Public-Private Partnership Unveils Nation's First Program to Aid Minority Construction Industry

The Minority Business Development Agency, the International Trade Association and other groups announced an initiative  Tuesday designed to globalize the U.S. minority-owned construction industry by providing education, tutoring, mentoring and procurement opportunities.

Firms that complete the program will have the opportunity to compete for a minimum of $1 billion in contracts from Tutor Perini, a corporation that is also participating in this new program. 

“This program could not be more relevant in today’s economy, where global competition is tougher than ever before,” said U.S. Commerce Deputy Secretary Dennis Hightower.

The Global Construction Program will prepare 150 high capacity, minority-owned and operated general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to compete for construction opportunities worldwide. Participating firms will receive training, education and mentoring, as well as a new, broader source of contracting opportunities. Tutor Perini is one of the nation’s largest global construction conglomerates.

“The Global Construction Program is designed to provide minority-owned firms with access to relationships, technical training, and skills to compete in the construction industry worldwide,” MBDA National Director David Hinson said. “This is the first time in history that minority businesses will have access to global construction opportunities...This program is the first of a series of programs designed to increase employment and capacity in the minority business sector.”

Included in the program are comprehensive quantitative and qualitative needs assessment, classroom training and distance learning including webinars and online self-study through the University of Southern California, field and on-the-job training provided through Tutor Perini, and training on federal certifications that will allow participants to work on U.S. government-supported construction projects internationally.

“This partnership between USC, private business and the federal government will create thousands of new jobs within minority-owned construction companies by providing instruction, access and opportunity,” said Tom Sayles, USC’s vice president of government and community relations. “This program will create a path to compete for an estimated $1 billion in contracts all over the world in the next four years.”

In addition, Next Level Diversity, LLC will provide the administration of this program, Ralph G. Moore & Associates will conduct the needs assessments and the International Trade Administration will provide training on its global services and the global construction industry.

The program is specifically tailored for minority general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Federal sector global contracts traditionally have an entry point eluding even the best minority-owned firms, according to coordinators of this new program. The cost of the program is $10,000 for general contractors and $7,500 for subcontractors and suppliers. The first class is scheduled to begin Oct. 3.

  

To apply, minority-owned firms should send an e-mail to Prequalification@periniwest.com with Global Construction program in the subject line.