CenterPoint Energy recently featured UNIBAR Damage Prevention Group in its first Supplier Diversity Month which brings awareness to its long-standing policy embracing Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises.
“Locating underground gas and electric facilities in a timely and accurate manner is critical to the safety of CNP employees, contractors and the public. During the fourth quarter of 2009, Unibar Damage Prevention Group, LLC, a minority/woman-owned company, was invited to bid on a three-year contract for CNP’s Underground Facilities Locating Services. Detailed discussions were held with Unibar’s client base and executives before a contract was awarded for locating in all of CNP’s Louisiana service area and some of the North Houston area.
Don’t be too quick to assume that a supplier/contractor is too small to perform the job as specified; make time to perform the due diligence,” said Dennis Jasek, Corporate Purchasing sourcing specialist. “The findings may be more positive than expected. Procurement has found that including a qualified MWBE bidder can introduce a more competitive climate into the bidding process.
Minority-owned and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) that have been awarded contracts with CNP are considered for their experience in the marketplace, understanding of the scope of the work, as well as competitive pricing. In addition, some diverse suppliers, like Unibar, go above and beyond the call of duty.
Unibar has responded to many after-hour emergencies in a timely manner, which not only limits damage to CNP’s distribution system, it keeps worksite crews and the public safe,” said Joe Berry, manager of Underground Locating. “Although Unibar is our newest locating contractor, they have achieved a performance level that is equal to contractors with more years of experience working with CNP.”