Non-Federal Small Business Programs

On certain contracts, you will only compete against other like-sized businesses. In other words, only a business like yours can win the contract. No big guys allowed.

To register your business, visit the Supplier Portal. Then get ready to compete for the business of helping Metro move the region. Because when local small businesses thrive, everyone wins.

Do you sell supplies and services that Metro buys, either occasionally or ongoing? Then your business is in the right place at the right time.

About our programs

  • Metro's Non-Federal Small Business programs were created for the purpose of providing additional contracting opportunities for small businesses.
  • The contracts and purchases that will be subject to the non-federal programs are funded with local money and therefore are not subject to federal small business requirements.
  • Dedicated funds will be utilized to contract for goods, supplies and services that expand and improve Metro's service delivery. All Metro Departments that utilize dedicated funds must comply with the non-federal program requirements.

How to apply

  • Businesses can apply for all three non-federal certifications. Each program has separate eligibility criteria. Applications must be submitted online through Metro's vendor/supplier portal (see below). Detailed business financial information is required for both certifications.
  • Non-federal certification must be renewed every two years.
  • Out-of-state businesses must have their jurisdiction of certification before being considered for Metro's Program. Businesses headquartered in MD, DC and VA are considered in-state and are therefore not required to have their jurisdiction of certification but must meet all other certification requirements.
  • Select this link to access the list of required documents
  • Select this link to access the PDF application

Requirements

The Small Business Program (SBP) is a race-neutral non-federal program. In order to be certified as a small business through Metro, a business must be:

  • Headquartered in MD, DC or VA and must meet the following business size
    • 3-year average revenues must be ≤ $10 million and business must have 50 or fewer employees (applies to SBP).

The Micro Business Program (MBP) is a race-neutral non-federal program. To be certified as a small business through Metro, a business must be:

  • Headquartered in MD, DC or VA and must meet the following business size
    • 3-year average revenues must be ≤ $3 million and the business must have 25 or fewer employees.
  • All procurements subject to non-federal requirements must be evaluated for potential, regardless of project size. It is anticipated that some larger projects may not be suitable for small business. However, contracts of a certain size are required as follows:
    • Individual contracts or purchases valued at less than $50K, including purchases made with a Metro authorized purchasing card, will be evaluated for a micro-businesses award when there are at least two certified microbusinesses identified.
    • If the contract value is at least $50K but not more than $1M, with the Chief Procurement Officer (CPRO) discretion, it will be evaluated to be awarded to a small businesses when there are at least three certified small businesses identified.