(a) A firm wishing to do business with the Commission must be in active status, within WSSC’s CBR system at the time of bid opening or proposal submission due date. The CBR process allows firms to identify those goods and services they wish to offer to the Commission and to inform the Commission, where appropriate, of their MBE and/or SLBE status.

(b) Firms intending to perform work for, or supply goods to, the Commission must be registered on the CBR website at the time of bid opening or proposal submission due date. A firm registering for the first time must provide all mandatory information, as identified by a red asterisk.

(c) When registering, a firm will receive an authentication code (user ID and password) that will allow it to access or edit its registration information online whenever the need arises. Any firm wishing to respond to, download, or physically obtain bid documents must have attained active status in the CBR system at the time of bid opening or proposal submission due date and have received an authentication code. This code enables the firm to access its bidder profile.

(d) Firms must identify a primary NAICS industry code for goods or services they wish to provide to the Commission when registering. They may enter secondary NAICS industry codes for goods or services they may be interested in providing to the Commission. Once a firm has selected its specific codes and a valid email address with its point of contact, the firm will automatically receive an email notification each time a solicitation for the selected goods or services (primary and secondary NAICS codes) is posted to the CBR “View Bid Opportunity” tab.

(e) Registered firms in the CBR system can update their information by accessing the CBR system from the Commission’s website, www.wsscwater.com, or directly on the CBR site at www.cbr-wssc.com. These websites are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(f) Firms claiming SLBE status when registering in the CBR system must indicate “yes” to the appropriate question. The CBR system will automatically forward an email to the SLMBE Office, which will validate the firm’s status as an approved WSSC SLBE. The SLMBE Office, after validation, shall update the firm’s record in the CBR system to indicate the firm’s SLBE eligibility. Based on SLMBE Office review and validation procedures, all firms will receive an email notification regarding their status in the SLBE program from the SLMBE Office. Contact information for the SLMBE Office will be included.

(g) Firms claiming MBE status when registering in the CBR system must: (1) indicate “yes” to the appropriate question; (2) identify the agency (or agencies) that granted certification; and (3) forward a copy of all certification letters to the SLMBE Office. The CBR system will automatically forward an email to the SLMBE Office, which, upon receipt of the certification letters, will validate the firm’s status as a certified MBE. The SLMBE Office, after validation, shall update the firm’s record in the CBR system to indicate the firm’s MBE status. Firms who are denied status, based on SLMBE Office review and validation procedures, will receive an email notification that they are ineligible for the MBE program. Contact information for the SLMBE Office will be included.

(h) Accuracy of all information in a firm’s bidder’s profile, such as contact names, mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers, and email addresses, is the firm’s exclusive responsibility. Each firm must access its CBR profile at least once every 24 months from the date the firm completed its first CBR registration. The CBR system will issue an email notification 30 days prior to the firm’s anniversary date and every 24 months thereafter. The email will advise the firm that it must review and/or update its bidder profile in the CBR system. Failure to review and/or update (i.e., click on a field) in its bidder profile within that 30-day period will place the firm in inactive status. Firms may update their profile anytime. Any modification to a bidder profile by a firm in inactive status will automatically transfer the firm to active status. (Refer to Appendix A, Disclaimer.)

(i) Firms whose SLBE status has expired will be unable to participate in requirements limited to, or subcontracting requirements identified for, SLBEs until such time as the SLMBE Office has received satisfactory evidence that the firm’s SLBE certification has been renewed, extended or reinstated. The SLMBE Office is responsible for notifying the firm of the expiration of their SLBE status. The SLMBE Office will update files upon final approval by the Director of the SLMBE Office.

(j) Firms whose MBE status has expired will be unable to participate as a certified MBE in Commission bidding opportunities or subcontracting requirements identified for certified MBEs until such time as the SLMBE Office has received satisfactory evidence that the certifying agency has renewed, extended or reinstated the firm’s MBE status and the Director of the SLMBE Office has confirmed such action by the certifying agency.

(k) The Acquisition Office will: post all bid opportunities (including associated closing date and time); notify by email all registered bidders under the selected NAICS code; post all addendums, if any; and post bid tabulation after closing date and time on the CBR “View Bid Opportunity” tab.

(l) The CBR will be the only source for WSSC IFBs, RFPs and solicitations.

(m) Subcontractors working on Commission contracts are strongly encouraged to register in the CBR.

(n) The Acquisition Office will administer the CBR on behalf of the Commission. (ACQ 10-01 § III)