Development of The Banks is expected to span a 10-year period. As a result, there will be a variety of opportunities for many types of businesses and individuals to take part in this project and for the area’s workforce to get involved in making The Banks a world-class destination.
Economic inclusion is a major goal of The Banks Public Partnership, which is leveraging public funds to bring millions in private investment to the Greater Cincinnati riverfront throughout the course of the project. Contractors interested in learning more about construction bid packages on the private development can visit the Carter site (www.thebankscincy.com) for more information. Public bid packages are posted on the Hamilton County website, as well as on BidSync (see information below).
Small and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to be part of building The Banks along the Ohio River. To this end, The Banks Public Partnership has adopted a Joint Policy for Small Business Enterprise, Economic Inclusion and Workforce Development to promote equal business opportunities for small and disadvantaged business enterprises (SBEs and DBEs), including minority-owned and women-owned firms (MBEs and WBEs), and to promote equal employment opportunities.
The Banks Public Partnership reports economic inclusion progress monthly to the City of Cincinnati City Council and the Board of Hamilton County Commissioners. Once presented, all figures are reported on this website as well. The goal for SBE participation for construction is 30 percent. Only those SBEs (including MBEs and WBEs) certified by the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Contract Compliance as SBEs are eligible to be counted toward our actual SBE participation results.
For Current Bid Package opportunities, SBE or DBE Program Certification information and BidSync information, see below:
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program Certification
Businesses that are currently certified with the City of Cincinnati’s Small Business Enterprise Program (SBE Program) do not have to recertify under The Banks SBE Program. However, if a company is not currently certified through the City’s SBE Program and is located outside of Hamilton County, it may pursue certification under The Banks SBE Program for The Banks Project only. The certification requirements for The Banks SBE Program, supported by local, public funding, are the same as those for the City’s SBE Program, except that any requirement for the maintenance of fixed offices within the geographical boundaries of Hamilton County will not be applicable for The Banks SBE Program.
To qualify for SBE certification, a business must be in existence for one year prior to application and meet all criteria as a small business; each business owner’s personal net worth cannot exceed $750,000; each business owner must be a United States citizen or a naturalized citizen, and the business must be certified by the City of Cincinnati. The SBE certification processes may take up to 90 days to complete, so interested businesses should become certified as soon as possible.
For additional SBE Certification information or for project bids, click here.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Participation
For the federally funded portions of The Banks Project (estimated at $20-30 million), The Banks Public Partnership is utilizing the federally required Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, intended to ensure non-discrimination, level the playing field, and help remove barriers for DBEs. The DBE certification processes may take up to 90 days to complete, so interested businesses should apply for certification as soon as possible.
The DBE Program is a federal program operating under the guidance of the United States Department of Transportation and coordinated through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). The benefits of DBE certification include: eligibility for contract awards, ongoing training opportunities, and availability of both technical- and business-related supportive services.
To qualify for DBE certification, an applicant must be a for-profit small business that is 51% owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged, e.g., women, or members of designated minority groups, including Black Americans, Hispanic, Asian Pacific, Asian Indian, or Native American. In addition, the individual personal net worth of each owner, excluding the value of their primary residence and assets of the firm applying for DBE certification, shall not exceed $750,000.
Businesses seeking certification as a DBE can visit the ODOT Web site at https://www.ohioucp.org/index.vm.
BidSync
BidSync is an online service used by Hamilton County's Purchasing Division to post contracting opportunities. For an annual fee of $30, vendors can become Hamilton County subscribers to BidSync and receive direct notice of contracting opportunities within their area of expertise, as well as request further information concerning a particular opportunity. Click here to learn more about BidSync and begin the subscription process.
Super Jobs Center Information
Contractors providing services on The Banks are encouraged to hire local residents through the SuperJobs Center, located at 1916 Central Parkway, Cincinnati. Those interested in working on the project should register with the SuperJobs Center. For more information, visit www.SuperJobs.com.
For Additional Information
For questions and additional information on bid opportunities for the public infrastructure development phases of The Banks, please contact:
Brian Borcherding, Project Manager
Messer
513-381-4151
BBorcherding@messer.com
For assistance in identifying SBEs and/or DBEs contact the Economic Inclusion Consultant:
Gene Ellington
Ellington Management Services, Inc.
513-554-4012
gene@ellingtonmanagement.com
www.ellingtonmanagement.com
