What Do We Do to Ensure Success?
Early Teaming
Fortis encourages and wants involvement during preconstruction
so that firms are set up for success before bid day.
Getting Personal
Specific to project needs, we hold preliminary community-focused and
MWESB/COBID-focused meet-and-greet events, which take place well in advance of bidding to help
maximize understanding and involvement and set a foundation for success.
Tailored Bid Packages
We look closely at the entire project early, in order to identify scopes
that are good matches to the skill sets of small and diverse subcontractors. We may break larger
scopes of work into better-manageable sizes for certified firms and/or work with larger and
more-established subcontractors and suppliers to ensure they actively solicit and involve
diverse second-tier subcontractors.
It’s a Team Effort
Achieving a high MWESB/COBID participation rate requires a commitment and
courageous decisions from an Owner with the bigger picture in mind. When financials are the only
measuring stick, certified-firm participation suffers, so Fortis works to provide a pathway to
meet the target goal. This could mean modifying outdated processes or accepting a higher bid
from a certified firm to give them the right opportunity.
Early Payment Policy
Fortis realizes that MWESB/COBID-certified contractors can struggle with
cash position; to help with this we provide an option for early payment with subcontracts under
$200,000. Payments are guaranteed to be made to these subcontractors within 15 days of invoice
approval.
Partnerships in Supporting Diversity
Our mutually beneficial relationships with organizations including the
Professional Business Development Group, LatinoBuilt, and the National Association of Minority
Contractors help us to stay at the forefront of industry MWESB/COBID utilization while
continuing to build relationships.