OBO Mission Statement
The Mayor's Office of Business Opportunity is committed to creating a competitive and diverse business environment in the City of Houston by promoting the growth and success of local small businesses, with special emphasis on historically underutilized groups by ensuring their meaningful participation in the government procurement process.
Hire Houston First (new)
Mayor Annise Parker developed Hire Houston First in an effort to promote economic opportunity for Houston businesses and to support job creation. The City of Houston spends billions of dollars to maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure, and provide services for the public. Hire Houston First grants the City the ability to give preference to local companies and local workers, as long as their pricing is competitive.
Mayor Annise Parker Announces Improved Business Opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Firms
September 28, 2011 -- Mayor Parker today announced major improvements in the certification process at the City's Office of Business Opportunity (OBO).
"I promised minority and women-owned firms an office that is responsive to their needs and understands the difficulties they face," said Mayor Parker. "Just five short months later, we are delivering on that promise with an OBO that is reenergized and cutting the bureaucracy. That will mean jobs and a positive impact for these businesses and our economy".
Certification
The Certification section implements City Ordinance Numbers 84-1309, 95-336, 98-1213, and 99-893, approved by City Council for the purpose of equalizing the opportunity of minority, women, small, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged business owners to compete for City contracts.
Business Development
In accordance with Resolution 81-2, the Business Development Section works with many community groups. The Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity co-sponsors or sponsors many meetings, conferences, and activities each year, including Government Procurement Connections, the EXPO Business Opportunity Marketplace and Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week).
Contract Compliance
The Contract Compliance Section administers Ordinances and related statutes pertaining to SMWDBE utilization on city projects as well as monitor projects for compliance with the various prevailing wage rate ordinances enacted by the city or state or federal government. Their primary function is to monitor and enforce the requirements related to projects awarded by the City.
- Good Faith Efforts (.pdf)
- Pay or Play (POP) Program (.html)
Current Contracting Opportunities
The City of Houston, along with other public agencies, solicits bids from businesses for various goods and services. This page provides links current solicitations that may lead to prime or subcontracting opportunities. If you are interested in learning more information about a particular bid or proposal, please refer questions to the agency requesting the good or service.
About the Director
Carlecia D. Wright, is the Director for the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity. In April 2011, Ms. Wright was appointed by Mayor Parker to ensure that the City’s small, minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises have meaningful participation in the city’s procurement process.
Contact Us
Mayor's Office of Business Opportunity
Carlecia D. Wright, Director
611 Walker, 7th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.0600
FAX: 832.393.0646
E-Mail: carlecia.wright@houstontx.gov
City Construction Disparity Study
The City of Houston commissioned National Economic Research Associates (NERA) to provide a disparity study that evaluates the awards and payments for the City’s construction contracts. Disparity studies guide the development of affirmative action programs, such as the City’s minority and women owned business enterprise (MWBE) program.
Forms and Publications
Calendar of Events
The Office of Business Opportunity is dedicated to providing capacity and skills building opportunities for small business owners and potential entrepreneurs. Schedule to attend and take advantage of the many events and programs that we provide throughout the year to help you grow your business.
One Stop Business Center
Join the over 200,000 businesses who have contacted the ONE STOP BUSINESS CENTER as their first step on the road to success. ONE STOP'S award-winning FREE services and programs for small business will help you thrive in today's competitive business environment. The OSBC's office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday.
Pay or Play
On July 1, 2007, the Pay or Play (POP) program was implemented by the Mayor, through Executive Order 1-7, in an effort to promote a work environment that supports a quality workforce for employees working on City contracts, and to enhance fairness in the City’s bidding process for contracts.