Certification Program
Why Should My Company Be Certified?
- The certification program can give your company a competitive edge
when bidding on County procurement/contracts. As a Certified County Based Enterprise
you receive bid credits for County funded contracts. Why? Because Wayne County
is committed to encouraging and rewarding businesses that contribute
to the county's economy.
- As a Certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) you are eligible
to participate in the SBE program, operated by the Wayne County Purchasing Division.
This program endeavors to foster small-business development by designating commodities
and/or projects to SBE bidders only. This process provides Certified SBEs an equal
opportunity to compete for contracts with much larger vendors.
- The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a federal program
established by the United States Department of Transportation. Government agencies
(like Wayne County) receiving at least $250,000 in direct federal transportation
funding are required to establish a DBE program, which targets historically
disadvantaged groups/women. Agencies are required to set a DBE benchmark (federal
goal is 10 percent), thus an effort to utilize DBE Certified Vendors. Prime contractors
are also required to partner with DBEs. An example of such agencies
is the Wayne County Airport Authority and Michigan Department of Transportation.
- Once your company is certified with Wayne County, you are added within your commodity/product
to the Wayne County Purchasing Division's Direct Solicitation List.
In addition, being certified entitles the vendor to an array of ancillary services.
Note: Being proactive and becoming certified in any of the three
certifications (with Wayne County) can place you a step ahead of the competition
in the procurement process. Being certified helps your company get prepared when
opportunities arise.
How Do I Get Certified?
Once the application is completed and supporting material attached, return the application
to the Human Relations Division, 600 Randolph (5th floor) Detroit,
Mich. 48226. Allow 4-6 weeks to learn the application status.
A vital part of the overall certification process is making sure your company is
FEP compliant. Fair Employment Practice compliance
is mandated by the Wayne County Charter and enforced by the Human
Relations Division. All Wayne County contractors and subcontractors must
be FEP compliant prior to the award of any contract over $50,000
(Download forms & applications) - $100,000 for construction.
It is the responsibility of the prime contractor to ensure subcontractors are FEP
compliant.
FEP applications are available via the Human Relations Division or online at Human
Relations Forms/Applications download page and download and print
the application. In an effort to better serve vendors may be certified up to
three years, Once a company receives its FEP certificate, a copy must
be submitted with every bid.
Note: It is the goal of the Human Relations Division to provide
swift and courteous service to vendors and to assist in ensuring
efficiency in the procurement process.
Department Organizations...
Victoria I. Edwards
Director
Marion Casey
Department Manager/DBE Program
Janet Newell
Small Business Enterprise / FEP Dept. Manager
Belinda Williams
Certification / Administrative Supervisor
Roxanne McDuffie
Dept. Supervisor / County Based Enterprise
Audry Brewton
Certification Administrator
Michael Turner
Certification Analyst
Phone : (313) 224-5021
Fax : (313) 224-6932
