We are proud to announce that in June 2001 Monroe Plating received approval as a HUBZone certified supplier by the Small Business Association. As one of only a few qualified companies in Rochester, we are pleased to be among the first to demonstrate our commitment to our customers as well as our community.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO OUR CUSTOMERS
Any company conducting business with the Federal Government (directly or indirectly) is required to award business to HUBZone suppliers at a defined percentage rate. Based on total federal prime contract awards for fiscal year (FY) 2001 the goal is 2%; FY 2002, 2.5%; FY 2003 and beyond, 3%.

TYPES OF HUBZone Contracts
Competitive HUBZone contracts may be awarded if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that at least two qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers and the contract can be awarded at a fair market price.

Full and open competition contracts may be awarded with a price evaluation preference. The offer of the HUBZone small business will be considered lower than the offer of a non-HUBZone/non-small business provided that the offer of the HUBZone small business is not more than 10 percent higher.

Sole source HUBZone contracts may be awarded if the contracting officer does not a have a reasonable expectation that two or more qualified HUBZone small businesses will submit offers, determines that the qualified HUBZone small business is responsible, and determines that the contract can be awarded at a fair price. The government estimate cannot exceed $5 million for manufacturing requirements or $3 million for all other requirements.

HUBZone PROGRAM HISTORY
The HUBZone program was enacted into law as part of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 and falls under the auspices of the United States Small Business Association (SBA).

The SBA regulates and implements the program, determines which businesses are eligible to receive HUBZone contracts, maintains a listing of qualified HUBZone businesses that federal agencies can use to locate prospective vendors.

The program encourages economic development in Historically Underutilized Business zones Đ “HUBZones” - through the establishment of preferences and by providing access to more Federal contracting opportunities.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO OUR COMMUNITY
The HUBZone empowerment-contracting program provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified businesses located in distressed areas to promote economic development and employment growth.