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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
No; however, you can bring a USB memory stick to download needed plans and specs.
There are no fees payable for certification by the City of Austin.
A document that is a signed agreement between a certified subcontractor and prime contractor to work on a project. The Letter of Intent also defines the contract amount and the services to be performed.
The Plan Room receives hard copy plans from the City of Austin projects; Austin Independent School District (AISD) projects; Travis County and The University of Texas at Austin. The Plan Room also receives plans and specifications on CD format from Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and other local entities.
Contract goals are set based on the dollar value of the project and the availability of certified MBE/WBE/DBEs to perform the work which is to be subcontracted. Every attempt is made to establish realistic and achievable MBE/WBE/DBE goals
As a subcontractor your business will be required to carry general liability and Workers Compensation. As a prime contractor, your business will be required to have general liability and bonding. For more information about Bonding, contact Luke Ortega Luper at 512-974-7733 or Luke.Luper@austintexas.gov.
Pre-bid conferences are a good opportunity to meet the contractors who are going to bid on the project, especially if you are bidding as a subcontractor. Also, as a contractor you get to hear all the details of the project and you have an opportunity to ask questions specifically relating to your business.
The individual firm must contact their own personal insurance company for assistance.
The Small & Minority Business Resources (SMBR) staff will contact you and let you know that you have been identified as a subcontractor on a project. You can also contact the Prime Contractor to verify if your company has been selected.
The City of Austin has specific deadlines in order to receive payment for work performed. As a contractor for the City invoices must be submitted as specified in the contract documents. If you are a subcontractor, your firm should be paid within 10 days after the prime receives payment from the City.
Certification is valid for three calendar years from the date of initial certification and will be reviewed annually. The certification expiration date will be printed on your certificate. In order to continue in the program, you must keep all information current.
Contact SMBR without delay. SMBR will contact the appropriate City staff to determine if the City has made payments to the Contractor. If the prime has been paid by the City, then SMBR will research further by gathering additional information and coordinating meeting with all parties to determine non-payment issues. DO NOT DELAY IN CONTACTING SMBR.
The Certification review process is sixty days upon receipt of a completed packet.
The function of SMBR's Plan Room is to provide access to business owners who wish to locate, view and print local construction project plans. The Plan Room receives both hard and soft (electronic) copies of construction project plans from the City of Austin;, Austin Independent School District (AISD); Travis County, The University of Texas; Texas A&M University, and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). In addition, SMBR subscribes to the McGraw-Hill Dodge Plans Internet Service which allows Plan Room visitors to see plans and specifications for 100 Texas counties.
A MBE is a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more minority persons. A minority is generally defined as an individual who is African-America, Hispanic, Asian-American, Native American and/or a Woman.
Yes, but Certification does not guarantee a contract with the City of Austin.
A database of construction projects (plans and specifications). Vendors can access this database using the Plan Room facilities. On an average there are 200 projects available in the Austin area.
A Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) or a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (/WBE) certification qualifies a business for City of Austin projects over $55,000 involving construction, professional services, non-professional services and commodities. A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification qualifies a business for Federal aviation, highway and transportation projects such as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Capital Metro Transportation Authority (Cap Metro).
If there are any changes to the business or its structure contact the Vendor Registration team within the Purchasing Department at (512) 974-2500 or (512) 974-2018, you will also need to send an email to the Certification team at dsmbrcertification@austintexas.gov to notify them of the changes in writing within 10 business days.
No, SMBR's Plan Room has state-of-the-art computer and technology equipment to access information. Visitors can view and store the information on a USB flash drive or memory stick for free; however, there is a nominal fee for printing, copying ,and fax services.
After certification, your business name is shown on the City of Austin's vendor database as a certified Minority- or Woman-Owned Business Enterprise. An availability list is generated from the database on specific services needed on a City of Austin project. If your company's services match a particular solicitation, you will receive a notice either by fax, email, or mail to submit a bid.
A statement of Personal Net Worth is required to determine economic disadvantage.
Yes, free training is available by appointment only. Call Hemant Motwani, Plan Room Manager at (512) 974-7799 to schedule an appointment.
Information regarding City of Austin projects can be found in the public notice section of the Austin American Statesman or on the Purchasing Department's website.
The City of Austin only recognizes MBE, WBE and SBE certification from the Small & Minority Business Resources (SMBR) Department for our locally funded projects.
Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (512) 974-7799 for more information.
Certification as an MBE/WBE provides greater exposure for work opportunities on City of Austin projects. Contractors use the MBE/WBE Availability List to solicit minority participation on projects. In addition, SMBR welcomes all business owners to attend pre-bids, workshops and networking sessions.
The City of Austin only requests the minimum documentation needed to determine if an owner is socially and/or economically disadvantaged. This information includes documents that will demonstrate ownership, management and control ;as well as the expertise and the Personal Net Worth of the owner and/or owners.
