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.

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