American DBE Magazine-Winter 2022

WINTER 2022

HRBT Expansion

Delivering results FOR DBEs Page 20

CDFIs Expand Capital Access for DBEs

WEBMyers Building Success In Atlanta

SMOOT CONSTRUCTION Transitions Leadership

PIT Transforms AIRport and dbe program

VDOT HRBT Project Director Jim Utterback, P.E.; Geotechnical Innovation President Veldon Sallee, P.E.; and HRCP Project Executive Juan Miguel Pérez.

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Features

DBE Power Player

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Smoot Construction Transitions to Next Generation

WEBMyers Construction Builds Success

by Laurie D. Willis

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CDFIs Strengthening Services to Underserved Markets

DBE Program Spotlight

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Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Delivering Results for DBEs

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Pittsburgh International Airport Building an Extraordinary DBE Program

INDUSTRIES

Business Development

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Airports

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NAMC Hosts 52nd National Conference in New York

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Transit

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Getting Your Foot In The Door

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American Contract Compliance Association Recognizes Franklin M. Lee

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Advertiser Listing National Upcoming Events

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Eboni Wimbush Takes the Helm of AMAC as President & CEO

APTA Honors Trailblazers Delon Hampton and A. Bradley Mims

Civil/Highway

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Increase Federal Highway Funding Business Development

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by Michael Freilich

46 Summer 2022 Volume VIIII - Issue 1 Publisher Shelton A. Russell

Branding Campaigns

Managing Editors PR PROS, LLC

Copywriting & Editing

Creative Director William Cash

Graphic Design & Layout

Digital Media Premier Web Design Solutions

Public Relations & Media Relations

Editorial Michael Frelich Shelton A. Russell Jordan Taylor Laurie D. Willis

Social Media Management

Crisis Communication Media Coaching & Training Research & Strategic Planning Strategic Communication Video Production Services

Headquarters 514 Daniels Street, #186 Raleigh, NC 27605 Website www.AmericanDBE.com About American DBE Magazine American DBE Magazine is the premier industry resource for individuals and stakeholders who work in the infrastructure, construction and transportation industries.

American DBE Magazine is published quarterly and distributed in all 50 states— plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—to DBE program administrators, business owners, and professionals in the Aviation, Highway Construction and Public Transit industries.

Subscriptions American DBE Magazine is published quarterly in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer editions.

The annual subscription rate is $24.99 including online editions, special industry reports, and four issues: single copy list price is $6.99 plus postage originating from Raleigh, North Carolina.

Advertisting Sales editor@AmericanDBE.com (919) 741-5233 (Office)

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From the publisher

Change for the Better The new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden comes at an opportune time in American history. The $1.2 trillion package should help reignite the U.S. economy and provide jobs and business opportunities for large companies and small DBE and ACDBE firms working in infrastructure related industries. The law includes funding for transit ($89 billion), passenger rail ($66 billion), airports ($25 billion), and highway & bridges ($550 billion) to start the process of building the country back better than before.

The law also reauthorizes the federal DBE Program to create a “level playing field” for businesses owned by minorities, women and otherwise disadvantaged individuals to have a fighting chance to compete. As part of reauthorization, a ‘Sense of Congress’ resolution encourages the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to take steps to ensure the prompt payment section of the DBE regulations are emphasized, tracked and reported to the public.

While these items are a cause for optimism entering 2022, experience has shown that

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a healthy realism is a better way to look at the situation. Increased funding and opportunities for businesses are great, but in many areas the dollars will flow into broken agencies and systems that will bog down the opportunities that should flow freely.

It is like the trickle-down economic theory, where the folks at the bottom sip through a straw, while those at the top hydrate and replenish from a firehose.

There is a saying that if nothing changes, nothing changes; and after 40 years since the passage of the first regulation to create inclusion for diverse firms in transportation opportunities, one would think we would have surpassed trying to achieve a nationwide goal of 10% participation for DBE firms in USDOTfunded projects and programs. However, truth be told, we still haven’t made it to this first checkpoint on the journey to inclusion; and the playing field is still overwhelmingly unlevel. So, it remains incumbent upon all of us to stay engaged, speak up, and even cause “good trouble” to help the DBE and other diversity programs achieve their full potential.

One of my favorite YouTube videos is an interview of John Johnson discussing the importance of Black media. Johnson shares his vision for starting Ebony Magazine as a publication to chronicle success, inspire black people, and celebrate the progress being made. He believed there were ample black newspapers across the country documenting the challenges black people were facing in the 1950s, so he wanted readers to feel good about themselves. His vision worked as the Ebony and Jet publications inspired generations of people to climb higher and dream bigger based on seeing the success of others that looked like them. I had, and still have, the same vision for American DBE Magazine. Our stories seek to share instances where programs to grow minority and women-owned businesses work – and to share profiles of businesses that are having success.

This issue continues that mission. Our cover story shares the success Virginia Department of Transportation and Hampton Roads Connector Partners are creating for DBE opportunities on the $3.8 billion Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Project that is on pace to exceed the project’s 12 percent goal for DBE firms and 25 percent goal for small, women and minority-owned businesses. Other feature stories include the successful transition of Smoot Construction

to the third generation of leadership for this venerable black-owned company based in Columbus, Ohio; the success of WEBMyers Construction in growing a woman-led firm in Atlanta, Georgia; and how the Allegheny County Airport Authority is expanding inclusion during the Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal Modernization Program.

I’ve run out of space to preview all the great stories in this issue, but I hope you will turn the page and read about more inspiring and industry-relevant stories included in this issue.

Best Regards,

Shelton A. Russell, Publisher American DBE Magazine

GET MORE Visit us at:

www.AmericanDBE.com

All in together

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THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS PROJECTED TO SPEND $68,883,680.00 TOWARD THE COLUMBIA DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (CDBE) PROGRAM OVER THE NEXT YEAR. The City of Columbia needs contractors & subcontractors in the following areas:

CIPP • Concrete Curb & Gutter/Sidewalks General Concrete • Horizontal Drilling Manhole Rehabilitation & Lining • Water & Sewer Contractors Grading • Electricians • Landscaping • Demolition Local and non-local contractors are invited to participate in these opportunities.

Please contact Ayesha Driggers at 803.545.3955 or ayesha.driggers@columbiasc.gov to start the ebid registration process.

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803.545.3950 • OBO@columbiasc.gov www.columbiasc.gov/obo • @columbiaobo / WINTER 2022

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Smoot

3

Construction Moves Ahead Under

rd Generation of

Leadership

Lewis Smoot Jr. (left) assumed leadership of Smoot Construction Inc. in 2021, succeeding his father Lewis Smoot Sr. (right) as President & CEO of the company. (Photos courtesy of Smoot Construction)

Smoot Construction has

built a solid reputation for quality

and character during the 75 years since its founding in 1946 by Sherman R. Smoot. This legacy continues as the company enters its third generation of leadership under Lewis Smoot Jr. the son of former President and CEO Lewis Smoot Sr., and grandson of founder Sherman. Lewis Jr. plans to lead the company in the same manner as his predecessors, focusing on the company core principles that long have guided the firm, which the company defines as CHIPP—Character,

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Humility, Integrity, Pride and Performance.

Sherman Smoot started the company with other family members in 1946 in West Virginia, and after moving to Columbus, Ohio, grew the company to be a respected masonry contracting firm in the Central Ohio region.

Lewis Smoot, Sr. joined the company in 1958 after service in the U.S. Army and became the second-generation leader of the company in 1974. Lewis Sr. grew the company from a masonry contracting firm to be one of the largest African American-owned general contracting and construction management

firms in the country over more than 40 years of leadership of the company.

Smoot has completed an extensive array of projects as both a prime contractor and a joint venture partner with other major construction firms like Turner Construction, AECOM Hunt, Gilbane Building Company and others. The projects include culturally significant and important projects including several Ohio State University buildings including the student union; the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington,

D.C., and Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control towers in Columbus and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Lewis Jr. assumed leadership of the company after a 41-year career of working his way through the ranks. He joined the company after serving in the U.S. Navy and started his career working in the field as a laborer working with the masons. Over the years he held several positions and said the experience gave him a thorough knowledge of the company and the people under his leadership. “We have people who have worked here for 40 years like I have, and we have second and third generation family members,” Lewis Jr. said. “Smoot is a family business; and that is not just the immediate family with fiduciary responsibility for the business, but we also consider our employees as family,” Lewis Jr. said.

As the company moves forward under his leadership, Lewis Jr.’s goal is to build upon the solid foundation laid by Sherman and Lewis Sr. while taking advantage of new opportunities that fit within the company’s capabilities. Smoot Construction continues to be a major player in the Central Ohio construction market having recently partnered with Turner Construction to build a Major League Soccer stadium for the Columbus Crew team. Smoot partnered with Turner Construction and Walsh Construction and is building an addition to the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University; and is partnered with Turner Construction to complete the Columbus Hilton Downtown Expansion Project.

Although Smoot completes work in several segments of the commercial construction industry including aviation, government, healthcare, K-12 education, higher education and institutional, Lewis Jr. views the Water and Wastewater segment as an area for potential growth in the future. He recognizes that many government agencies are facing deteriorating and outdated water and wastewater systems that need improvement; and is also aware that the recently passed infrastructure bill has significant funding to address this area.

“The water/wastewater work is going to be around after our children are retired. Because

there has never been the upkeep that needed to be there. So now some of the sewer systems and water lines are now 50, 60 and 100 years old and beginning to collapse; and now there is this huge rush of money that must go into maintaining it.”

Despite leading the company to pursue new areas of opportunity and guiding the company through industry transition related to technology, workforce challenges and innovative procurement methods, Lewis Jr. believes Smoot Construction’s long standing business strategies are what will propel the company into the future. These strateA rendering of the 28-story Columbus Hilton Downtown Hotel gies include maintaining Expansion project currently under construction by a Turner a conservative business Construction and Smoot Construction joint venture in approach based on slow Columbus, Ohio. but consistent growth, doing business with reliable business partners with a history significant reason for the company’s success of success, and maintaining impeccable is that other companies and business relationships with employees and business partners have helped Smoot Construction partners. These traits have carried the succeed over the years, so it’s a duty of the company through previous generations and company to give back to help others succeed. are the hallmark of the company’s success. “We are not afraid to teach anybody anything “We value our relationships and are loyal that we do,” he said. “It’s really extremely to the people that we have done business important to teach the next generation. We with over the years,” Lewis Jr. said. “We still know that if it wasn’t for the larger companies use the same bonding company that gave that mentored us along the way, we wouldn’t my grandfather his first bond many years be where we are today, so we always want ago.” The company also maintains a long to reach back and help other companies history with business partners and clients that want to help themselves,” Lewis Jr. said. like The Ohio State University, the City of The company’s mentorship primarily Columbus and Turner Construction. “Loyalty happens on projects where Smoot partners was important to my grandfather and my with minority and diverse firms to complete father, and it is important to me as well,” major projects. “We have an internal Lewis Jr. said. obligation to work with other minority Lewis Jr. also plans to continue the businesses regardless of others regard for company’s history of mentoring other it. We’re a minority company and clients can minority and diverse business firms through use our percentage, but that is not where it business opportunities. He knows that a stops for us. It stops with us making sure we

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hit our internal numbers, based upon the type of projects we have and the availability in the marketplace,” Lewis Jr. said.

As Smoot Construction moves forward into the next generation of leadership, at 63, Lewis Jr. is already thinking about the fourth generation of company leadership.

His vision for the future is to have his son enter the leadership ranks of the company and for Smoot Construction to continue to help other companies grow and succeed.

He believes there are three challenges for companies seeking to grow in the industry: banking, bonding and business opportunities and believes Smoot can help other diverse firms understand and navigate these challenges going forward. “It comes down to understanding what it takes to operate a business at the next level, there are some challenges to overcome as you add more zeros to the checkbook. I think we can help other minority firms make the transition,” he said.

Lewis Jr. is proud of the legacy Smoot Construction has built over 75 years and recognizes the importance of navigating the company through industry changes while

Smoot Construction partnered with Turner Construction to build the 430,000-square-foot Major League Soccer (MLS) stadium for the Columbus Crew Soccer Club. The 20,000-seat stadium opened in July 2021. (Photo courtesy of Nova Crystallis)

keeping the company’s core principals intact and preparing his son to assume leadership in the future. Lewis Jr. said, “The company has changed from my grandfather to my dad – and changed from my dad to me. It will change again from me to my son, and

he’s being indoctrinated to the fact that you just have to keep being relevant in what you are doing and how you are doing it, as he changes the company too.”

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It is a well-worn adage that small diverse firms should consider the use of strategies like joint-ventures, strategic partnerships and business acquisitions to build capacity and market share. However, it remains a rare occurrence to sre, but decided that was the way I

At SMOOT you’re in good company.

Forging Ahead

Looking Back and Giving Back

We congratulate Rodney Wiseman for 37 years of building great buildings in our nation’s capital.

CONSTRUCTION CO. DC

SmootConstructionDC.com / WINTER 2022

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CDFIs Utilizing $12 Billion in Federal Funding

to Strengthen Services to Underserved Businesses and Communities Many studies on small business show that access to capital is a major challenge to success for small and diverse companies.

Firms in this category often lack the size, track record and business credit history to get financing from traditional banking institutions. However, Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) across the country are making an impact in providing capital for companies to expand and meet their working capital needs.

CDFIs are community development loan funds, banks, venture capital funds and credit unions certified by the U.S. Treasury Department to help businesses and individuals in low-income and underserved markets realize their full potential and create thriving communities. They provide financing and financial education to small businesses, community-based projects, and consumers that traditional financial institutions often

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consider too risky or not profitable enough. recovers. These organizations will play a Although CDFIs have been arounds for significant role in helping small and minoritydecades and have served small businesses owned companies seeking capital in response and underserved communities since their to increasing opportunities resulting from the founding, they are entering a new era because recently passed infrastructure bill. of $12 billion in funding made available in Realizing their unique position and ability the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus COVID to help minority businesses and communities Relief Deal passed by recover and grow, 56 Congress in December African American-led 2020. A provision in the CDFI united to form bill allocates funding the African American to provide grants and Alliance of CDFI CEOs equity funding to CDFIs (The Alliance) in 2018. and Minority Depository The group’s mission is Institutions (MDIs) to to support and empower help increase services CDFI CEOs to lead and to b u s i n e s s e s a n d grow their institutional, communities impacted by operations, personnel the coronavirus pandemic. and social impact in the CDFIs have been communities they serve. especially important Two primary focus areas during the COVID-19 Donna Gambrell is chair of the African for the organization are pandemic, after large American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, and to implement strategies c o m m e rc i a l b a n k s President & CEO of Appalachian to help reduce the racial often overlooked small Community Capital in Christiansburg, wealth gap across and minority-owned Virginia.

America and to provide businesses seeking to investment capital for access the Small Business Administration’s minority communities, including small Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and businesses, entrepreneurs, homeowners, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). CDFIs commercial real estate developers, and across the country excelled at helping small others. businesses apply for financing through these Donna Gambrell, Board Chair of The programs and were more successful in getting Alliance has extensive history working with businesses approved by the SBA during the CDFIs and led the U.S. Treasury Department’s pandemic crisis.

Community Development Fund during African American-led CDFIs were especially the George W. Bush and Barack Obama aggressive in helping diverse companies get Administrations. Gambrell said: “All CDFIs financing during the pandemic; and are now have a mission to serve minority and shifting to helping companies prepare for underserved communities, but we know that greater opportunities as the U.S. economy when leaders of these organizations look

like the people in the community, there is a President Adrian Beard turned to the CDFI The goal of CDFIs is to serve communities greater sense of trust that is built because of after a commercial bank turned down his overlooked by major banks and credit unions; that. This is because the CDFI leaders know request for funding. “The banker actually and prioritize services where members of the market opportunities and challenges, and laughed and said, ‘If you find someone to do these communities are unable to access often live in the communities they serve.” this deal, let me know.’ I went and met with the capital needed to grow a business, get Lenwood Long, president and CEO of The Mr. Long and other folks at the Carolina Small affordable housing, and make investments Alliance is also familiar with the capability Business Development fund, and they loved in the community. Gambrell hopes Alliance of CDFIs to help small the business plan and members and all CDFIs will do more during and minority-owned made the deal happen. this exciting period of increased federal businesses get financing It changed my life.” funding to help create wealth in communities that might otherwise be Beard has since opened of color. “The CDFI movement really came out unavailable. Long retired three more restaurants of the Civil Rights Movement and creating as president and CEO at RDU and plans to wealth is an important part of building a of the Carolina Small open a restaurant at more equal society,” she said.

Business Development the Charlotte Douglas United States Secretary of the Treasury Fund in 2019 after more International Airport in Janet L. Yellen shares this same sentiment as than a decade leading 2022. the Emergency Capital Investment Program the organization. “CDFIs Long advises small rolls out additional resources to CDFIs and not only provide funding, companies interested MDIs to increase their impact in communities but they provide technical in seeking financing to across the country. She said in a press release assistance and training to locate CDFIs in their for the program, “America has always had help businesses prepare Lenwood Long is President & CEO of region and reach out financial services deserts, places where it’s to get approved if they are the Alliance of African American CDFI to them to find out very difficult for people to get their hands not ready. They often go CEOs and retired president of the about their products on capital so they can, for example, start way beyond in providing Carolina Small Business Development and services. There a business. But the pandemic has made Fund. assistance,” Long said. are currently 1,264 these deserts even more inhospitable. The A prime example of certified CDFIs listed in Emergency Capital Investment Program these services was the work of CDFIs in a downloadable spreadsheet on the U.S. will help these places that the financial helping businesses complete applications Treasury Department ‘s CDFI Fund website at sector hasn’t typically served well. It will and compile paperwork necessary to get https://www.cdfifund.gov/. In addition, The allow people to access capital, especially PPP and EIDL loans from the SBA during Alliance maintains a list of African American- in communities of color and rural areas.” the pandemic. After minority and small led CDFIs on its website at https://aaacdfi. businesses complained of banks passing org/. “Most CDFIs are small and do not have them over during the first round of the a big marketing budget, so sometimes it’s PPP loans during 2020, CDFIs stepped in to word-of-mouth that lets people know about create a significant improvement in access these organizations. But if you reach out to during the second round of the PPP in 2021. make contact, they might be able to help,” “Twelve of our Alliance members processed Long said. $4.4 billion in PPP loans for businesses in their community and many of these businesses required assistance in pulling their application together,” Long said.

CDFIs also provide loans for working capital and business expansion. Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises have turned to CDFIs to access capital for new equipment like dump trucks, and for new business opportunities. Other uses of loans could include making leasehold improvements, purchasing commercial real estate, and buying furniture or fixtures for a commercial property.

Entrepreneur Adrian Beard used a loan from the Carolina Small Business Fund, a CDFI based in For instance, Charlotte, North CarolinaRaleigh, N.C., to secure his company’s investment his company’s investment in a partnership based Whitman May Enterprises Inc. used to launch dual restaurants onsite at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. a loan from the Carolina Small Business Development Fund to design and build-out two concession restaurants at the RaleighDurham International Airport. Whitman May / WINTER 2022

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TheInstituteNC.org/ICAP

100

Continuing The Legacy of Building Wealth in Diverse Communities YEARS ANNIVERSARY Our Historic Parrish Street Headquarters

2020

1921

After its completion in October 1921, the six-story Parrish Street building was dedicated on Saturday, December 17, 1921 and served as the headquarters for North Carolina Life Insurance Company - one of the nation’s largest companies founded and owned by African Americans.

1974-1975

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, the building remains one of only a handful of landmarks owned by a minority organization.

1999

The Institute merges with the North Carolina Community Development Initiative to form Institute Capital (ICAP), a 501c3 Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

ICAP deploys $7 million in grant funding to minority and women-owned small businesses.

The Institute purchases the historic Parrish Street building from M&F Bank.

1920

2021

2021

1922

Mechanics & Farmers Bank moves its headquarters to the first floor. An M&F Bank branch remains as the first floor anchor tenant to this day. Along with NC Mutual, Mechanics & Farmers contributed greatly to the prosperity of Durham’s “Black Wall Street” throughout the early 20th century.

1986

The Institute was founded as the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development to diversify North Carolina’s business base as a strategy for expanding economic opportunity.

Institute Capital disburses nearly $5 million in loan capital and $4 million in grant funding to minority and women-owned small businesses. The funds help to address the challenges these firms faced during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Institute Capital

Institute Capital provides debt and investment capital to affordable housing developers, community-based development organizations (CBDOs) and small businesses. Our goal is to revitalize and transform diverse communities through affordable housing, entrepreneurship, HBCU collaborations and community development.

Follow Us

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Facebook.com/InstituteCapital Linkedin.com/company/InstituteCapital / WINTER 2022

Contact for more information: Roberta McCullough (919) 956-8889, Ext. 3320 rmccullough@TheInstituteNC.org

TF Congleton (252) 916-5211 tcongleton@TheInstituteNC.org

Business Diversity Matters to Houston Airports

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Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel DELIVERING RESULTS The Virginia Department of Transportation has been committed to inclusion since the earliest stages of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project. The commitment began with analyzing the project’s opportunities and creating a 12% participation goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and a 20% goal for businesses in Virginia’s Small, Women and Minority (SWaM) Business Program. VDOT combined these goals with strategies to share the importance of inclusion with potential prime contractors by hosting a pre-bid outreach meeting hosted by the VDOT Civil Rights Division. The event gave the shortlisted bidders the opportunity to experience the excitement of diverse firms interested in working on the project; and providing DBE/SWaM business leaders the chance to meet the potential design/build teams for the project. “By involving the Civil Rights Division early, VDOT set the framework for a successful project,” said Sandra D. Norman, VDOT Administrator for Civil Rights.

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These early efforts set the stage for what will become the largest project for diverse business participation in Virginia’s history, and hopefully a game-changer for businesses in the Hampton Roads region. Indications thus far are Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRCP), the design-build prime contractor for the $3.8 billion project, will exceed the mega project’s robust DBE and SWaM participation goals.

HRCP is a construction joint-venture consisting of Dragados USA, Flatiron Constructors, VINCI Construction and Dodin Campenon Bernard. HDR and Mott MacDonald are the team’s lead designers. The team began designing the HRBT Expansion in 2019, broke ground for construction in 2020, and expects to open the completed project

by November 2025. The project widens the four-lane segments of the I-64 corridor in the cities of Hampton and Norfolk. It also includes the addition of twin two-lane bored tunnels built west of the existing tunnels. The new tunnels will carry all eastbound traffic, while the existing tunnels will accommodate all westbound traffic upon completion of the project.

HRCP leadership embraced VDOT’s commitment to inclusion and launched a robust effort to achieve success. One of HRCP’s first hires was Malcolm Kates as DBE and SWaM Compliance Manager. Kates joined HRCP in 2019 and hit the ground running, seeking to build relationships with VDOT project and Civil Rights Program staff and with community organizations in the Hampton Roads region. “We’ve had commitment from the leadership of VDOT and HRCP from the very beginning, which is necessary to meet the significant DBE and SWaM participation goals on this project,” Kates said.

The early commitment, support and relationships helped HRCP launch successful marketing, advertising and outreach efforts to increase project exposure and recruit DBE/ SWaM firms to participate in the project.

The efforts have proven successful thus far, as HRCP has awarded over $384 million in contracts to DBE and SWaM firms. The totals include 277 executed DBE and SWaM agreements for 212 unique DBE and SWaM firms as of November 2021.

VDOT is encouraged by the program’s success and touts the level of participation HRCP has achieved to date. VDOT honored HRCP at the June 2021 DBE Symposium by selecting the team as Prime Contractor of the Year for its work of providing DBE and SWaM opportunities during the pandemic.

HRCP’s Project Executive Juan Miguel

Pérez was honored to receive the award for their efforts thus far. “HRCP thanks the VDOT Civil Rights Division for the prestigious Prime Contractor of the Year award. We are grateful for the incredible partnership and collaboration we have with VDOT, particularly Ms. Sandra Norman, the Civil Rights Division Administrator, and Ms. Queen Crittendon, the Hampton Roads District Civil Rights Manager,” Pérez said.

Opposite top: Traffic flows through open lanes of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel as expansion activities proceed on the tunnel during fall 2021. (Photo courtesy of VDOT) Opposite below: A new tunnel boring machine (named “Mary,” after Mary Jackson, the famous African American NASA engineer) will begin creating new tunnel lanes in early 2022 as the HRBT Expansion Project reaches peak construction. (Photo courtesy of HRCP)

Communication and Collaboration The success of these initiatives to date is due to VDOT and HRCP making a conscious effort to work together closely to maximize the opportunities for DBE and SWaM firms.

Crittendon and Kates maintain ongoing

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dialog, sometimes daily, on the project’s DBE/SWaM activities and hold monthly meetings to check-in, address issues and track progress toward the business inclusion and workforce goals set for the project.

The product of the robust collaboration effort between VDOT and HRCP includes three successful outreach events to introduce businesses to opportunities on the project and provide information about technical assistance services available to businesses as they prepare to pursue opportunities with HRCP. The organizations also collaborated with local financial institutions and community partners to host a virtual DBE Financial Resources & Supportive Services Workshop to help firms identify sources for working capital and equipment financing to build the capacity necessary to work on a major transportation project.

Both organizations add to the collaborative partnership to promote the success of the project. VDOT Civil Rights staff provide intimate knowledge of the Hampton Roads region, capable businesses in the area that could be business partners, and important political and cultural considerations during

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the project. Likewise, HRCP team members provide insight about the project design, construction and contracting requirements, offering businesses information about how they can compete for upcoming opportunities. “We could not do this work alone, so we have a team of consultants that augment our staff for the purpose of helping to ensure compliance and delivering business assistance. VDOT utilizes Business Transformation Group (BTG) and HRCP and its design team have contracted with TreKnot Organization LLC. Both entities are certified DBE firms administratively supporting the project in a significant way,” Crittendon said.

well as non-traditional aspects of the design and construction process.

Creativity and Flexibility

For instance, HRCP has engaged DBE/ SWaM firms in areas such as office furniture for the HRCP headquarters building, video production, public relations, and printing services. Additionally, the extensive outreach efforts have secured DBE/SWaM participation for services such as dredging, environmental engineering and bridge welding services.

“We have made a commitment that every opportunity on the HRBT project is being considered for participation, and it has allowed us to reach out to companies that have never worked as a DBE on a major transportation project,” Kates said.

The significant goals for DBE and SWaM participation require HRCP to work with VDOT to consider traditional and non-traditional contracting opportunities to maximize the participation of diverse firms. Kates collaborates with both VDOT and HRCP project staff to review needs and scopes of work to consider every procurement opportunity for DBE and SWaM firms. This approach has led to opportunities for firms outside of traditional civil engineering and construction trades, as

As one example, the HDR/Mott McDonald design team selected Geotechnical Innovation, a DBE engineering firm based in Chesapeake, Virginia, to provide soil index testing for the project. “We conducted more than 1,400 soil tests for the project, and it’s been a good opportunity,” said company president Veldon R. Sallee. HRCP also selected Sallee’s company for a second opportunity, providing coring services for deep soil mixing construction activities.

Opposite: (from left) VDOT HRBT Project Director Jim Utterback, P.E.; Geotechnical Innovation President Veldon Sallee, P.E.; Hampton Roads District Civil Rights Manager Queen Crittendon; HRCP DBE & SWaM Compliance Manager Malcolm Kates; and HRCP Project Executive Juan Miguel Pérez visit the South Island of the HRBT Expansion project in November 2021.

The work involves taking core samples of cement and soil mixtures used to strengthen the ground where the tunnelling machine will excavate the new tunnel. “This was a new opportunity for us, but we were able to prove to HRCP that we have the ability to manage this type of work, and it is going well,” Sallee said.

Training and Support Since many small and diverse firms in the Hampton Roads region had never worked on a transportation infrastructure project prior to the HRBT Expansion, VDOT’s Business Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD) Center is also working to help firms make the transition into this industry. The BOWD Center provides a comprehensive array of services to DBE-certified firms using Federal Highway Administration funding designated for supportive services to small businesses.

What Lies Ahead The HRBT Expansion Project will reach peak construction in 2022-2023 as a new tunnel boring machine (named “Mary” after Mary Jackson, the famous African American NASA engineer) begins to construct new tunnel lanes, while bridge building activities and highway widening continue simultaneously. Jim Utterback, VDOT’s Project Director, said, “The TBM is the culmination of years of preparation and design efforts.

As the tunneling work gets underway, it will offer new opportunities for DBE and SWaM firms. The HRBT Expansion Project includes roadway, marine and tunnel work, so there are many opportunities for DBE and SWaM participation.”

HRCP and VDOT continue to seek a wide array of firms to work as DBE and SWaM contractors, recognizing that there will be many more opportunities over the next four years. Upcoming construction activities include excavation and hauling; roadway paving and marking; bridge rehabilitation;

framing and fitout of new buildings on the islands; and supplying precast plants that will produce the enormous amount of concrete necessary to build the new tunnel and approach bridges.

Crittendon and Kates are prepared to continue extensive outreach efforts to ensure DBE and SWaM firms have the chance to participate. “We are looking at targeted outreach and pre-bid meetings for specific contracting opportunities, so we can be very intentional in connecting with those scalable DBE and SWaM firms to work on this project,” Crittendon said.

Utterback fully supports and is championing the success of the project’s DBE and SWaM program efforts. “We are proud to include Virginia’s disadvantaged businesses in the exciting work that we do,” Utterback said.

“Disadvantaged business inclusion is an important part of our project’s culture and benefits the communities this project serves.”

The BOWD Center partnered with the USDOT Small Business Transportation Resource Center to host the “Bonding Education Program” in 2020 and 2021 to educate DBE/SWaM firms on the surety bonding process and help firms prepare to apply for a surety bond to support their contracts on the HRBT Expansion Project.

Other services provided by the BOWD Center have included a comprehensive contract readiness assessment to help companies identify their strengths and weaknesses, a series of virtual training programs, and assistance with completing the DBE and SWaM certification process. “The BOWD Center works to get businesses prepared to work on VDOT projects. Not just the HRBT Expansion Project, but other projects across Virginia, and all services are free to DBE firms.

All they have to do is reach out and get the help they need,” Crittendon said.

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HAMPTON ROADS CONNECTOR PARTNERS invites you to be a part of

VIRGINIA’S LARGEST TRANSPORTATION PROJECT The I-64 Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in southeastern Virginia has long been one of the region’s most congested corridors. The existing 3.5-mile facility consists of two 2-lane immersedtube tunnels on artificial islands, with trestle bridges to shore. These tunnels opened in 1957 (current westbound lanes) and 1976 (eastbound lanes) and are approximately 7,500 feet long.

OVER

$300 MILLION

IN PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DBE AND SWaM FIRMS

Traffic on these four lanes exceeds 100,000 vehicles per day during peak summer traffic.

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project will ease this congestion with the addition of twin 2-lane bored tunnels just west of the existing eastbound tunnel. Also, the 4-lane segments of the I-64 corridor in the cities of Hampton and Norfolk will be widened.

WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION GOALS FOR LOCAL MINORITY AND WOMEN JOB CANDIDATES ON THE JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Visit the project’s website at

www.hrbtexpansion.org

to stay up to date on opportunities.

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Hampton Roads Connector Partners | 240 Corporate Blvd. | Norfolk, VA 23502 | 757-578-9284 / WINTER 2022

HAMPTON ROADS CONNECTOR PARTNERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

400+ Firms mentored by Austin have received contracts exceeding $3 billion.

Austin Commercial is committed to recognizing, embracing, and supporting workplace diversity. As a construction industry leader, Austin takes pride in creating minority economic opportunities.

www.austin-ind.com

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DBE Power Player

WEBMyers Construction Builds Success Based on Quality and Consistency

By Laurie D. Willis

Chondra Webster Myers is comfortable in her own skin and unafraid of challenges. So it’s no wonder Myers, who is African American, has become a successful business owner in a male-dominated profession.

Myers is President and CEO of WEBMyers Construction, which she founded in 2016 with her husband Michael Myers. WEBMyers specializes in commercial interior construction projects, from renovations to new build-outs to expansions, and does a lot of work for hospitals, commercial businesses and government contracts. It is the largest minorityowned, woman-owned, interior general contracting company in Georgia.

Myers speaks confidently about her company’s capabilities, as evidenced by several videos on the business website webmyersconstruction.com. “If you need us to move a door, we move a door,” she says. “If you need us to fill in some ceiling tiles, we fill in the ceiling tiles. We’re not too big or too small to do the things that matter.”

In another video, she says WEBMyers received its 8a certification in 2018, allowing her to pursue contract opportunities at all government levels.

“After doing our homework, we decided to pursue opportunities with a few government agencies, including General Services Administration and the CDC,” she said. “Our mission is always to work from a place of care. We care about our clients and stakeholders, especially as it relates to the preservation of public spaces. We care about our subcontractors, project delivery and most of all customer service.” Myers ends each video by inviting those who are “ready to construct with confidence and make a difference” to call her.

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Humble Beginnings Myers has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from California State University, Los Angeles, though she never thought much about attending college. “I was a senior in high school and wasn’t thinking about college,”

Chondra Webster Myers, president and CEO of WEBMyers Construction.

she said. “My mom, Catherine Dixson, got me into school at the last minute. She didn’t go to college, but she did everything she knew to do and when she didn’t know what to do, she found out how to get it done. She got me into college, and then after that it was

on me. I’m very grateful she did that.”

After thoroughly enjoying a marketing class, Myers chose business management and marketing as her major. She’s quick to acknowledge that life at WEBMyers Construction isn’t always smooth, but she’s guided by values instilled by her parents.

“My mom is good to everybody, and if there’s a way for her to give, she’s going to give,” Myers said. “And my dad, Charles Dixson, was a very successful businessman in the commercial trash service business for a long time. They took the fear of being a business owner out of me.”

For at least seven years, Myers worked for several Atlanta construction companies as director of business development, reporting directly to the company CEOs to align marketing efforts with internal goals. She learned a lot from the CEOs and gained valuable experience, but eventually realized it was time to start her own company.

WEBMyers Construction began with three employees, including Myers, and now has grown to a team of 19.

By all accounts, business is going well.

In January 2020, WEBMyers was awarded a nearly $800,000 project for interior renovation, including demolition, custom millwork, flooring, electrical, custom doors, wall paneling and painting in an Atlanta courtroom.

In 2019, the company landed a $1.7 million project to complete interior renovation for a technology hub at Grady Hospital, including demolition of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, new men’s and women’s restrooms, flooring, painting and millwork. And in 2018, the business was awarded a $1.4 million project to renovate offices for The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority.

“I walked Grady Hospital for months to prepare to bid on the job in 2018, taking down names and taking pictures of every subcontractor already working in the hospital,” Myers said. “I did my due diligence, turned in my bid, and my bid was far more competitive than any of the major contractors. But the owners were concerned about giving us a project that big without really knowing much about us, because prior to that we’d done only a few small jobs for them.”

Myers’ performance at Grady Hospital didn’t go unnoticed. After successfully completing those two projects, she used the experience to qualify for an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) at Kaiser Permanente. An IDIQ distinction is a type of contract that provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or service during a fixed period.

“Being designated as an IDIQ means we don’t have to bid for the work,” she said.

“Our rates are set, and we just have to find and procure the services with the right subcontractors.”

Charles Scott Jr., lead estimator with WEBMyers Construction, isn’t surprised over the amount of work Myers put in before bidding on the Grady jobs. He has worked for her since the beginning of 2017, first as superintendent and now as lead estimator, and has known her since she was pregnant with her daughter, who’s now in her late 20s.

He’s also not surprised she’s sustaining a successful business though she’s a woman in a male-dominated industry.

“Chondra attacks things head-on,” Scott said. “She’s a very strong-willed woman and doesn’t let potential barriers like her gender or race stop her. She doesn’t get intimidated, and that’s impressive to me. I’ve often referred to her as a hammer wrapped in silk cloth.”

Scott has a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural engineering technology from Polytechnic State University — now Kennesaw State University. Working with Myers is a pleasure, he said, because of how she treats employees. “Once she hires her employees, she has a knack for finding their gifts,” Scott said. “My gift was in the area of architectural engineering and drawing and design and all of that … and she recognized that there was a place in estimating where that gift could be used.

WEBMyers Construction was the interior general contractor for the Grady Memorial Hospital Care Logistics Hub & Meeting Room in Atlanta, Georgia.

“She really cares about her employees,” Scott continued. “In this business, we don’t always know what jobs we’re going to get or what the price is going to be. Because it’s that type of business, you don’t know how much revenue the company will generate in any given year, but her concern is when she hires people, she ensures she keeps them employed.”

Myers knows her company is attractive to potential clients, both because of the quality of work it produces and because it’s minority-owned.

“Our competency resonates first with the buyer, but then when they see that we’re minority and female, many supplier diversity professionals welcome having an opportunity to designate what category to put us in,” Myers said. “What’s definitely important to me is that when WEBMyers gets the job, at least 30% of the subcontractors on it are diverse. Everyone who works for me knows I believe that diverse businesses do better when we try to help each other.”

Starbucks is among Myers’ biggest named clients. She was hired by them after the coffee giant became aware of the work her company did to build out one of their shops inside a major Atlanta hospital. The Starbucks job was a small part of a $300 million project.

“Once I was hired for the Starbucks job, I was very intentional about hiring diverse, capable subcontractors,” Myers said. “My diverse spend on that job exceeded 30%, which is uncommon.”

So, what advice does Myers impart to other aspiring business owners who are female or of color? “I’d tell them to get out of their own way and just believe they can do it,” she said. “And I’d tell them it’s important to remember they’re never going to know everything. Building a successful team means going with what they know, hiring people who know the stuff they don’t know, and ensuring there’s good collaboration on the team. Most importantly, I would tell them to exude confidence when they walk in a room,” Myers continued. “No matter what, never let them see you sweat.”

WEBMyers Construction employees review plans on one of the company’s interior construction projects. Pictured from left to right are team members Lisa Wilson, LaMont Eakins and James Pilgrim.

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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Pittsburgh International Airport Building an Extraordinary DBE Program

A portunities

A

llegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) CEO Christina Cassotis told Jenee Oliver that she wasn’t looking for ‘business as usual’ in the DBE Program during her final interview to lead the agency’s DBE Program in June 2018. Cassotis said she wanted to create an exceptional DBE Program that opened opportunities to people the program was intended to serve. Oliver liked what she heard and joined ACAA as Manager of Business Development & Equity. Since then, Oliver has led the transformation of the DBE Program at ACAA’s two airports – Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport. The results have not gone unnoticed. The Federal Aviation Administration commended ACAA for several industry best practices during a recent review of the agency’s DBE Program.

The impact of the transformation is evident from the success of DBEs now participating in the PIT Terminal Modernization Program (TMP), a $1.4 billion project to renovate and redevelop the airport terminal to meet the future needs of the region. The TMP will

coming from a new infrastructure bill and other federal initiatives to address long-standing under-investment in highways, public transit, aviation and more critical needs. Ho Zoom during the virtual

half-day event.

build a new 700,000 square-foot-terminal facility, supported by a new multi-level parking garage and a new multi-modal ground transportation center. New roadway infrastructure will also connect the new facilities. The construction activity will add 14,300 direct and indirect jobs to the region and generate $2.5 billion in economic activity; and the program’s 14% DBE goal will result in nearly $196 million in business opportunities for diverse firms.

Cassotis and the rest of ACAA executive leadership are committed to ensuring that the economic opportunities and benefits of the TMP extend to all segments of the Greater Pittsburgh community. The CEO has taken an active role in working with Oliver to design and implement strategies to communicate ACAA’s commitment to inclusion and to ensure leadership’s commitment flows throughout the organization and to prime contractors working on the TMP and other ACAA contracts. Oliver said ACAA’s DBE Program is integrated throughout its processes. “We want to see DBEs integrated

into the whole airport ecosystem,” Oliver said. “It’s not just my vision, it’s the CEO and executive team that can make people do it. It is a part of everybody’s job. Everyone has the directive to make the DBE Program a priority.”

Artist rendering of the exterior of the new Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal that is under construction as a part of the Terminal Modernization Program.

Strategy #1 - Transformed Outreach One of the first strategies Oliver used to lead the transformation of the DBE Program was creating an effective outreach plan to introduce new firms to airport opportunities and invite them to participate. Prior to this effort, in many cases a small group of companies performed most of the DBE contracts at the airport. Cassotis and Oliver wanted to change this dynamic and recruit a wider variety of companies to participate in the program. “There was a belief in some communities that they could not work at the airport, so we had to get out and let people know that there are opportunities for them here,” Oliver said. / WINTER 2022

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Sixteen minority and women business owners attended graduation ceremonies for the seven-week DBE Bonding Education Series in November 2021. The program was hosted by PIT in partnership with Riverside Center for Innovation. (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Wright, Picture it Wright)

Oliver set out to remove this perception by hosting outreach meetings in six different communities across the Pittsburgh region with the goal of meeting companies in a comfortable environment and expressing a genuine desire for the airport to work with new companies. The meetings were a major success and attendance reached capacity at most sessions. The sessions, called “Are you Ready to Do Business with the Airport,” explained the types of work available at the airport; and reviewed the requirements necessary to access the opportunities.

Extensive outreach efforts continued in 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic swept across America. Oliver and her team offered one-on-one virtual meetings with DBE firms interested in doing business at the airport.

The team held one-hour meetings with 45 different firms to learn more about the companies, explain the types of business opportunities available at the airport, and guide them through the steps necessary to do business.

In addition to outreach meetings and events hosted by ACAA, Oliver and her team have participated in more than 50 events hosted by other community resources to discuss the opportunities for DBE firms to work at the airport. “We had to get out and meet people where they live; and it has made a big difference,” Oliver said.

Strategy #2: Transformed Preparation The second strategy to transform DBE Program opportunities was providing increased training and assistance to help

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firms prepare for the business opportunities. get involved, because they have heard about ACAA partnered with the USDOT Small other DBEs now getting opportunities at the Business Transportation Resource Center airport,” Oliver said. and other partners to launch the Bonding Education Program. The program provides Strategy #3: Transformative Results DBEs a better understanding of the surety bonding process and helps with preparing A crucial challenge to getting DBEs from a bonding application for a surety company. minority communities to engage with the “We host the bonding program 2 to 3 times airport was overcoming a lack of trust created a year, and we have seen firms get their first by prior major projects in the Pittsburgh bond and some increase [their] bonding region that promised opportunities, but capacity,” Oliver said. then didn’t deliver. Oliver was aware of Other programs developed by Oliver’s team these feelings in the community and wanted include a “Ready for Takeoff” session that to make sure the TMP did not repeat this included helping potential DBEs complete the mistake. The primary strategy to overcoming certification process and become registered this challenge was unbundling contracts to on the ACAA DBE Certification Directory, and create prime and subcontracting packages a “Meet the Primes” networking session to at a size DBEs could perform successfully. allow DBEs ready to compete for airport The unbundling strategy has driven the opportunities the chance to meet with prime contractors that were actively working on airport projects.

Some firms that graduated from the Bonding Education Program, completed their DBE certification, and attended the Meet the Primes session eventually landed contracts on ACAA projects.

Making the effort to educate firms on the process of doing work at the airport; and then helping companies complete the steps necessary to participate made a significant impact on the number and diversity of firms working at the airport. “When we go out to places now to talk about the airport, Jenee Oliver, Esq., Allegheny County Airport Authority people are interested and want to Manager of Business Diversity & Equity

airport’s success in opening opportunities to new DBEs and exceeding participation goals.

Oliver works closely with the construction management team of PJ Dick/Hunt and Turner Construction to identify scopes of work that DBEs have the capacity to perform successfully and to set contract goals that are obtainable yet challenging.

Instead of a few large contractors leading the construction of TMP projects, each project was separated into several packages, leading to the award of 15 different packages in 2021, and more packages to come in 2022. Each package has a DBE goal determined by the availability of companies to participate in the contract. “Some contracts have reached double or triple the DBE goals since the work was unbundled to sizes DBEs can manage,” Oliver said.

The TMP hit a major milestone in November 2021 when ACAA awarded its first prime contract to a DBE firm for the General Works bid package. The contract has a 30% goal, but the DBE plans to complete 100% of the work using its own forces or other DBE subcontractors. So far, every TMP package has exceeded the DBE goal set by ACAA. “There is a lot of work going on in the Pittsburgh area, but our mission is to make

Artist rendering of the interior of the new Pittsburgh International Airport Terminal that is under construction as a part of the Terminal Modernization Program.

the TMP the project of choice for DBEs in the region,” Oliver said. The mission seems to be working and DBEs are realizing the benefits of the commitment from ACAA and the TMP construction managers. At the end of the day, Oliver believes the greatest benefit to ACAA’s DBE Program is to move businesses in the region forward. “We want to actually move

the needle forward in the Pittsburgh region for minority businesses and the workforce, to change the trajectory of their lives. For whatever reason it didn’t happen before, but with this project we are making it happen.”

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SEEKING DIVERSE SUBCONTRACTORS & CONSULTANTS

FOR THREE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FAM Construction, LLC

Transform 66 Outside the Beltway, Northern Virginia

This project will transform 22.5 miles of Northern Virginia’s Interstate 66 between I-495/ Capital Beltway and U.S. Route 29 in Gainesville, VA into a multimodal corridor. The $2.3 billion design-build project will build two new express lanes alongside three general purpose lanes in each direction; auxiliary lanes where necessary, major interchange improvements, new expanded park and ride lots with more than 4,000 spaces, and multiple segments of a corridor-wide shared use path.

Contact dbeinfo@fam66.us for contracting opportunities or more information

North Tarrant Infrastructure, LLC (NTI)

North Tarrant Express 35W- Segment 3C, Denton County, Texas

NTI is building a new extension (segment 3C) to the North Tarrant Express in Texas worth $910 million. This segment will extend 6.7 miles from Heritage Trace Parkway, in Denton County. Existing lanes will be upgraded and will continue to be toll-free, while two tolled managed lanes each way will be built, as well as on-ramps. Construction is under way and the road is expected to be open by the end of 2023.

Contact DBEinfo@Ferrovial.com for contracting opportunities or more information

Grand Parkway Infrastructure

Texas SH 99 Grand Parkway Segments H, I1 and I2, Houston, Texas TxDOT awarded the design-build contract for two segments of SH 99 Grand Parkway to Grand Parkway Infrastructure – a joint venture between Ferrovial Agroman, Webber LLC and Granite Construction Inc. The segments begin north of Houston, TX in New Caney, TX and continue south for more than 52 miles to Baytown, TX; spanning four counties – Chambers, Harris, Liberty and Montgomery. The construction value of the project is approximately $900 million and has a 10% DBE goal.

Contact info@gpi-99.com for contracting opportunities or more information

POTENTIAL CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES* Barrier/Guardrail, Bridge Construction, Aggregate/Material Suppliers, Erosion Control/SWPPP, Concrete Structures, Drainage, MSE Walls/ Panels, Noise Walls, Misc. Design Services, Misc. Utilities Services, Traffic Control, Drilling (Sign Posts/Caissons), Utility Relocation Design**, Rebar , Flatwork, Electrical Work, Demolition- Exterior, Grading/ Earthworks, ITS and TCS Civil Work, Landscaping, Materials Testing, Lighting, Saw Cutting/Sealing, Striping, Steel Stud Walls, Utility Relocation**, Recycling/Milling, Paving, Excavation, Environmental, Geotechnical, Fencing, Misc.

Concrete Work, Technical Design Engineering, Signage, Surveying, Ready-mix Concrete, Traffic Supplies/Signals, Trucking/Hauling. *PLEASE NOTE: This list is not inclusive of all available opportunities, but a sampling of potential services that could be available on a project.

The opportunities available on specific projects may vary depending on the type, scope and size of the project. ** Additional pre-qualifications may be required for these services.

Register as a vendor to prepare for bidding opportunities

fcc.diversitycompliance.com

Contact the email address for each project listed above for specific contracting opportunities.

However, for general questions about the Ferrovial Agroman Diverse Business Program email DBEinfo@ferrovial.com

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AIRPORTS

Eboni Wimbush

Takes the Helm of AMAC as President & CEO

Eboni Wimbush, AMAC President and CEO

The Airport Minority Advisory Council selected Eboni Wimbush as its new president and CEO after a national search during the summer and fall of 2021. Wimbush assumed her new role in October 2021 and is prepared to lead the organization forward as the country comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic and looks forward to new opportunities from the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November 2021.

In a formal statement, she said: “I am honored to be selected as AMAC’s next President & CEO at such a pivotal moment in history. The organization connects my early passion, interest and education in aviation along with my dedication to creating a positive, lasting impact for

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women and disadvantaged communities. I am ready to serve and prepared to lead and position AMAC for the future – working with the AMAC Board of Directors and National Office to be the voice at the table and to create opportunities and economic mobility for our members.”—Eboni Wimbush, President & CEO, AMAC Wimbush most recently served as the Deputy Director of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success. She was responsible for advancing all the work across the agency including building and implementing the strategies and systems to operationalize the City’s $100 million eviction prevention program in response to the global pandemic as well as leading the agency’s contracting, Human Resources, grant compliance and equity strategy.

Previously, Wimbush served as Chief of Staff at Baltimore City Department of Transportation, where she was responsible for the Office of Communications, the Office of Legislative Affairs and External Affairs.

Additionally, she served as a key advisor to the director in overseeing the day-to-day management, operations and performance activities of the agency’s 1,250 employees and $250 million budget.

Prior to joining Baltimore City and over a span of two decades, Wimbush had a distinguished private sector career with Fortune 500 companies including FedEx

Corporation, Johnson Controls and Siemens where she held leadership roles and gained a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in developing and building energy infrastructure projects and delivering outcomes.

“Eboni is no stranger to AMAC and brings a wealth of transportation and related leadership and management experience and education. I have been able to witness Eboni’s work over the last few years and am very excited to have her take the helm of AMAC. I am confident that she will bring exceptional leadership to the AMAC National Office and lead our efforts to execute AMAC’s mission.

Furthermore, she will serve as a highlyrespectable and credible representative of AMAC throughout the membership and the industry.”—Ricky Smith, Chair, AMAC Board of Directors, and CEO, Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport.

A Conversation with AMAC’s Eboni Wimbush

You’ve been in place for about a month now, what’s been your biggest surprise of assuming leadership of AMAC? The Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) has such a rich history and legacy, and I had the honor and privilege to meet one of the founding members during my first business trip to Atlanta. He retold several early stories about the impetus for forming what we now know as AMAC. The sense of dedication and commitment to enhancing business opportunities for minorities and women was profound.

Over the first 45 days, I’ve had a chance to meet numerous members. I’m humbled and surprised that the passion and deep commitment are still palpable today.

Although the aviation industry came to a near standstill during the pandemic —having a devastating economic impact on members —the Board and committee members were hard at work developing strategic initiatives to position AMAC and its members to survive and re-emerge stronger for post-pandemic success.

how to do business at airports to public

policy issues impacting the entire aviation What do DBEs and ACDBEs in at our 37th Annual AMAC Business the airport industry need to do industry Diversity Conference in Chicago in June 2022. to capitalize on the business opportunities from the new What’s your leadership style infrastructure bill? and what can AMAC members expect from your leadership?

The historic investment into our nation’s infrastructure – particularly airports – marks a monumental opportunity to fuel AMAC’s mission of advancing the full participation of minorities and women in employment and contracting opportunities throughout the aviation industry.

AMAC is diligently working on behalf of our diverse members through our advocacy efforts, critical programming, and vast networking opportunities to position our members to receive economic equity throughout this transformation of America’s infrastructure that is to come from this generational investment.

DBEs and ACDBEs will need to develop a strategy to capitalize on the projects that will flow down from the infrastructure bill, and it starts with strengthening their overall business infrastructure by investing in their people and processes so they can scale. Additionally, they should look to organizations like AMAC for training, resources and support.

I’m a collaborative, action-oriented leader. Over the first 100 days, members can expect that I will focus on listening to their needs and unique challenges to effectively advocate on their behalf and to ensure AMAC programming is timely and relevant.

Who most inspires you in your career and why?

There have been many people throughout my career who have inspired me, in particular, two black women are top of mind.

Early in my career, I was inspired by Joy Clarke Holmes, the first African American woman to become Regional Manager for Johnson Controls Energy Solutions division.

Joy was a master business strategist and led one of the most successful regions in the country for JCI. More recently, I was inspired by Tisha Edwards, former Executive Director for Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Children & Family Success. Tisha’s drive and commitment to excellence for the citizens of Baltimore City were unmatched.

While both of these women were individually successful, what inspired me most was their intentional focus on setting the bar high and opening the door for women and minorities; so they did not sit at the top alone.

How do you plan to move AMAC and the airport industry forward under your leadership?

Redefining Aviation Opportunities is our upcoming conference theme. To best position our membership for the future, I will be focused on increased engagement, increased support and increased innovation —while embracing the inclusiveness of all underrepresented businesses.

What are your top three goals for AMAC as we enter 2022?

AMAC’s mission is more important than ever today. My top three goals as we enter 2022 include: Realize our mission through advocacy by remaining the dominant voice on legislative and policy matters pertaining to diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry.

Lead our organization through transformation by launching some exciting new initiatives for our members including a Regional Chapters initiative and a few others that will be announced in 2022.

Leverage our strengths and guide our team through the development of critical programming to improve our value to our members.

Plus … do what we are exceptional at … connecting over 1,000 businesses, aviation professionals, government officials and individuals from around the country to discuss a variety of subjects ranging from

From left: Ricky Smith, AMAC Board Chair and CEO, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; Karen Ellis, Chief Customer Experience Officer, San Antonio International Airport; Jamie Rhee, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation; Dawn Hunter, Director of Aviation Commercial Management, Seattle Tacoma International Airport; Tonja Pastorelle, President, Pastorelle Marketing; and Eboni Wimbush, AMAC President & CEO, attend a December 2021 stakeholders’ reception for the 2022 Airport Business Diversity Conference in Chicago. / WINTER 2022

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What are you most passionate about as a leader?

To whom much is given, much will be required.

I have been blessed with great opportunities and people who have invested in me throughout my career. This sparked a passion and desire to give back and support women and underrepresented communities.

My desire to have a deep impact led me from a long, successful corporate career with FedEx Corporation, Johnson Controls and Siemens to serving the citizens of Baltimore City as a senior leader in government.

AMAC’s vision to create economic equity, access and wealth for minorities and women in aviation connects my early passion for aviation and my deep desire to have a lasting impact. I wake up excited about the future of the organization. The vision is what fuels and drives me every day!

What is one thing people probably don’t know about you?

At 16 years old, I attended the Negro Airmen International Summer Flight Academy at Tuskegee University, received guidance from Chief Anderson (known to some as the Father of Black Aviation), and soloed a single-engine airplane.

What is the greatest area of need to increase equity and inclusion in the airport industry?

Access to capital remains one of the greatest areas of need to increase equity and inclusion in airport contracting opportunities.

What are some areas of opportunity for airport leaders and ACDBE/DBE firms to increase their participation in the industry?

Airports are typically the largest economic engine for a community, and airport development is closely linked to economic development in the surrounding area. With billions of dollars of infrastructure projects in development, the opportunities are countless and vast.

AMAC will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to exchange ideas, share entrepreneurship best practices, and seek innovation in airport Diversity & Inclusion during our Economic Opportunity & Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 2022.

Bonus Question: Where is the coolest place you have been while traveling?

Rome, but more specifically an in-depth tour of the Colosseum. The engineering feat is mind-blowing!

Don’t Miss A Single Issue Subscribe Today!

Visit us at:

www.AmericanDBE.com 36

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T

he Kansas City International Airport New workshops, they are eligible to be employed by any of the large contractors working on the New Terminal project, either on the new terminal or on an

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TRANSIT

APTA Honors Trailblazers Delon Hampton and A. Bradley Mims at 2021 APTA Expo

Delon Hampton, Ph.D, P.E. was posthumously inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame. Accepting the award in his honor is Hampton’s wife Sonia, and Mamo Assefa, P.E. (left), President and Chair of the board of Delon Hampton & Associates. APTA Business Member Board of Governors Chair Eve Williams and Vice Chair Buddy Coleman presented the award.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored the legacy and accomplishments of educator and entrepreneur Delon Hampton through a posthumous induction into its Hall of Fame; and the contributions of A. Bradley Mims through its Distinguished Service Award at the 2021 APTA Expo in Orlando, Florida. APTA’s Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have long and distinguished careers in the transportation industry and who have actively participated in APTA activities. The Distinguished Service Award honors individuals for significant contribution to public transportation through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership.

APTA held the 2021 APTA Honors Program on Nov. 9 during its Expo. Delon Hampton’s wife Sonia and Mamo Assefa, principal, president and chair of the board of Delon Hampton & Associates received the award in honor of Mr. Hampton; and A. Bradley Mims attended the event to receive his award.

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Delon Hampton Hall of Fame Life and Career

The late Delon Hampton, Ph.D., P.E., founder of Delon Hampton & Associates Inc.

Hampton’s engineering career as an entrepreneur and educator spanned more than 45 years, and he was a trailblazer in business and the classroom. He founded Delon Hampton & Associates Inc. (DHA) in Washington, D.C. in 1973. DHA is a top design firm specializing in civil, structural and environmental engineering, and construction and program management and planning services. Hampton was chair of the firm until 2018 and led the firm to many years of

growth and success. Under his leadership, the firm expanded to open branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; Memphis, Tennessee; Silver Spring, Maryland; Champaign-Urbana, Illinois; and Baltimore, Maryland. DHA had nearly 250 employees at its peak; and won contracts for such highprofile projects as the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, international airports in Atlanta and D.C., and Metrorail projects in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Hampton was a civil engineering assistant professor at Kansas State University, and while on leave from Kansas State University, he served for a year as head of soil dynamics research at the University of New Mexico’s Eric H. Wang Research Facility in Albuquerque.

He joined the faculty of Howard University as a full professor in 1968, where he would teach, conduct research and publish papers for 25 years.

Dr. Hampton is a Chapter Honor Member of Chi Epsilon, the national civil engineering honor society, and an Eminent Engineer member of Tau Beta Pi, the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. He authored more than 40 papers and has received two honorary doctorate degrees for his dedication and services to the engineering profession.

Dr. Hampton earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University, and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

He received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1954 from the University of Illinois. He went on to earn his master’s (1958) and doctorate (1961) degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. Hampton was a Chapter Honor Member of Chi Epsilon.

Purdue University honored Hampton by renaming its civil engineering classroom building to Delon & Elizabeth Hampton Hall in 2012 after he made a $7.5 million gift to the School of Engineering.

Eve Williams, APTA Board Member Board of Governors Chair and President and CEO of Dikita Enterprises Inc. said: “I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of another legend. Delon was a trailblazer for so many, especially to African American engineers.

The proliferation of many civil engineering firms across the country in the 1980s can be attributed to Delon Hampton & Associates.

He was a teacher, mentor, and role model to many engineers and businesses, myself included. My father and I studied his success template when we started our business in 1979. It is not surprising that he was the first African American BMBG chair – I guess I’m still following in his footsteps.”

Delon Hampton passed away in January 2021 after facing Alzheimer’s disease in his final years. He was 87 years old.

Bradley Mims Dedicated to Service Mims assumed his post as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Deputy Administrator in February of 2021. Mims has an extensive record of public service. He served as the head of government relations for the FAA during the Clinton Administration. He served as a transportation staffer for members of Congress in his early career (representing Congressman John Lewis—GA and Julian Dixon—CA); and served as a congressional liaison for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Mims has dedicated his career to serving as an advocate for diversity and inclusiveness

in the transportation industry. He served as President & CEO of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) from 2016– 2021. COMTO is a 50-year-old organization dedicated to ensuring maximum participation of minorities in transportation. During his tenure, Mims advanced the organization’s mission of promoting better conditions and circumstances by which representatives of all minority groups may achieve meaningful representation, participation, and beneficial results within the multi-modal transportation industry.

Mims is a former member of the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Board of Directors, after receiving an appointment by the governor of Maryland. He also served as the co-chair of the Dulles Corridor and Finance Committees, as well as chair of the Nominations Committee.

A. Bradley Mims (l), Federal Aviation Administration Deputy Administrator, receives the APTA Distinguished Service Award from Richard W. Andreski, bureau chief of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau of Public Transportation.

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American Diverse Business Enterprise Magazine American DBE Magazine is the premiere information and marketing publication for businesses, administrators and stakeholders in programs supporting the growth and success of minority- and women-owned companies in the transportation and infrastructure industry.

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civil/highway

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Increase Federal Highway Funding

D

isadvantaged Business Enterprises across the nation hope to see increased contract opportunities from the passage of the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as states get additional funding for highway and bridge improvement projects. President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) into law on Nov. 15, 2021, and states are already beginning to utilize the increased funding. This legislation is the largest longterm investment in America’s infrastructure and economy in history, providing $550 billion over fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in additional federal investment in roads, bridges, mass transit, water infrastructure, resilience and broadband.

The law also reauthorizes the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, which mandates that each state and other recipients

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of federal funding from this law implement the DBE Program to provide opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned businesses to participate in contracts. The law states “the testimony and documentation received by Congress provides a strong basis that there is a compelling need for the continuation of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program to address race and gender discrimination in surface transportation-related business.”

The law maintains the federal DBE Goal of “at least ten percent of the amounts made available for any program funded by the law (other than section 14004), division C, and section 403 of title 23, United States Code, shall be expended through small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.”

Congress also included a “Sense of Congress”

resolution in the law urging the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to take additional steps to ensure recipients comply with section 26.29 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (the disadvantaged business enterprise prompt payment rule). It states, “these steps should include increasing the ability of the U.S. Department of Transportation to track and keep records of complaints and to make the information publicly available.” Congress will often use a Sense of Congress resolution to stress a policy priority for government agencies – but has no force in law. The addition of the language in the law is likely the result of ongoing complaints

to U.S. Congress members across the country about delayed payments to subcontractors on federal highway projects.

Increased Funding to FHWA for Infrastructure Improvement The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding for three key areas of infrastructure improvements: Highway and Bridges Improvements, Broadband Infrastructure and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. It provides an investment of $350 billion in Federal Highway Administration programs, including the largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the Interstate Highway System. The new level of funding represents a 21% increase to the Highway Trust Fund to upgrade roads and bridges.

The law also creates a Broadband Infrastructure Deployment final rule allowing for the installation of broadband during road construction projects, alongside other utilities, to avoid the need for further excavation in the future.

Often referred to as “dig once,” this approach seeks

to alleviate additional cost and disruption to the traveling public.

Finally, the law creates two programs to advance the availability of electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

The National Electric Vehicle Formula Program funds the development Authorized Highway Trust Fund of an interconnected Expenditures (other than the network of EV charging Mass Transit Account) for the stations along highway federal-aid highway program in corridors. Each state will receive a percentage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law the funding calculated based on its population size and the size of its highway system. The vision for this aspect of the law is to make it easier for interstate travelers to use electric vehicles by creating a more integrated system along major U.S. interstate highways.

The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure discretionary grant program will make funding available to improve public access to electrical

2022 ....... $52,488,065,375 2023 ....... $53,537,826,683 2024 ....... $54,608,583,217 2025 ....... $55,700,754,881 2026 ....... $56,814,769,844

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vehicle charging and hydrogen, propane and natural gas fueling stations along designated alternative fuel corridors or other community locations accessible to drivers. “These two programs represent the first-ever national investment in EV charging infrastructure and reflect the Administration’s commitment to combating climate change,” Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack said. “Both programs will make EV charging more convenient and provide current and potential car owners with the confidence that they can get their vehicles charged whenever and wherever it’s needed.”

New FHWA Website for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Communication FHWA launched a new website in December 2021, designed for transportation agencies, communities and stakeholders interested in learning more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The new website, https:// www.fhwa.dot.gov/bipartisan-infrastructurelaw/ serves as a one-stop shop online for transportation agencies and others interested in learning more about new and existing FHWA programs, as well as how to apply for grants and other discretionary funding opportunities available under the new law.

“FHWA is committed to providing easily accessible information on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the first of many steps we’re taking to deliver the largest transportation investment in generations,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Stephanie Pollack. “As this website is expanded and updated it will be a great asset for states, counties, cities, towns and tribes seeking to take advantage of both formula and grant programs to modernize their infrastructure, improve safety and create good paying jobs.”

FHWA also issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit suggestions from the public and stakeholders on how best to facilitate FHWA’s implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The RFI states, “In order to make the most of the BIL’s historic investment and opportunities, FHWA is seeking your input on the FHWA-related sections of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” The RFI, published on Dec. 1, 2021, in the Federal Register, can be viewed at https:// public-inspection. federalregister. gov/2021-26145.pdf.

Pollack said, “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can improve infrastructure, the environment, equity and the quality of life for millions of Americans; but to realize its full potential we need to hear from the public, especially on how FHWA should address the opportunities and challenges associated with both changes to existing programs and the creation of new programs.”

Above: Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) (right) shared his insights on the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo in Orlando, Florida, on Nov. 9, 2021.

Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter (left) moderated the discussion.

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ADVERTISER LISTING Page 1: Corporate Environmental Risk Management (CERM)

Page 24: Hampton Road Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Page 25: Austin Commercial

Page 3: Lane Construction

Page 28: CKL Engineers, LLC

Page 5: PR Pros, LLC

Page 31: Ako Kambon

Page 7: Messer Construction

Page 32: Charlotte Area Transit System

Page 8: City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities

Page 33: Ferrovial Construction

Page 9: Michigan Department of Transportation

Page 37: Chicago Transit Authority

Page 12: Ken Weeden & Assoc/National DBE Training Inst.

Page 41: Columbus Urban League

Page 13: Smoot Construction DC

Page 49: Michael Freilich Consulting

Page 16: Houston Airport System

Page 51: Virginia Department of Transportation

Page 17: Institute Capital

Page 51: Colette Holt & Associates

Page 18: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Back Cover: B2G Now

Page 19: Griffin & Strong P.C.

2022 Upcoming National Events

Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation March 16, 2022; Washington, DC https://comtonational.org/cwwmn/

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council 2022 WBENC National Conference June 6-9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia https://www.wbenc.org/calendar/2022-wbenc-national-conference/

Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) AMAC Economic Opportunity and Policy Forum March 21, 2022; Washington, DC https://amacforum.com/

American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA) National Training Institute August 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina http://accaweb.org/nti/2022nti.html

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) 94th Annual AAAE Conference & Exposition June 5-8, 2022; Seattle, Washington https://aaae.org/AAAE/AAAESEA/Home.aspx

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) APTA’s TRANSform Conference October 9-12, 2022; Seattle, Washington https://www.apta.com/conferences-events/

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council 2022 WBENC National Conference June 6-9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia https://www.wbenc.org/calendar/2022-wbenc-nationalconference/

American Association of Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) 2022 AASHTO Annual Meeting October 18-24, 2022; Orlando, Florida https://www.transportation.org/

Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) 37th Annual AMAC Airport Business Diversity Conference June 20–23, 2022; Chicago, Illinois https://www.amac-org.com/event/2022-amac-annual-conference/ / WINTER 2022

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

National Association of Minority Contractors Hosts 52nd Annual National Conference in New York Annual Meeting Connects DBE/MWBE/VDBE Construction Contractors, Owners and Government Agencies The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) hosted its 52nd Annual National Conference in partnership with the NAMC New York Tri-State Chapter on Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15, 2021. The hybrid event featured speakers, presenters, and attendees from across the industry and the nation. One of the highlights of the conference was the global discussion surrounding the disparity and underutilization of minority women contractors in corporate and public agency MWBE/DBE numbers as well as the overutilization of SBE participation in the small business program.

“We wanted to share with our New York Tri-State MWBEs the importance of showing up and connecting with decision makers and thought leaders in the public and private sectors,” Nayan Parikh, NAMC NY Tri-State Chapter President and National Conference Co-Chair said. “The Annual Conference in New York City gives national mentoring and training opportunities and the relationships our local businesses need to thrive.”

Panel discussions also included minority supplier opportunities; the federal infrastructure bill; how to advocate on behalf of minority contractor concerns with local, state and federal lawmakers; navigating job order contracting and other alternative contract delivery methods.

Featured speakers included USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg; USDOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg; Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ), Chair, House

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Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials; the Honorable Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, New York State Assembly Members Jenifer Rajkumar and Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn; and Rick Cotton, Executive Director, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Presenters included New York State Lt. Governor Brian Benjamin, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Gregory Russ (NYCHA), and Jamie TorresSpringer, New York City Department of Design and Construction.

“NAMC is focused on developing our student chapters and connecting our major corporate partners and minority business members for the mutual benefit of building and thriving together,” said Wendell Stemley, NAMC Emeritus Director, National Conference Co-Chair, and Founder/CEO, Black IPO, Inc. “We are developing NAMC diversity as a business model more than a charitable effort.”

Right: Nayan Parikh, president of NAMC New York Tri-State Chapter (left), recognizes Gordon Tung, New York City School Construction Authority, and New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin during the National Conference.

(Photo courtesy of NAMC)

Opposite: Nayan Parikh, president of NAMC New York Tri-State Chapter (far right), recognizes public officials during the national conference. From left: Jamie Torres-Springer, NYCDDC; Gregory Russ, NYCHA; Jennifer Rajkumar, NY Assembly Member (D38); Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, NY Assembly Member (D42); New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson; and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

(Photo courtesy of NAMC)

Above: Wendell R. Stemley, NAMC Conference Co-Chair (left), talks with (former) New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio during the NAMC Annual Conference. (Photo courtesy of NAMC)

2021 NAMC Gala Dinner Award Recipients 2021 NAMC Silent Heroes Awarded to the top MBEs and professionals who helped reopen New York City Magalie D. Austin, New York City Mayor’s Office of MWBEs Sharon Berger, Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, P.C. Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City Brian DeGaray, Pyramid Floor Covering, Inc. Christine Flaherty, New York City Health and Hospitals Wayne Lambert, New York City Dept of Design and Construction Robert McCloud, The McCloud Group Nayan Parikh, Ashnu International Virginia Pugliese, Gilbane Building Company Bijan Radafshar, The LiRo Group Bert Rahm, Turner Construction Nishant Shah, TDX Construction Corporation George Toma, STV Gordon Tung, New York City School Construction Authority Suzanne Veira, New York City School Construction Authority

2021 NAMC Minority Trade Contractor of the Year Marinder Singh, Gravity Construction Corporation

2021 Conference Sponsors

2021 NAMC Bridge Inspection and Bridge Design Excellence Abul Islam, AI Engineers, Inc.

Black IPO

2021 NAMC Outstanding Work in the Aviation Industry Steven Belletti, STV George Guillaume, Delta Airlines Arkebia Matthews, AECOM Hunt Alok Sakena, United Airlines 2021 NAMC Urban Design Build Team of the Year Steinberg Hart, Architect PCL Constructors, General Contractor Black IPO, CM Live Well Center County of San Diego, Project Owner 2021 NAMC Parren J. Mitchell Advocacy Award Monique Young, One Accord Services 2021 NAMC Legacy Builder Award Richard Copeland, Thor Construction

AI Engineers Ashnu International Caesars Entertainment CAFCO Delta Air Lines FI Electrical Corporation Gilbane Building Company Google Gravity Construction Corporation Home Depot PRO Leading Factor McDaniels Construction McKissack & McKissack Milwaukee Tool Penda Aiken, Inc. Procore Pyramid Floor Covering STV Swinerton Builders TDX Construction The LiRo Group

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

C

ongratulations! Achieving certification as a DBE or ACDBE is no small feat. Certification offers valuable opportunities nationwide; however, all the rules, regulations and guidance don’t do any good if DBEs can’t get any work. So how do business owners pursue and close their first contract and achieve or maintain success? This article addresses those key issues.

There are many great resources to assist DBEs and ACDBEs. For example, there are 11 regional Small Business Technical Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRCs) funded by the USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (www.transportation.gov/ osdbu/sbtrcs). Among other things, SBTRCs provide business counseling and procurement technical assistance at no cost.

Joe Jackson is the president of the Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance and for the last 18 years has served as the Executive Director of the Mid-South Atlantic SBTRC. Jackson said, “Our goal is to assist small businesses in winning federally funded transportation contracts.” He continued that when they come to an SBTRC, DBEs should have their financial information in order and be prepared to complete an intake form – which includes an assessment of their capability and capacity.

He advised that firms must figure out what they do best and then the SBTRCs can provide them counseling to determine what they need most and help them to increase their visibility.

Furthermore, SBTRC staff supports clients in connecting with a local commercial banker and sharpening their business plan messaging.

Also, firms must make sure they know how to identify the best opportunity, since picking the wrong deal can lead to failure.

Jackson said that his staff encourages firms to attend information sessions, outreach events and pre-bid meetings to increase their professional network. He recommends that small businesses position themselves based on past performance, capabilities and capacity. The Resource Centers also assist small businesses with obtaining access to capital and provide bonding education programs so firms can manage and pay for projects.

As a small business, is it worth the effort to contact an SBTRC? According to Jackson, with

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Getting Your Foot in The Door

By Michael Freilich

SBTRC assistance, nearly 70% of clients have been successful in increasing their capability and capacity. Jackson stresses his key points: a) small businesses should get certified, b) they must fully engage in their initial business analysis, and c) must be truly committed to growing their business.

Another great resource is the Matchmaking component of the FAA Civil Rights Connect System (faa.civilrightsconnect.com). This tool connects DBEs and ACDBEs with highway, transit and airport opportunities nationwide.

Justin Talbot-Stern is the CEO of B2GNow, which provides diversity management solutions to large organizations across the country. He was approached by the author of this article years ago to create a system to match DBEs and ACDBEs with federally funded transportation opportunities. This grew into the current overarching transportation civil rights compliance mechanism now used by multiple agencies.

Talbot-Stern said, “The technology is great for firms to find and bid on opportunities and for recipients to verify certified DBEs and ACDBEs within needed NAICS codes.”

Hundreds of firms have created matchmaking profiles for automated connections to posted

opportunities. Without something like the Matchmaking function of the FAA Civil Rights Connect System, firms invariably get too many emails, most of which may not be relevant.

There are currently almost 50,000 DBE and ACDBE firms nationally, which is double the number from 10 years ago, and B2GNow is always seeing new firms in the system. To date, thousands of opportunities have been posted and there have been more than 1 million views of the underlying DBE directory and bid board.

According to tracking and metrics for the FAA system, disadvantaged firms have confirmed nearly $150 billion in contract payments and concession receipts.

The airport car rental business is a world unto itself. How do DBEs/ACDBEs break into that industry? Lynn Boccio is president of THE LYNNK, which provides consulting regarding supply chain diversity, and former Vice President of Strategic Business and Diversity Relations for the Avis Budget Group Inc., a leading car rental company. She said, “You need to really know what you are getting into,” including making sure you understand the DBE and ACDBE programs so you can flourish.

Boccio suggests that businesses have a pitch for their company that is brief but

impactful. Contractors and agencies want you to benefit them, so remember your certification brings value; but don’t forget how critical it is to distinguish yourself from others. Small businesses should use targeted marketing – focusing on where they are positioned to do work and where they have capabilities to perform. Also, they should look at each airport as its own world even though they are all under the same regulations. She also suggested to conduct business assessments, understand insurance requirements, understand the proactivity level of the airport, as well as demonstrate how to potentially tie in to national contracts. Finally, networking is very important, so DBEs and ACDBEs should participate in conferences not just to learn more about the program, but also to find out about upcoming projects, new terminals, etc.

Boccio concluded that it is important to do some self-reflection after receiving an initial contract by assessing what worked and where improvements can be made in preparation for the next contract with the necessary modifications.

Starting up is important, but so is flexibility and growth. Darryl Daniels is the CEO and founding partner of Jacobsen Daniels, a professional consulting services firm specializing in services for the aviation industry. Daniels stressed the importance of networking, stating that the three most important aspects of getting started are “relationships, relationships, relationships.”

This will make companies attractive to a prime, who may offer opportunities and referrals and help to navigate the airport environment.

Just submitting a bid and hoping for the best will not get most companies very far. Daniels cautioned that it’s not just about the number of relationships, but also about the quality of relationships and the level of trust.

Trade association conferences, such as those sponsored by the Airport Minority Advisory Council, provide valuable networking opportunities for small businesses (see AMACorg.com). It is also critical to understand the DBE/ACDBE programs and how airports implement them to best meet a potential customer’s particular needs.

Daniels said that after DBEs have been in business for a while, future growth may depend on the willingness to stretch beyond their comfort zone. This means being able to identify new and different opportunities, narrow them down to the best ones, and then develop the necessary core competencies to compete and thrive. Using this strategy, Jacobsen Daniels was

able to move from a planning firm into various operational functions. Once they established themselves at more and more sites, they were able to compete as a successful prime and become less reliant on their DBE/ACDBE status. Again, this requires good relationships with primes that want to work and partner in multiple locations.

Like all businesses, DBEs and ACDBEs face challenges getting their first contracts.

Although the DBE/ACDBE community certainly has unique challenges, the other side of the coin is that there are very specific and potentially very lucrative opportunities.

In summary, think about what you love to do, what you are best at, who you know, and don’t forget to ask for help. If you are diligent, determined and distinguish yourself, you will be well-positioned to create your own success.

Good luck!

Michael Freilich has 30 years of federal civil rights experience, most recently as a senior national-level leader overseeing all matters of airport civil rights compliance. He is now the owner of Michael Freilich Consulting (MichaelFreilichConsulting.com), offering assistance to clients on DBE/ ACDBE, disability, and other civil rights requirements. He can be reached at MichaelFreilichConsulting@gmail.com or (703) 501-2125.

Experienced Airport and Transportation Civil Rights/DBE/ACDBE Compliance We provide a full array of consulting and advisory services with national level relationships and expertise developing industry-wide systems and products.

20992 Shadow Rock Lane Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 (703) 501-2125 MichaelFreilichConsulting@gmail.com MichaelFreilichConsulting.com

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

American Contract Compliance Association Recognizes Franklin M. Lee The American Contract Compliance Association has recognized Franklin M. Lee, a partner at Tydings & Rosenberg LLP, with its 2021 Parren J. Mitchell Crusader Award.

Mr. Lee received the award for his steadfast service as an instructor and advocate for contract compliance officials who have been attending ACCA’s National Training Institutes for the past 35 years.

The award is named in honor of the late Maryland Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, who is a revered national icon for minority business enterprises. Affectionately known as “the Godfather of Minority Business Enterprise,” Congressman Mitchell was a tireless and fierce advocate for economic inclusion who devoted his entire 16-year Congressional career to such advocacy, as well as the passage of trailblazing federal legislation on behalf of small and minority-owned businesses.

For nearly 40 years now, Mr. Lee has strived to follow Congressman Mitchell’s example of principled public service and leadership, fighting to provide equity and opportunity for all minority business entrepreneurs.

In his law practice, Mr. Lee represents businesses in navigating the intricacies of minority and disadvantaged business policies and regulations. In addition to his work with MBE/WBE clients, Mr. Lee advises major corporate clients regarding compliance with socio-economic government policies, regulations, and programs. Finally, Mr. Lee’s representation extends to government clients regarding the development of various effective and legally defensible procurement and public contracting policies.

There has been broad recognition of Mr. Lee’s achievements through the years, including his appointment to the Maryland Governor’s Commission on MBE Reform in 2003; his receipt of: the Unsung Hero Award from the Maryland Office of Minority Affairs in 2005; the 2007 Founder’s Award from the University of

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Franklin M. Lee, Esq.

Maryland School of Law’s Black Law Student Association, the 2008 President’s Award from the Greater Baltimore Committee Bridging the Gap Initiative; the 2008 Congressman Parren J. Mitchell Vanguard for Justice Award from the Top 100 Minority Business Enterprise, the

2009 Legal Elite recognition from SmartCEO Magazine, and the 2013 Leadership in Law Award from The Daily Record.

Source: Tydings & Rosenberg LLP Press Release on September 21, 2021

Franklin Lee teaches a training session at the American Contract Compliance Association National Training Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, in August 2019.

Colette Holt & Associates provides legal counsel and consulting services to governments and businesses.

Colette Holt & Associates is a firm of nationally recognized experts in conducting disparity studies and designing, implementing and defending successful affirmative action programs.

• Minority / Women / Disadvantaged Business Programs • Affirmative Action and Compliance Consulting and Training • Disparity and Availability Studies • Speaking and Presentation Services • Expert Witness Services • General Counsel to American Contract Compliance Association

(773) 255-6844 • colette.holt@mwbelaw.com • www.mwbelaw.com / WINTER 2022

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