To effectively compete for construction business with LAWA, bidding companies must be bonded. But some find the process of obtaining bonding cumbersome because of the rigorous application and review process. Administered by the bonding assistance firm of Merriwether & Williams, the LAWA Bond Assistance Program provides technical assistance and financial guidance to local contractors through a range of services, including bid, performance and payment bond guarantees to surety companies; cost subsidies for CPA-prepared financial statements; and training through individual counseling and group workshops on bonding, financing and business management.