On December 19, the Procurement Standards Board approved updated regulations concerning the definition of Small Business Enterprises (SBE) in the metro area. The new guidelines are now accessible online through the Small Business Status Guidelines.
Under the new regulations, businesses can achieve SBE status with Metro through two options:
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Option 1 includes submitting a Letter of Affirmation on company letterhead signed by the principal, along with the three most recent federal business tax returns (1120, 1065, or schedule C) and the two most recent IRS 941 quarterly filings.
Option 2 allows for the submission of an SBE certificate from Go-DBE.
This change is effective immediately. Existing firms with Metro SBE status will continue to hold their certification. New applicants must follow one of the two options specified to be classified as a Metro SBE.
The purchasing agent requested this change following a study by Griffin & Strong, PC, which indicated a need for updated standards that better reflect the current marketplace. The criteria now align more closely with the SBE standards set by the state of Tennessee. This alignment aims to reduce administrative hurdles for small suppliers, enhance opportunities for Metro-approved SBEs to collaborate with the state, and expand Metro’s pool of eligible small businesses.
Further information about becoming a Metro-approved SBE is available on the “Doing Business with Metro” page. For inquiries, interested parties may contact [email protected].
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