Contractor Bonding Assistance Program
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Alameda County, in partnership with Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, launched a countywide Contractor Bonding Assistance Program (CBAP) to assist County construction contractors struggling in these tough economic times.
The program kick off was held on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at The Oakland Zoo's Snow Building.
Demonstrating its real commitment to Alameda County businesses, the County has launched the CBAP to assist local construction contractors participate in County projects. Specifically, CBAP will help local contractors through one-on-one consultations to obtain bid, payment and performance bonds required to participate in Alameda County construction projects.
Alice Lai-Bitker, President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, states. "This innovative program combines social responsibility with fiscal responsibility and is a 'win/win' for the business community here in Alameda County, as well as for the taxpayers who pay for the construction and maintenance of our public facilities and roadways."
The CBAP is Alameda County's latest effort to increase contracting opportunities with local businesses and move forward with creative solutions in tough economic times. Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, under contract with the County, will present information on bonding and business readiness to attendees.
What Is the Contractor Bonding Assistance Program (CBAP)?
The Contractor Bonding Assistance Program (CBAP) is designed to help small local contractors obtain bid, payment and performance bonds and/or increase their bonding capacity for work on Alameda County contracts. The program is sponsored by the County Administrator’s Office Risk Management Unit and administered by Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services.
What resources does CBAP provide?
CBAP assembles a team of professionals to assist small local contractors in preparing for the bonding process and to help them grow their businesses. CBAP guides the contractor through the bonding process with one-on-one consultations and contactor-focused group workshops and seminars. CBAP will also work with contractors to help them improve their existing relationships with surety providers.
Guarantees up to 40% of the bond amount or $750,000, whichever is less, will be available to qualified contractors.
How does the Contractor Bonding Assistance Program work?
Once eligibility has been established, the program participant receives a description of the bonding process and a one-on-one confidential assessment of their company’s financial strengths and needs with regard to obtaining bonding for an Alameda County contract. Technical assistance and strategies are then provided to address the contractors’ specific needs. Program staff will assist program participants in preparing documentation for bonding applications and make necessary referrals to program partners. There is no charge for enrolling in the program or for CBAP-sponsored workshops and seminars. Contractors are responsible for payment of bond premiums.
Who is eligible?
Contractors that are both:
- Located in Alameda County and
- Eligible to participate in one of the following programs:
- SLEB Small Local Emerging Business Program)
- COP (Construction Outreach Program)
- DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program)
- ECOP (Enhanced Construction Outreach Program)
For information about the SLEB program contact the Auditor Controller Agency -Office of Contract Compliance at (510) 891-5500 or visit their website.
For information about the ECOP program contact the General Service Agency – Office of Acquisition Policy at (510) 208–9617.
For information about the DBE or COP program contact the Public Works Agency at (510) 670-5243.
How do I get started with the Contractor Bonding Assistance Program?
For more information about the Alameda County Contractor Bonding Assistance Program (CBAP) please complete the CBAP Enrollment Form and contact:
Sharron Drake, MWIS Surety Specialist
Phone: 510-740-6922
Fax: 510-740-6921
Email: sdrake@imwis.com