Supporting Economic Development Through THEA’s Small Business Enterprise Policy

THEA is committed to supporting economic development in the Tampa Bay area through our services and products. THEA’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) policy, including disadvantaged businesses (DBE) in addition to minority and women-owned businesses (MWBE), provides mechanisms to enhance procurement contracting opportunities for these diverse populations. 

For the past six consecutive years, our toll agency has increased its SBE spending and continues to focus on how “THEA’s operations provide a significant contribution toward our area’s ability to add and retain jobs in the region,” as the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research noted in the Economic Contribution of THEA to Hillsborough County’s Economy – 2022 Update. As THEA enters its new fiscal year on July 1, our toll agency is poised to invest almost $1 billion in infrastructure work back into the community over the next 10 years. 

THEA’s active SBE outreach plan has increased SBE participation exponentially with our participation in the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Central FL Chapter, Minority Enterprise Development Corporation, National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC), and other organizations to increase the awareness of upcoming opportunities. Our toll agency is also open to giving presentations and hosting industry forums to get to know our upcoming projects.

THEA’s Procurement Department is responsible for the purchasing of commodities and services, including construction and the selection of professional services to be used for purposes as specified by Florida State Law. As a public entity, THEA strives to ensure that the procurement of goods and services is efficient, cost-effective, and in compliance with all THEA policies and applicable laws. In addition, it is important for THEA to make certain that such goods and services are solicited in such a manner that is fair and equitable to all potential providers.

SBEs should stay tuned for public notices for procurement opportunities to do business with us here. To receive THEA’s notifications, vendors must register with DemandStar online at www.demandstar.com or by calling (800) 711-1712. By registering, vendors who have downloaded a bid opportunity will automatically receive notification of related addenda. If you register solely for THEA under the DemandStar “Free Agency” checkbox, there is no cost for this bid notification service. THEA also advertises solicitations in three local newspapers: Florida Sentinel, La Gaceta, and Tampa Bay Times.