WMATA's Back2Business Procurement Fair

Come learn why opportunity rides with Metro at their first annualBack2Business Fair!

WMATA’s Back2Business Fair gives you access to speak to Metro project managers from the IT, Bus, Rail, Construction, Planning, and Real Estate departments and shares upcoming business opportunities. In addition, the fair offers on-site Vendor Registration and the opportunity to begin the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification process.

Get the inside scoop on how to do business with Metro!

Lunch Keynote Speaker: Robert L. Wallace, CEO Bithenergy Inc. 12:30 PM – 1 PM

• Robert L. Wallace is an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, author, business consultant, and internationally known keynote speaker. He is the founder of three companies - Bithenergy, Inc., BITHGROUP Technologies, Inc., and EntreTeach Learning Systems, LLC. Bithenergy, Inc. is a dynamic energy engineering and management company that develops and implements energy management, energy efficiency, and renewable energy solutions for government and commercial clients.

Business Forecasting 10AM – 12PM & 1PM – 3PM

• Featuring key Metro Stakeholders and decision makers from the areas of IT, Bus, Rail, Construction, Planning and Real Estate that offer the majority of contracts that support Metro’s regional Service. Learn about upcoming contracts, key insight about planning to participate in these opportunities and understanding the dollar amount associated with these transactions. This workshop is ideal for companies seeking to take their business to the next level and to partner with primes and subprimes.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise at a Glance 10 AM – 11 AM & 1 PM – 2 PM

• This session will introduce potential DBE firms to the importance and the basis of the DBE Program. Current Certified DBE firms will be presenting testimonials regarding the WMATA DBE Certification; its advantages and the growth WMATA DBE Certification brought their firms. It is a session that is recommended for potential DBE applicants, current DBE firms, and Primes seeking to Partner with DBE firms for WMATA contracts.

How to Get DBE Certified 11AM – 12PM & 2PM – 3PM

• During this session, Metro Office of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise will provide a detailed overview of WMATA’s Small Business Programs consisting of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and Small Business and Local Preference Program. Discussions to include program eligibility, benefits for the participants, and WMATA’s certification process. This seminar is recommended for Small Businesses looking to do business with Metro.

Are you Covered? 11AM – 12PM & 1PM – 2PM

• This seminar will provide an understanding of the process for surety and construction bonding. Participants will have an opportunity to meet with industry leaders as well as Metro staff to explain what is needed in providing construction services in the transportation industry. This is recommended for businesses that have never done construction business with Metro.

Legally Speaking 10 AM – 11 AM

• Metro’s Office of Inspector General will provide businesses with critical insight on how to be in compliance with your contracts and understanding the do’s and do not’s. This seminar is recommended for all businesses that want to strengthen their knowledge of regulatory and legal requirements to do business with Metro.

Keep the Fleet Rolling 10 AM – 11 AM

• This session will provide critical insight on what’s needed to safely maintain our bus and rail system. Participants in this session will gain insights from Metro bus and rail teams about the equipment, parts, and services needed to operate our Nation’s Capital Transit System. This is recommended for equipment providers.