Lorain to host contractor information event today

LORAIN — The Lorain Building, Housing and Planning Department will host an informational session for contractors interested in working on city projects tonight. At 5:30 p.m. at the Lorain Brewing Company, 500 Shipyard Way, staff from the Building, Housing and Planning Department, as well as Habitat for Humanity, will provide interested contractors an overview of the requirements and application process for companies to be able to register for the city's contractor list and bid on local, state or federally funded projects. Nicara Garcia, Housing Finance Specialist, and Housing Manager Edwin Garcia said there is a shortage of contractors on the city's list, and they hoped to see more local companies, as well as women and minority-owned businesses, added to the roster. To be able to bid on city projects, a contractor must be registered on SAM.gov — the national system for award management website and submit an application to be included on the city's list. A SAM.gov registration ensures contractors are vetted, licensed and able to do business with the federal government or entities it grants money to, like Lorain. For more information on the process, contact Nicara Garcia at housingteam@cityoflorain.org.