Equity in contracting

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If you operate a minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned or emerging small business, you can tap into opportunities to compete for contracts to serve Metro – from the Oregon Zoo to the Portland Expo Center.

Metro awards millions of dollars in contracts for products and services each year and actively solicits bids and proposals from businesses that are certified by the State of Oregon's Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID).

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 $5,000 and $50,000 through its COBID Marketplace Program.

Personal Services COBID Marketplace - Metro also seeks proposals from COBID certified contractors for professional, technical and scientific services projects between $10,000 and $50,000 through its COBID Marketplace Program.

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 the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) 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].

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.

Oregon Native American 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.