The Easy Way to Find a WBE or MBE Partner for Your State Contract Bid

Anyone bidding on a State of Indiana contract quickly finds out that one of the key evaluation points for winning a State contract is the inclusion of Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MBE and WBE).

The current goals set by the State, effective from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, are as follows:

The M/WBE requirement accounts for 20% of the scoring system used by the state to evaluate proposals and can easily be the make/break point in determining which firm receives a contract.

The questions for the prime contractor are then:

1. How do I find good MBE and WBE partners and
2. How do I utilize these firms to add value to my contract?

The State tries to help by publishing a list of all of the MBE and WBE certified firms on their web site. To find this list go to http://www.in.gov/idoa/2867.htm and click on the link "List of Certified Business Enterprises". This will open an Excel Spreadsheet with over 6000 listings. (There aren't 6000 entities, but each different product or service the firm offers is on a separate listing.) However sorting through this list can be time-consuming and risky if you aren't familiar with the firm and need to depend on them to perform.

So what is your alternative? The solution is the tried and true principal of business – network and develop relationships with firms that you like and trust. Just like you do with other service providers, such as an Attorney or Dentist, develop a short list of quality MBE and WBE firms to call on when you have a need.

However, the truth is that many firms wait until almost the last moment to select their WBE and MBE sub-contractors. They have run out of time and they need a quick solution.

In either case, the easy way to find a WBE and MBE sub-contractor is to call Continental Inc, a certified WBE firm.  Continental is a provider of staffing services for a wide variety of industries from manufacturing to construction and civil engineering as well as financial and clerical applications.

Let's face it – every new project needs new staff. Finding and payrolling that staff is not only time consuming, but is a major cash drain for any company.

Continental answers these issues by:

1. Recruiting qualified candidates
2. Working with you to select the best candidate
3. Hiring the candidate(s) as a Continental employee(s) and contracting them to your company
4. Payrolling the candidate and providing all employee benefits (insurance, 401(k), vacation, holidays, etc.)

Continental sends an invoice out at the end of each month payable in 30 days (with approved credit), which stretches your cash by almost 60 days!

Continental takes the hassle out of adding staff

Continental goes one step further for its clients. We have built relationships with several quality MBE firms. We will assist you in quickly locating a firm to fulfill your MBE requirement for your bid.

So the easy way to find a WBE and MBE partner is to simply call Continental at 765-778-9999.  Hit 0 and ask for Sales. We can usually send you a quote and a commitment letter within 24 hours and find you a MBE within 48 hours. We are here to make your job easy!!