Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

05/19/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2022 09:18

MBTA Launches Small Business Enterprise Program

The MBTA has officially launched its Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program for construction, an effort to promote, create, and sustain capital programs construction business opportunities at the MBTA for small businesses as well as stimulate the Massachusetts economy by providing sustained revenue opportunities to local small businesses.

"We're very excited to launch the SBE Program, which is one new feature in our growing portfolio of DEI best practices and expands upon our commitment to diversity and equity through creative business opportunities," said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. "Following FTA best practices, our Capital Programs and ODCR SBE team will identify small contracting opportunities for pre-qualified small businesses to bid on, ensuring an equitable bidding process."

The SBE Program is a joint initiative of the MBTA's Office of Diversity and Civil Rights (ODCR) Government Compliance Unit and the MBTA's Capital Programs departments. Following best practices used for federal transportation programs, the SBE Program identifies small contracting opportunities, typically less than $3 million, with enough qualified SBEs to ensure a competitive bid environment. Pre-qualified SBEs are eligible to bid on these selected contracts, creating a level playing field for small businesses. Participating SBEs will also be trained on how to do business with the T.

All SBE participants are required to be certified by the Federal Small Business Administration and pre-qualified with the MBTA. Interested SBEs can register with the MBTA online and contact the SBE Program via email at [email protected] with any questions. Information sessions for interested small businesses will be held virtually:

Once pre-qualified as an SBE with the MBTA, a business benefits from the following:

  • Opportunities to be a prime vendor on contracts;
  • Access to up to $25 million in contracting opportunities a year; and
  • Invitations to business forums, mentorship programs, and networking events.

The SBE Program aims to procure five projects in FY23 as a Proof of Concept. After the first year, the MBTA will evaluate the program and take steps to both strengthen and grow it in future fiscal years.