About the Regional Business Program

A Regional Business Enterprise (RBE) is a prime consultant of any size who has maintained an office for a minimum of one year in one of the following counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura or San Diego. Vendors must register to receive business opportunities. During the registration process, vendors may indicate whether they are a small, regional or disabled veteran business.  Certification in the Small Business Program is not required.

To be accepted as a regional business enterprise by Metropolitan, firms must provide evidence that it is located at a fixed commercial or residential address where administrative, clerical, professional or other productive work is performed relative to its commercial purpose.  The business must be located within the regional service area for a minimum of one year.  Proof of regional status will qualify firms for preferential point value in evaluation determination.

What is a Regional Business Enterprise?

Metropolitan recognizes a Regional Business Enterprise (RBE) as a company having an office located in one of the six counties incorporating our service area.  These include Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside or San Diego counties.  The office must have been in operation for at least one year, but in the case of newly formed companies in operation less than a year, that one year requirement is waived.

How does my company become certified as a Regional Business Enterprise (RBE)?

There is no formal certification process for RBE status.  When a company registers as a vendor with The Network, your company's address will determine if you fall into one of the six counties. If the main office is out of the region, the registrant simply checks the box in the Regional Business Information section identifying the county in which it is doing business.  Should a contract be awarded in which RBE incentives have been applied, documentation of the company's RBE status will be required.  Documentation of the status can be in the form of a copy of an office space lease or utility bill indicating the business address in the appropriate region.