Harris Well being is encouraging minority-and-women-owned enterprise enterprise (M/WBE) firms to step as much as hundreds of thousands of {dollars} in contract alternatives, thanks partly to the $2.5 billion bond package deal accepted by voters in 2023.
The bond package deal is a part of Harris Well being’s long run strategic amenities plan that features the development of a brand new Stage I-capable trauma hospital, three new well being facilities, a brand new hospital affected person mattress tower and intensive upgrades and renovations to its current outpatient amenities. In all, the practically $3 billion plan guarantees to alter the supply of healthcare providers to the group for many years to come back.
In keeping with Derek J. Holmes, vp, Contract Administration, Harris Well being, the alternatives to contribute to the longer term look of the system are numerous. As of October 2024, Harris Well being has awarded greater than $300 million price of initiatives to greater than 200 totally different M/WBE firms.
Achievements since 2022:
246% charge of improve in M/WBE contract awards
$315 million in contracts
35,000 touchpoints with people to coach them on M/WBE contracting
Since beginning this system in October 2022, Harris Well being has awarded 27.36% of contract {dollars} to M/WBE companies, a considerable improve and progress in this system, and nicely above Harris Well being’s set aspirational objective of 20% for M/WBE contracts. These firms present Harris Well being with a wide range of very important development, items and merchandise, {and professional} providers.
“We’ve seen some superb beneficial properties in our M/WBE program and it continues to excel,” Holmes says. “In fiscal 12 months 2024, we’re seeing our total contract quantity awarded to M/WBE distributors nicely above our aspirational objective. That’s a rise of 246% because the program kicked off in 2022.”
To change into a vendor for Harris Well being and Harris County initiatives, enterprise house owners should register and comply with some eligibility necessities. To use and see an inventory of obtainable initiatives:Go to the Harris County Bonfire Portal (Bonfire help accessible right here)Add requested documentsCreate a vendor account
To qualify as a M/WBE enterprise, firms should function and handle with a minimum of 51% minority or ladies possession. Moreover, these firms have to be M/WBE licensed by the town of Houston’s MBE and WBE certification, the Traditionally Underutilized Enterprise (HUB) certifications from the state of Texas, the Deprived Enterprise Enterprise (DBE) certifications from the Texas Unified Certification Program or by way of the U.S. Small Enterprise Administration.
“The unwavering help from Harris Well being’s senior management and Board of Trustees has made these achievements potential,” Holmes provides. “Though there may be nonetheless a lot work forward, I’m exceptionally happy with this system’s institution and the thrilling initiatives on the horizon.”
For extra info on Harris Well being’s M/WBE program, go to right here.
