Valley Metro launches local buying program for small purchases

Valley Metro has implemented a "Buy Local" program to purchase more goods and services from small local businesses, agency officials announced late last week.

The program will give preference to locally owned small business enterprises on non-federally funded purchases costing $50,000 or less. On an annual basis, the program could result in keeping more than $4 million in the Phoenix business community, Valley Metro officials said in a press release.

Modeled after programs in other area cities, the Buy Local program calls for Valley Metro's small purchase needs to be shared initially with businesses in the county using the state's "Procure AZ" database. If there is insufficient competition from regional small businesses, requests for quotes will be solicited, agency officials said.

Since July 2012, Valley Metro has spent more than $4 million on purchases totaling $50,000 or less for office supplies, equipment rentals, printing, uniforms and bike racks.

"We have the privilege of building and operating transit in a community with a wide variety of quality small businesses," said Valley Metro Chief Executive Officer Steve Banta. "They are assets to our community and our existing and future transit routes."