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ODOT targets small businesses with statewide contracting program
Sept. 17, 2007
For more information, contact Karen Jones-Jackley (503) 986-6608
Request for Qualifications available statewide beginning Sept. 17
The Oregon Department of Transportation is launching the statewide rollout of a program aimed at increasing contracting opportunities for Oregon small businesses. Successfully piloted in the Portland metropolitan area, the Small Contracting Program for Professional and Technical Services is being launched statewide Sept. 17, 2007.
The Small Contracting Program simplifies the procurement process so that firms can register to be selected as prime consultants for ODOT contracts valued at $74,990 or less annually. To participate, small firms across the state are encouraged to complete a Request for Qualifications on ORPIN, the Oregon Procurement Information Network Web site, at http://orpin.oregon.gov. The RFQ consists of a short registration form that requests basic information about the firm, its employees and its experience.
Once a small business has completed the RFQ process, it is added to a list of firms eligible to be selected for agency work in a variety of disciplines.
The Small Contracting Program was initially implemented as a pilot program in the Portland metropolitan area. Through the pilot program, more than 160 firms have been registered in a broad range of disciplines. To date, 10 firms are under contract through this program, with a total dollar value of nearly $750,000. Five additional contracts are in the development stage and are expected to boost the contracted value to well over $1 million.
Firms already registered as part of the pilot program do not need to reregister.
“We’re making a concerted effort to find opportunities within our projects that better suit local business communities’ ability to compete,” said Director Matt Garrett. “The importance of this opportunity for the growth of small business in transportation cannot be overstated. These businesses help strengthen the state’s economy, create jobs, and bring diversity and innovation to the transportation table. Put simply, this is good for small businesses, good for ODOT and good for the state.”
The Small Contracting Program is part of ODOT’s ongoing, statewide effort to develop the state’s workforce through on-the-job training and apprenticeships; contract with more women-, minority-owned and emerging small businesses; and increase diversity throughout the agency, its consultants and the contracted workforce.
To learn more about ODOT’s Small Contracting Program, visit the Web site.
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