE Program by… Strategically prepare and execute annual industry-specific Vendor Days and events to educate vendors and create networking and development opportunities for SLMBE vendors. Participate in and/or host targeted outreach events. –September 2009: Hosted Enhance Nutrient Removal (ENR) Project information conference. Host ten (10) Vendor Days for FY 2010 focusing on WSSC’s four (4) major Contracting areas: Construction, Professional Services, Goods and Services and Architecture and Engineering. Partner with Minority Business Organizations, Small Business Associations, local Chambers of Commerce, and other like-purpose organizations to increase the availability and use of SLMBE firms.

Compliance To ensure compliance with applicable MBE and/or SLBE policies both quantitatively and qualitatively by… Evaluation and Validation of Subcontractors/Subcontracting Plans; Track and monitor Subcontracting Plan performance; Track and monitor awards and payments to MBE and SLBE Primes and Subcontractors; and Field Compliance Review (new).

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprise Programs

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program Designed to promote greater availability, capacity development, and Contract participation by M/WBEs in WSSC Contracts. –WSSC Recognized MBE Certifying Agencies: Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Prince George’s County Minority Business Development Division (MBDD) D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) Some of the benefits of M/WBE Program: –Minimum Mandatory Subcontracting –Evaluation Point Preference –Price Preference

Small Local Business Enterprise Program (SLBE) Designed to encourage the utilization of small local firms located in Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. The SLBE Program is a race-and-gender neutral program. WSSC approves all SLBE firms –There are five (5) criteria that a firm MUST meet to be approved as an SLBE with the Commission. Some of the benefits of the SLBE Program: –Mandatory Subcontracting, Bonding and Insurance Waivers, Sheltered Market Program and Price Preferences. $6.9 million was paid to Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) firms in Fiscal Year (FY) Of the total payments made: –$4.23 million went to SLBE firms located in Prince George’s County. –$2.33 million went to SLBE firms located in Montgomery County. $10.7 million was paid to Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) firms in FY Of the total payments made: –$5.9 million went to SLBE firms located in Prince George’s County –$3.7 million went to SLBE firms located in Montgomery County

SLMBE Program: The Road Ahead In 2010 we conducted, analyzed, and have now adopted a Disparity Study; Develop legislation for our MBE Program for consideration in the 2012 Legislative Session; Fully integrate the SLMBE policies/processes into the Acquisition strategy and processes of the Commission; and Improve Compliance measures through education/ awareness and development.

SLMBE Subcontracting Responsibility Prime and Subcontractor

SLMBE Subcontracting Responsibility - Prime Contractors Complete ALL information listed on the Subcontracting Plan included in the Solicitation Submit the subcontract plan after award via SymTrac™ Attend a SymTrac™ Training Classes Records the payment made to the Subcontractors Notifies Acquisition, Contract Manager/Project Manager and the SLMBE Office, of any agreed changes to Subcontractors and/or the percentage proffered at the time of award (Note: May require the submission of a new subcontracting plan and approval of the Commission) Manage Subcontractors to ensure they are compliant.

SLMBE Subcontracting Responsibility - Subcontractors Verify ALL information on the subcontracting plan provided to you by the Prime Contractor Attend a SymTrac™ Training Classes Records each invoice to the Prime Contractor Validate that the Prime Contractor has submitted payment (until this step is performed the payment is not counted)

Staying Connected Centralized Bidder Registration (CBR) System: Web-based tool for suppliers and bidders interested in receiving announcements of bidding opportunities. All vendors seeking to do business with WSSC must be registered in the CBR System.

Staying Connected SymTrac™: SymTrac™ is a web-based tool designed to monitor contract compliance requirements. The SLMBE Office: Call, Click, or the SLMBE Office with your questions and concerns. Ph:

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