Small Business and Local Preference Program
The Small Business and Local Preference Program was approved and adopted by Metro's Board of Directors on October 20, 2005. The implementation of this program was started after a two year pilot and trial period which began in May 2003.
The purpose of the Small Business and Local Preference Program (SBLPP) as mandated by Metro's Board of Directors and managed by the Office of Procurement and Materials is to enhance contracting opportunities for small businesses in the District of Columbia, State of Maryland, and Commonwealth of Virginia. The program targets and gives preference to qualified small businesses in the procurement of goods and services when Metro awards contracts for non-federally funded purchases of $150,000 or less (simplified acquisition process).
Metro's policy ensures that all small and local businesses have an opportunity to participate in the procurement process. To participate in the SBLPP and receive preferred status, a firm must:
- Qualify as a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 13 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 121 through 201 (see Size Standards).
- Have a place of business incorporated in the District of Columbia, State of Maryland or Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Self certify your business by signing, notarizing, and returning the Declaration of Certification affidavit to Metro's Small Business and Local Preference Program Coordinator
Note: It is the firm's owner(s) responsibility to submit an updated Declaration of Certification affidavit every two years from the bidders' initial date of submission.
Metro's procurement agents who process orders of $150,000 or less will first select small, local bidders who are registered in the Vendor Registration System (VRS) and are matched with the requirements of the solicitation. Qualified and registered small and local businesses competing against large businesses will be allowed a five (5%) percent margin on their prices when bids are evaluated to make award determinations. See the SBLPP brochure 
and the SBLPP FAQs .
