A Local Small Business Enterprise Program or LSBE is a public contracting program designed to support the development and sustainability of small and very small (micro) businesses within a jurisdiction’s service area.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is implementing the LSBE Program to stimulate the local economy by supporting small businesses and promoting equal opportunities for the local business community.
A local small business enterprise:
A micro-local small business enterprise:
The LSBE Program has the following objectives:
Opportunities to participate in construction work, construction-related work, design, professional services, and the procurement of supplies, goods and services are varied. LSBE participation will be encouraged on all non-federally funded projects. We anticipate that many contracts will be with LSBEs for subcontract work in construction-related fields, and certified LSBE are expected to provide consultant services in technical fields and will be awarded projects as prime contractors.
LSBE Contract Specific Goal set on construction, professional services, and goods and services contracts valued over $100,000 based on LSBE availability and the size and scope of the project. The LSBE goal can be met by the prime contractor or at the subcontract level.
Bid Discount applied to the LSBE’s original bid amount on low-bid solicitations for construction and goods and services prime contracts estimated at $500,000 or less. The maximum discount cannot exceed $50,000. The bid discount is set on a contract-by-contract basis, based on the project’s scope and LSBE availability.
Incentive Credits applied as evaluation percentages during the proposal review process on solicitations submitted by LSBEs. The percentage credits are set on a project-by-project basis, based on the project’s scope and LSBE availability.
Mentor Protégé Program to build LSBEs’ capacity to perform as subcontractors and prime contractors on JTA’s construction and professional service projects. Prime contractors, as mentors, provide technical assistance to build the LSBE protégé’s business capacity to compete on JTA’s contracts. Mentors will receive evaluation credits or a bid discount applied during the evaluation of their bid or proposal when their subcontractor is a certified LSBE protégé.
Sheltered Market Program limits competition for contracts valued under $35,000 to businesses certified as Micro-LSBEs. Micro-LSBEs are automatically included in the sheltered market database and will receive solicitation notifications based on their NAICS code.
Currently, certified DBE firms located in the five-county area are encouraged to apply. They will be required to meet all the requirements for each program to be accepted.
Yes. This program was designed so that JSEB firms could apply. All firms located in the five-county area are encouraged to apply. Those firms that are certified by the DCPS (Duval County Public Schools) system as MBEs are also encouraged to apply. All firms will be required to meet all the requirements for the program in which they are applying to be accepted.
No. A firm can apply for only one program, if they choose. JTA would strongly suggest that if a firm meets the criteria for both LSBE and Micro-LSBE programs, that they apply. Yes, there will be some firms that meet the requirements for only the LSBE program but not the Micro-LSBE. The system will allow you to apply for both programs, if you qualify, with one application.
Under the LSBE Program, the Prime Contractor does not have to be LSBE certified to bid on the projects and can be located anywhere outside of the five-county area. If an LSBE goal has been established on the project, the prime contractor will be expected to subcontract with certified LSBE firms to meet the project goal.
Yes, but their participation cannot be counted towards meeting the LSBE project goal since the firm is located outside of the five-county area and are not LSBE certified.
Certification as an LSBE provides greater exposure for work opportunities on JTA’s non-federal projects. The names of all certified LSBEs and Micro-LSBEs will appear in the Directory. Contractors can use the Directory as a basic resource for soliciting LSBE participation on projects. If a firm is not LSBE certified, a contractor cannot receive credit toward the achievement of the LSBE participation goal by using that firm. In addition, all firms are eligible to participate in the networking sessions and business development workshop academies that are held periodically by the JTA.
No. Certification does not guarantee work to any LSBE or Micro-LSBE firm; however, it does enhance an LSBE's exposure to prime contractors and the business community. To be successful, a firm must market itself, its personnel and its services, as any good business should.
All LSBE and Micro-LSBE firms are expected to meet performance standards as established by contract specifications. This relates to the quality of work done, the submission of reports and written information in a timely manner and the firm's compliance with applicable regulations and laws. Once an LSBE firm has been awarded a sub-contract, the LSBE is responsible for submitting verification of all payments received to the contracting agency. This includes the amount of payment and the date received.
Yes. The JTA will re-access the program every six months and make necessary program adjustments. Our goal is to continue to grow these programs with pertinent changes that result in success. We will continually solicit feedback from the community to define the programs as we move forward.
The Office of Small Business & Community Impact manages the LSBE and Micro-LSBE Programs. The Office can be reached by calling (904) 632-5298 or emailing DBE1@jtafla.com.
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