Houston ISD seeks M/WBE business bids for school repair project

The Houston Independent School District is launching a $1.89 billion program to repair or replace 38 schools and provide district-wide upgrades.

According to a press release, district officials want to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for the participation of minority and women business enterprises in procurement, construction and professional services, and is encouraging such businesses to bid on these jobs.

The district's M/WBE participation goals are to use 20 percent for purchasing goods and non-professional services of more than $10,000; 20 percent for construction of more than $25,000; and 25 percent for professional services of more than $25,000.

An M/WBE is defined as a business enterprise that is at least 51 percent owned, operated, managed and controlled by one or more members of such socially or economically disadvantaged groups as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian/Pacific Island Americans, American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts and native Hawaiians, as well as non-minority women.

To bid on HISD project, an M/WBE must be certified with a qualifying agency, including the city of Houston (MBE and/or WBE), the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance. Although HISD is not a certifying agency, the Business Assistance team is available to assist companies through the process, according to the release.

Once certified, M/WBEs are encouraged to visit the district's procurement website at www.houstonisd.org to register and view current opportunities for proposals.