Business Connections Workshop

This training program covers the Caltrans and other local agency bidding process from the perspective of prime contracting firms that have successfully bid on public sector contracts. The discussion will cover not only the bidding process starting with the Bid/PreAward Phase and continuing to the Post-Award Phase to Project Closeout, but also the barriers of entry. You will also hear from a panel of Resource Partners on available resources to help you successfully compete in public sector contracting. You will also learn about successfully marketing your business to create teaming and subcontracting opportunities.

This training is provided at no cost. Register on-line at http://www.ocsbdc.com/training/cccp_module4.htm

Module 7 Courses include:
Course 1 (9/29/2009 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Marketing Your Business to Primes (Prime Contractor Panel)
This class will take you step-by-step through the bidding process, to bid/pre-award phase, and through post-award phase to final closeout and a discussion of barriers of entry. Additional topics will include bonds, insurance, certifications, submitting quotes, scheduling, cost control, payments, certified payroll, etc. from the perspective of a prime contractor.
(Lunch Provided for Courses 1 & 2)

Course 2 (9/29/2009 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Resource Partners Panel
This course will focus on the many resources available to small businesses that can make the difference between winning and losing a bid. This panel will provide information about available resources that will help you with bidding to Caltrans and other local agencies.

Course 3 (9/30/2009 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
How to Successfully Market Your Business
This program provides step-by-step instruction in completing the “Firm Profile” which can be used for future “Statement of Qualifications” (for professional services firms) and “Construction Contractor Profile” (for construction related firms). You will be provided with key tools that will enable you to produce marketing materials that highlight your firm’s strengths.

All Seminars will take place at:
Rancho Santiago Community College District
2323 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92706

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Bonding Assistnace Reimbursable Fee Program (BAP)

This new program, which will be administered by the Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), allows certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) companies to be reimbursed for bonding premiums and fees incurred on transportation infrastructure projects funded by ARRA. The program will be especially helpful for small businesses with traditionally less working capital than larger contractors.

Under the DBE ARRA BAP program, DBEs performing on a transportation and infrastructure projects receiving ARRA funding assistance from any DOT mode of transportation will receive financial bonding assistance in the form of bonding fee cost reimbursement. This provision is applicable to a subcontract or prime contract at any tier in the construction project.

Under this program DOT will directly reimburse DBEs the premiums paid to the surety company for performance, payment or bid/proposal bonds. The range of the premium fee is between 1-3% of the total bond amount. In the event the DBE also obtains a bond guarantee from Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Surety Bond Guarantee Program (SBGP), the DOT will also reimburse the DBE for the small business concern (principal) fee of .729% of the contract price.

Visit http://www.dot.gov/recovery/ost/osdbu/index.htm for more information about this program.

Small Business Contract Opportunities

The Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority has $600 million for construction of the light-rail transit line from Pasadena to Azusa.

Are you interested in bidding on this project? Attend the no-cost workshop being hosted by the Authority on September 15th at 8:30 AM. The event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 924 W. Huntingon Drive, Monrovia.

Reservations are required. Call 714-973-1335 or visit the web site:

http://www.foothillextension.org/index2.html

Safety & Bonding for Contractors Workshop

Module 6 of the California Construction Contraction Program focuses on the regulatory requirements in regards to safety and bonding. Safety compliance and record keeping are important aspect of operating a successful construction firm. Any contractor interested in participating in public sector projects must be able to obtain bonding. With the new U. S. Small Business Administration and Caltrans’ Bonding Assistance Initiative Program, attendees will learn how these two organizations have teamed to provide information and assistance to contractors to utilize the U. S. Bond Assistance Guaranty Program.

Courses include:
Course 1 (8/19/2009 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Safety Part 1: CAL/OSHA Regulations and Recordkeeping
This class will cover important Cal/OSHA recordkeeping requirements, required forms, and recording criteria, a detailed look at the Annual OSHA Injury and Illness Survey, and the major differences between State and Federal standards.
(Lunch Provided for Courses 1 & 2)

Course 2 (8/19/2009 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Safety Part 2: CAL/OSHA Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Program
This course will highlight the importance of an Injury and Illness Prevention Program and provide guidelines to implement a program to comply with OSHA and other regulatory requirements


Course 3 (8/20/2009 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
A Contractors Guide to Bonding
Areas to be covered in this course include what is a surety bond and how it is differs from insurance, how to meet surety bond requirements, and what happens when issues arise on the bonded project. You will also learn more about the Bonding Assistance Initiative Program.

For additional information and to register on-line go to: http://www.ocsbdc.com/training/cccp_module4.htm and click on Module 6.

Project Management for Contractors from A to Z

This training program focuses on the bidding process. Caltrans advertises many new projects every single month. These workshops will address the processes and requirements for bidding a Caltrans project. Module 5 courses have been designed to assist contractors and sub-contractors interested in learning more about the bidding process, utilizing project management techniques, and how to identify bidding opportunities.

Module 5* Courses include:
Course 1 (7/31/2009 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Project Management for Contractors
This class will provide a step-by-step overview of the Caltrans bid specifications and format, as well as, an inside look at the Caltrans bid process and format.

Course 2 (7/31/2009 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Bid Estimating
The course will review Caltrans contract administration requirements, how to prepare for pre-job conferences, understanding mobilization costs and procedures, and the closeout process.

Course 3 (7/30/2009 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Navigating the Caltrans Website
Areas which will be covered in this course include navigating the Office of Engineer site and tips to getting the most out of the Caltrans Division of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC) site and Look Ahead Reports. (Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops with wireless access for hands-on experience. A very limited number of laptops will be available for attendees use.)

*Please note that the standard sequence of classes has changed for this module.

Location: Rancho Santiago Community College District
2323 N. Broadway
Board Room 107
Santa Ana, CA 92706


There is no cost to attend any of these programs, which are brought to you as part of the California Construction Contracting Program, a Caltrans and Small Business Development Center Partnership.

To register visit: http://www.ocsbdc.com/training/cccp.htm. For additional information, call 714.564.5200.

Caltrans Opt-In Service

The Caltrans web site now offers a new feature for contractors that want to be considered as a subcontractor or supplier for a specific project. Adding your company to the opt-in list is easy.

On the advertised project list, each project has a link to opt-in. This link will take you to a simple form that you complete with your company name, address, phone and fax numbers, and description of services or products you can provide. In addition, you can indicate if you are DBE, DVBE, or SBE certified.

This is another way for you to connect with prime contractors to market your business.

CALCON EXPO 2009

The California Construction Expo 2009 is the premiere gathering for contractors, designers, construction professionals, suppliers, and construction workers. This year’s Expo will be held on August 13, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Some of the highlights of this year’s event include:
· Access to viable public contracts valued from $5,000 to over $100 million
· Learn to manage cash flow during economic slowdowns
· Gain access to new “Green” design and construction opportunities in CA
· Participate in “Contractor Matchmaking” between general contractors and subcontractors
· Stay on top of industry innovation and best practices.

To learn more and to register, visit the California Construction Expo website at www.calconexpo.com. We’ll see you there.