Equity in contracting

How to compete for contracts

Get certified: Applying for certification through the State of Oregon COBID is the first step.

Respond to requests for proposals, bids and quotes: Once you are COBID certified, follow current opportunities through Bid Locker and respond by the deadline.

Stay informed: Metro hosts occasional networking events for COBID certified businesses and participates in outreach events. To learn about upcoming events, email [email protected].

Contract opportunities with Metro

Contracts are awarded for a wide range of products and services:

maintenance and repair

audio-visual equipment

construction services

photography

design

paving

engineering services

research

various types of planning consulting

many more

Public Improvement COBID Marketplace

Metro seeks bids from COBID certified contractors for public improvement projects between $25,000 and $50,000 through its COBID Marketplace Program.

Personal Services COBID Marketplace

Metro can directly award contracts to COBID certified contractors for professionals, technical and scientific services projects up to $150,000 and to architects, engineers, surveyors, planners and designers up to $100,000.

Information and resources

The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs promotes and develops entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in Oregon and southwest Washington.

The African American Chamber of Commerce strives for an enhanced economic base, better capitalized businesses and equitable participation for all minorities.

Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber works to increase the economic advancement of Latinos in Portland and southwest Washington.

Northwest Native Chamber works to advance the educational and economic opportunities for Native Americans in Oregon and southwest Washington.

The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon is dedicated to connecting the Filipino American community with government officials and business owners in various industries and professions.

The Business Diversity Institute provides education and opportunities in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Small business survey

Metro launched a small business survey in November 2023 to identify the challenges and opportunities that small businesses face when they participate in Metro’s procurement process.

Metro engaged in extensive outreach, including:

Contacting 3,500 firms directly, including businesses in the state’s COBID database
Advertising in the Daily Journal of Commerce, Business Tribune, OregonBuys and BidLocker
Announcing in Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneur and Portland Business Development Group meetings, Business Diversity Institute and National Association of Minority Contractor newsletters, and the Gresham Business Chamber

These efforts resulted in 163 people participating in the survey. The survey results were finalized in February 2024 and included in the final report.

Small business survey results final report

1.17 MB Adobe Acrobat PDF Published Feb 28, 2024

Survey results are being used to develop strategies that will help small and minority businesses when they are navigating Metro’s procurement process.

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