2024 Transporter Newsletter Quarter 1

2024 Transporter Newsletter Quarter 1 Image

Rashaud

In this past year the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Civil Rights Office (AKDOT&PF CRO) has been very busy. With turnover within the CRO, personnel within the office took on many different roles that are not their day-day operational tasks. As the CRO Manager I applaud all our employees who have stepped up within this year to help the office achieve goals that this office has not achieved in many years. Within the office there have been several promotions as well as personnel moving around to take on new roles within the team. Zhenia Peterson formerly the DBE/OJT Specialist has been promoted to the DBE/OJT Program Manager (Supportive Service Manager), Taylor White formerly our Admin Assistant has been promoted to the well-deserved position of Admin Officer I, and Frank Keirn our Research Analyst I has taken the position of Research Analyst II. Congratulations to all the employees who have been promoted and/or taken on new roles within the team. Also, we have a Research analyst I position open that we hope to fill in the coming weeks.

In addition to aforementioned information the CRO has been very busy in communicating with the public throughout the state to promote not only CRO programs but also opportunities for employment with the DOT&PF. Events such as the Make-it- Monday forum with the municipality and OEO (Office of Equal Employment Opportunity), Mayors Hispanic Heritage month luncheon, VBOC (Veterans Business Operations Center ) ribbon cutting, Diversity Festival, and several SBA (Small Business Administration) events the CRO provided a wealth of information on how the CRO can and should be used as a resource for potential businesses as well as any and all DOT&PF updates.

Looking forward, the CRO plans to continue to engage communities throughout the state as well as host events that will provide opportunities for women and small owned business and will also seek to ensure that ALL communities served by the DOT&PF are actively and intentionally engaged.

- Rashaud Joseph, MAM, MBA (rashaud.joseph@alaska.gov)
Statewide Civil Rights Office Program Manager

Welcome New DBEs Image
  • Titan AEC
  • Information Insights, Inc.
  • Cerrudo Services, Inc.
  • Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, Inc. dba HMMH
  • Titan AEC and Information Insights, Inc.
  • Serrmi Products, LLC
  • INGCO International, LLC
Congrats to Certification Team

In 2023 the CRO DBE certification analysts, Ann Pham and Angelo Tutaan, processed 225 annual reviews and 27 new applications!  Ann and Angelo really do keep the DBE certification train moving -  thanks to Ann and Angelo for all of your hard work and dedication to helping DBEs!

Meet Frank new Research Analyst II Image

I’m an Alaskan originally from Fairbanks. I moved to Anchorage in 2002 and with an exception of a nine month stint back in Fairbanks, have called Anchorage my home. My wife and I were blessed with two kids, one of which is attending UAF and the other just starting high school at South Anchorage. I’m an avid soccer fan and coach recreational soccer for Cook Inlet Soccer Club since 2009. I enjoy chess and have gotten into playing again. Before I settled down and got married I lived in Switzerland in the winter and Denali Park in the summer, always surrounded by mountains, so it was unlike me to become a crab fisherman out in the Bering Sea. I survived and it led me to want a desk job. I worked at Global CU (formerly AlaskaUSA) for 20+ years and now look forward to working with the State of Alaska.

Bidders Registration Form

All firms are required to submit a Bidder’s Registration form before an Alaska DOT&PF project can be awarded. The Bidder Registration form must be submitted to the Civil Rights Office (CRO) on an annual basis beginning January 1 and is valid thru December 31.

Submit forms to dot.cro.forms@alaska.gov. 

50% DBE Reimbursement Application Image

The 50% DBE Reimbursement Program is designed to empower and support Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), fostering the growth of their businesses and enhancing competitiveness in the marketplace. This initiative approves reimbursement of 50% of the costs incurred for work-related expenses. The financial assistance is targeted at aiding DBEs in covering expenses associated with bidding or completing work on current projects. The program specifies predetermined dollar amounts, with FFY2024 reimbursement cap of $2,500.00 per DBE.

Form & Instructions:

Want to learn more about the reimbursement program or have questions? We will be hosting three drop-in sessions in February. Register and join us to learn more!

Session 1: Thursday, 02/01/2024 at 2:00 PM
Session 2: Monday, 02/12/2024 at 12:30 PM
Session 3: Thursday, 02/29/2024 at 5:00 PM

AASHTOWare Project Support

AASHTOWare Project (AWP) is a website based software designed specifically for state DOTs to manage their complex construction processes. AASHTOWare Project has been customized by the Alaska DOT&PF to align with our business process, to track and monitor, and to comply with all federal and state regulations.

IRIS Vendor Support Image

The Vendor Help Desk is responsible for adding and updating vendor information in the State of Alaska’s financial/procurement system based on requests from State of Alaska departments and vendors. The Help Desk also fields calls and emails daily from both departments and vendors, ranging from assistance with the VSS registration process, payment inquiries, and assisting departments with vendor inquires.

The Vendor Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30pm.

Annual No Change Declaration Form Image

Every year, all DBEs are required to submit a Declaration of No Change on the anniversary of their certification date. This submission should be accompanied by the firm's most recently completed Business Federal tax return or tax extension for the current tax year, if applicable. The declaration affirms that there have been no alterations in the firm's circumstances that would impact its compliance with the size, disadvantaged status, ownership, or control requirements outlined in 49 CFR Part 26 and Part 23, as well as 13 CFR Part 121. 

The Civil Rights Office will reach out to you with request for this form at the tine of your yearly anniversary. Failure to furnish the requested information will be considered a failure to cooperate, potentially resulting in the removal of your certified status.

Alaska APEX Accelerator Image

Alaska APEX offers easy access to our library of on-demand webinars covering many essential topics in government contracting, from marketing to certifications to managing contract changes and much more.

Beware of Phishing Image

This is an annual reminder to be aware of phishing emails and folks claiming to be from our office. What is phishing? It is the fraudulent practice of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. 

As most of you are aware we don't typically send a lot of emails to y'all unless we're missing a specific form or want to discuss certain aspects of the DBE or OJT program. 

If you get an unexpected email that looks like it’s coming from the Civil Rights Office please pause and call 907-269-0844 or email zhenia.peterson@alaska.gov. Be aware of what links you're clicking on!

Research Analyst I Image

The Civil Rights Office is hiring for a Research Analyst I. This position closes on 01/22/2024. 

This position will plan, research, and collect internal Civil Rights Office program data for Title VI and the ADA. This position also will assist in collecting program data for Contract Compliance, DBE Support Services, Certification, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) sections. Work that is performed involves gathering, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.

Welcome Natalia

I was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska, and I love this State. I enjoy seeing the wonders this beautiful place has to offer and tasting the delicious foods and drinks people create from its resources. In the summers my husband and I enjoy hiking, camping, 4-wheeling, and petting any dogs we cross paths with. During the winters, we enjoy staring up at the night sky hoping to catch the northern lights or shooting stars dancing. I graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with an associate degree in arts. Go Seawolves! I’m proud to be the granddaughter of Latino grandparents who came to America. They inspired my mother to be a successful woman who owned many businesses with my father, and likewise, she has inspired me to work hard and do the same.

I’m honored to be working at the Civil Rights Office (CRO) again, the people here are an absolute joy to work with. Previously, I worked as a College Intern and a Research Analyst here at CRO. The duties included in those positions were focused around the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). I walked the streets of Alaska with other interns measuring any and all pedestrian features to determine the ADA compliance of said features. I’m looking forward to contributing to the DBE and OJT programs!

Fun Facts:

  • Favorite Drink: Coconut Latte from Kaladi Brothers
  • Go to Travel Spot: Anywhere that promises adventure
  • Strengths: Always excited to learn
  • Top Bucket List Item: Swimming with sharks
  • Weaknesses: Any kind of Hispanic foods
Upcoming Events image

Stay informed about our active involvement by exploring the Events tab on the Civil Rights Office (CRO) website. Discover a comprehensive list of sponsored and attended events, including upcoming ones like the DBE Conference and Alaska Construction Career Day Event scheduled for this year. Stay tuned for additional details!

We also welcome event requests for attendance or the opportunity to highlight your upcoming events. Connect with us for more information.

LTAP Training Image

The Alaska TTAP and the Alaska LTAP have partnered to provide a training opportunity on Gravel Roads: Construction and Maintenance in Alaska. 

Construction of gravel roads (or unpaved roads) is a rare event in our world today, and roadway agencies primarily focus on rehabilitation and maintenance of our existing unpaved roadway infrastructure. This two-day course will review the basics of gravel road fundamentals and so much more!

Anchorage: Registration is full, join the wait list.
• February 22-23 at The Meagan Room

Fairbanks: Spots open.
• February 19 & 20 at UAF

This training for State DOT and Local Transportation Partners is coordinated through the Alaska Local Training & Assistance Program. Email questions to dot.training@alaska.gov.

Alaska Works Upcoming Trainings Image

Alaska Works Partnership Inc.(AWP) is in its 27th year of providing construction trade education, hands-on training, apprenticeship outreach, and support to students from all over Alaska.

Through progressive partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship programs, school districts, Native Corporations, and state and federal funding, Alaska Works is able to provide Alaska's people with quality training for jobs that pay.

See the list of upcoming trainings in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Mat-Su!

Experience Maritime

Experience Maritime is a 2 day in-depth career exploration program of jobs ON and AROUND the water for high school youth ages 15+ or 16+.

This program is sponsored by grant funding and is offered to Alaskan High School Students at no cost. See more information about this event from Maritime Works.

CRO Title VI

Title VI refers to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Title VI is significant in promoting equal opportunities and addressing issues of racial discrimination in various sectors, including education, employment, and public services. This includes transportation, construction and so much more!

The Civil Rights Office has numerous resources and information to help learn more about this program. 

Title VI Essentials Image

Gain insights into Title VI by watching this enlightening video called "Title VI Essentials - Introduction" crafted by the Civil Rights Office. Explore the intricacies of Title VI in relation to public roads, transportation, construction, and the protective measures in place for the welfare of all Alaskans.

Title VI Image

The Civil Rights Office partnered with the Research and T2 team to create a Research project with WSP that consisted of presenting/teaching on Title VI/ Equity and the application within the Alaska DOT&PF. This training started with a survey being delivered to AKDOT&PF employees, MPO’s, The Municipality of Anchorage, and several consultants on their knowledge of Title VI and Equity.

The first two trainings were held in-person in Anchorage on October 24, 2023 and then in Fairbanks October 25, 2023. The training for Juneau is currently being discussed. The curriculum created for this training focused on educating the attendees on applicable Civil Rights Laws (Title VI, Environmental Justice (EJ), LEP/LAP) and the application of these Laws within the realm of Transportation operations.

An additional focus on Equity through EO 13985 focused on what Equity means for Alaska DOT&PF and how the department can incorporate Equity practices within all of the departments/divisions/section’s operations. With the increased focus nationally on Title VI and Equity this training provided a wealth of up-to-date information to the attendees to take back to his/her organization.