Business and Contractor Development Program
In our efforts to improve mobility throughout the Portland metro area, we are committed to providing support and opportunities for Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and advancing workforce training, hiring and economic growth opportunities across our communities.
We also believe the businesses and workforce building our transit system should reflect the demographics of our region.
These initiatives work to foster community development and stability while helping to enhance transit mobility throughout the region.
Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (SBE/DBE) Program
Our goal is to award certified small businesses at least 20 percent of our contracting dollars.
What is an SBE?
Small Business Enterprises are small, for-profit business that are certified by the State of Oregon’s Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) as one or more of the following:
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE)
- Emerging Small Business (ESB)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
US DOT Federal Transportation Agency established the DBE program to:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.
- Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts.
- Assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.
Register and view our current opportunities
If you would like to be notified of future bidding opportunities that match your firm’s capabilities, please register as a vendor.
B2G
TriMet utilizes B2GNow as its vendor management system to assist with managing contract obligations such as small/disadvantaged business utilization efforts and prompt payment.
Goal for DBE Contracting
Every three years, TriMet is required to submit its Triennial Goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) contracting to the Federal Transit Administration.
Workforce Training and Hiring Program
We support building a diverse, skilled workforce for the construction industry and increasing the number of apprentices.
Program overview
In response to the declining number of qualified trade craft workers in the construction industry, TriMet implemented a Workforce Training and Hiring Program to grow the pool of workers for future projects. Our program maximizes apprenticeship opportunities on our projects for people of color, women and economically disadvantaged workers. The goals include:
- On construction contracts greater than $200,000 contractors commit to providing workforce training opportunities in all trades associated with an apprenticeship program
- The percentage of workforce hours performed by apprentices must be at least 20% for each apprentice-able trade
- Workforce diversity will reflect the diversity of the Portland metro area
