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City of Toledo
Seeks MBE Firms for 2017 Construction Projects
The arrival of spring and summer means the beginning of
construction season, and the City of Toledo encourages
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) firms to learn more about
approximately $175 million in project opportunities
available within the City this year.
All MBE contracting firms are encouraged to attend a free
informational outreach and networking event on Monday, May
8, at the Main Branch of the Toledo Lucas County Public
Library. The event will be held in the McMaster Center and
begin at 5 p.m. with refreshments and networking. The
presentation will start at 5:30 p.m.
“The City of Toledo is committed to economic inclusion and
is intentional in its efforts to partner with MBE
companies,” said Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson. “There are many
opportunities for firms to be involved with the City this
year, and we encourage general contractors, subcontractors
and suppliers to attend this informational event.”
There are a variety of projects available for firms of all
sizes and capabilities opening for bid at the Collins Park
Water Treatment Plant, Toledo Waterways Initiative and the
City’s Division of Engineering Services, Division of
Facility and Fleet Operations and Department of
Neighborhoods.
“The goals of the event are to educate contractors about the
types of projects available this year and outline the MBE
certification, pre-qualification and bidding processes,”
said Calvin Brown, director of the Office of Diversity and
Inclusion. “We want to include all segments of the
community, and we encourage MBE/WBE firms to become
certified.”
The evening also serves as a networking event for MBE firms
to develop relationships that could lead to collaborative
work.
“It’s always a plus when contractors can pool their
resources to make the most of available opportunities,” said
Warren Henry, program manager in the Department of Public
Utilities. “Small firms that secure subcontracting work on
larger projects and take the lead on smaller jobs like
excavation, trucking, mechanical and electrical services and
finishing work are able to build capacity and continue to
grow.”
Brown said there is help available for MBE firms wishing to
explore work opportunities with the City.
“We don’t want business owners to be intimidated by the
certification and bidding,” Brown said. “There is help
available to walk them step-by-step through the process and
navigate the contract requirements.”
John Brock, PE, and Sylvester Gould, JD, principal owners of
MBE engineering firm Consulting Services Logistics (CSL),
said they are working closely with the City and URS/AECOM
for the upgrades underway at the Collins Park Water
Treatment Plant.
“CSL has had a very positive relationship with the City of
Toledo and the Collins Park Water Treatment Program,” Gould
said. “The opportunity to be a part of the program has been
rewarding and is an example of MBE participation by local
professional firms.”
Attendees are asked to bring their Capability Statement.
Contractors seeking more information or who want to RSVP may
call 419-290-2583 or email
Dawn.Raabe@aecom.com.
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