Amtrak Pushes Small & Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to Apply for its Stimulus-Funded Projects

Small and disadvantaged business enterprises (SB/DBE) are encouraged to seek direct contracting or subcontracting opportunities for the hundreds of construction projects Amtrak intends to put out for bid this summer as part of $1.3 billion in stimulus-related funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Amtrak has reiterated their commitment to moving fast in order to put contracts in place to meet ARRA-funded project deadlines of February 2011.

Specifically, Amtrak is looking for firms to contract with directly or as a subcontractor in areas including: architects and engineers, construction, and security, to help with a variety of small and large infrastructure projects. Amtrak is currently seeking to find and pre-qualify companies that can bid and perform as prime contractors for these contracts.

In order to help the business community maximize the potential for contracting or subcontracting opportunities, Amtrak has posted the list of ARRA-funded projects by state with a summary of the work to be performed at this link: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1081442674477&ssid=322.
In addition, active contract solicitations can be found at Amtrak's Procurement Department Website at http://procurement.amtrak.com/. A listing is available of prime vendors Amtrak typically or currently contracts within the areas of architects and engineers, general contractors, major IT firms and firms that are eligible to submit proposals to manage a portion of the work to be performed at Amtrak train stations across the country. Amtrak is asking SB/DBEs to be pro-active and introduce themselves to these companies with specific projects of interest.

Sources: Amtrak, Metro Magazine

Caltrans District 12 Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting

CONSTRUCTION PRIME CONTRACTORS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE INVITED TO A MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING

For Contract No. 12-0G0404
SR-91 Eastbound Lane Widening project in Orange and Riverside Counties in Anaheim and Yorba Linda near Corona from 1.0 Mile East Of Route 91/ 241 Separation to 0.8 Mile East Of Route 91/71 Separation and in Chino Hill State Park

Attendance is mandatory for those interested in bidding.

THIS IS AN ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROJECT FUNDED BY THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA) of 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009 – 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Caltrans District 12 Headquarters
3347 Michelson Drive, Suite 100, Room C-1165
Irvine, CA 92612

The meeting is a significant opportunity for Certified Small Businesses, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to network with construction prime contractors. The meeting will encourage partnering opportunities for prime contractors and subcontractors to meet and develop relationships that will better enable a successful bidding process on this project and for future projects.

Please contact Elizabeth Philippon, Caltrans District 12 Small Business Liaison, at (949) 724-2021 for information and/or assistance.

Caltrans Calmentor Program

Did you know that Caltrans has a mentoring program? District 7 (Los Angeles), District 8 (Inland Empire) and District 12 (Orange County) have joined forces to develop a mentoring program. If you are interested in becoming a protege or want to learn more, follow this link: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/resources/calmentor/?pg=int

Understanding Financial Statements & Growing Capital & Finding Financing

The Orange County Small Business Development Center (OC SBDC) as part of the California Construction Contracting Program (CCCP) is offering a no-cost workshop. This training program is designed for any business that wants to better understand the financial aspects of their business.
· Course 1 – Understanding Financial Statements Part IThis two-part training program will provide a general understanding of accounting and financial issues as they apply to your small business. Find out how to best manage your business financials.
· Course 2 – Understanding Financial Statements Part II
Part 2 of this program will continue to increase your knowledge of how to read your financial statements and to understand what they mean to your business.
· Course 3 – Growing Capital & Finding Financing
Learn from the pros. This program will discuss financing options for small businesses as presented by a panel of experts. Hear about SBA and local lending programs, as well as, other less traditional options.

These classes will be offered on June 17 and 18 at the Orange County SBDC at no cost. Don’t miss out. Register today. To register on-line follow this link:
http://www.ocsbdc.com/training/cccp.htm

Please Join Our Orange County Community for State & Local Contracting

I have decided to start this blog as a way to share with our clients and others interested in public sector contracting information about events and opportunities that may be of interest to them. As I learn of upcoming events or special opportunities, I will post them on our blog. I also invite you to share information here as well.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Linda

Department of Community Services & Development Opportunity

As you may know, an element of the federal stimulus is an increase in the funds available for low-income housing weatherization projects.

This program is managed at the state level by the Department of Community Services & Development. Its Chief Deputy Director, Renee Webster-Hawkins, will be offering a briefing on this program and the potential opportunities for small businesses on June 18th at 2:00 pm.

Weatherization Briefing
DATE: Thursday, June 18, 2009
TIME: 2:00 pm
CALL-IN NUMBER: 1-866-409-4300; Code: 987862#

Planning on joining this call for a direct update on this program and to see if there are any goods or services that your business might be able to provide.

Meet the Buyers

Thursday, June 4, 2009
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

“Meet The Buyers”
Metro’s Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Chiefs and Procurement Staff

Sponsored by

The Transportation Business Advisory Council (TBAC)

Metro Headquarters Building
Board Room 3rd Floor and Plaza Level
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, California 90012

This is an excellent opportunity for all small businesses to meet Metro’s SBU Chiefs, Project Managers, Buyers and Contract Administrators in Communications, Construction/Project Management, Audit Services, Administrative Services, Planning, Financial Services, Bus and Rail Operations for upcoming contract opportunities.

Everyone interested in doing business with Metro should attend!

For RSVPs, please contact Lizette Garcia at garciael@metro.net
Or
(213) 922-2416