POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the City of Balch Springs to actively encourage and seek qualified and certified M/WBE's to participate in all phases of the procurement process. In this effort, the City will take appropriate measures to assure that M/WBE's have knowledge of, access and equal opportunity to compete for the goods and/or services required by the City of Balch Springs. The participation shall include all procurement within the City for goods and services purchased from the lowest responsible bidder or to the bidder who provides goods or services at the best value for the City that exhibits the best combination of price, quality and service.

PROGRAM COMMITMENT

It is in the best interest of the City of Balch Springs to stimulate the growth of M/WBE's. The growth of such businesses can be encouraged through their full participation in all phases of City of Balch Springs procurement opportunities. Therefore, the City Council and executive management of the City of Balch Springs have endorsed this program.

The City shall, where economically and reasonably prudent, reach out into the community through minority business organizations, chambers of commerce, seminars, trade shows, and special programs to enhance the program credibility.

CERTIFICATION

Staff shall identify certified minority/women owned companies to eliminate companies that appear to be M/WBE, but are not actually owned or controlled by a minority group.

The City of Balch Springs may accept certification from the following agencies:

  • State of Texas – Historically Underutilized Business Program
  • North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA).
  • South Central Texas Regional Certification (SCTRCA)
  • Texas Department of Transportation
  • Any other certifying agency deemed acceptable by the City of Balch Springs

SOURCING

Sourcing is the heart of a successful inclusion program. It is the process of identifying M/WBE suppliers. To be effective, sourcing requires time and coordination to locate qualified, certified M/WBE suppliers by required commodity.

  • Sourcing is an ongoing, never ending search to include new suppliers entering into the market place. Techniques for sourcing the M/WBE shall include:
  • Networking with the local chamber of commerce and M/WBE organizations.
  • Utilize the City’s website to communicate procurement opportunities.
  • Membership directories by business/commodity type on the local and national levels.
  • Attendance at special programs, trade fairs and other programs to meet potential M/WBE suppliers.
  • Requesting and sharing supplier information with other governmental entities.
  • Access to the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) and State of Texas qualified, certified bid lists.
  • Requests for referrals from current M/WBE.

SECTION 5: General Information NUMBER: 06-02

ANNUAL CONTRACTS

Annual Contracts are established by the Purchasing Agent through a formal procurement process. Pricing is locked for a specific period of time.

APPROVED BY: POLICY DATE: REVISED DATE: