 Join me in Welcoming the following DBE's to the program, you picked the right place to grow your business!
- 5G Marketing Pros, LLC
- Ahtna Solutions, LLC
- F&C Eaton Enterprises, LLC
- Fairbanks Concrete Takeout, LLC
- Gil Berry and Associates
- Guytec Steel Inc
- HR Consultants Inc
- JMAC Group, LLC
- Kirschner Contractors
- Lok Engineering, LLC
- Moore Install, LLC
- MySmartPlans
- Nakaani Technologies, LLC
- US ATM Network Inc
- Willamette Technical Fabricators
- Image Concepts
- Chrysalis Global Aviation
- Gemini Waltz Media LLC
 24th Anniversary of Executive Order 13166
Pedestrian Safety
Alaska State Fair closes final day after seeing highest concert attendance to date
Alaskan Olympic medalist Alev Kelter reflects on Paris Games, Rugby in Alaska
New accessible playground at Creekside Park Elementary gives kids with disabilities a chance to play too
Public input on proposed 3% Anchorage sales tax offers various ideas for use of funds
SBA Seeks Comments on Proposed Updates to the HUBZone PSBA Seeks Comments on Proposed Updates to the HUBZone Program, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programsrogram, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs
 Are you an AGC member or thinking about becoming one? Check out the Alaska Contractor Magazine! Published and distributed quarterly, the Alaska Contractor covers the latest goings-on in Alaskan construction and the AGC. Interested in signing up? Check out AGC's website at https://www.agcak.org/news-publications/. Happy reading!
 Overview of reviews: Every construction season, the Alaska DOT&PF, Civil Rights Office conducts Contract Compliance Review (CCR) and Quality Assurance Review (QAR) on select projects. This year our office completed 5 CCRs and 3 QARs.
Contract Compliance Review (CCR):
The Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) requirements of a contract are enforced through Contract Compliance Reviews (CCR) and conducted by the Contract Compliance Office in DOT&PF Civil Rights section. In agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) DOT&PF is required to perform a designated number of CCRs annually. The CCR is a comprehensive review that investigates all aspects of a contractor's employment practices. CCR generally consists of six steps: Review Scheduling, Contractor Notification, Preliminary Analysis, Onsite Verification and Interviews, Exit Conference, and Compliance Determination and Formal Notification.
Quality Assurance Review (QAR):
QARs, conducted under the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, assess contractor compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations as outlined in 23 CFR 230 and 23 USC 140. The review process includes initial document examination, onsite verification, and employee interviews. The Department checks facilities, postings, and accessibility, meets with the EEO Officer, and interviews employees at all levels to ensure compliance.
Construction Season 2024: This year our office conducted both reviews on one project, the NFHWY00278/0714024: Richardson Highway Milepost 233 Bear Creek Bridge #0593 Replacement. Brittney Hoffert and Zhenia C. Peterson both traveled to Delta Junction to complete this review together.
 Join us for the 22nd Annual Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Conference, a pivotal event dedicated to supporting and empowering DBE, ACDBE firms and stakeholders. Since 2004, the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Civil Rights Office has organized this annual conference, specifically designed for DBE and ACDBE firms, subcontractors, prime contractors, and other stakeholders in the construction and concession industries. The event delves into a wide range of topics, featuring expert speakers from Alaska and focuses on fostering an understanding of the complexities involved in doing business with local, state, and federal agencies. The conference offers a unique platform for participants to enhance their knowledge and skills through hands-on workshops, interactive panels, and in-depth discussions with industry leaders. Networking sessions provide valuable opportunities for DBEs and ACDBEs to connect with prime contractors, government representatives, and subject matter experts, facilitating partnerships and growth. Whether you're seeking to expand your business, stay informed about regulatory changes, or explore new contracting opportunities, this conference serves as a comprehensive resource. Best of all, the event is open to all participants free of charge, making it accessible to those looking to grow and thrive in the competitive marketplace.You can register for this event here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUuc-6sqzoqG9ZVFoTY95AyLGU37KOCvuPk#/registration
 This edition of Crazy Corner is brought to you by Jody. Thanks for the smiles Jody! |
 The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF) Civil Rights Office recently had the distinct opportunity to engage with Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), during his visit to Alaska. This meeting, which took place at the UMOJA Coworking Space, brought together a diverse group of local BIPOC businesses and organizations to address the unique challenges and needs faced by small and disadvantaged businesses in the state.
The event was well-attended, with representatives from various local enterprises, including AK Coffee Co., Sol De Medianoche Newspaper, a local cleaning company, Pacific Community of Alaska, and others. The gathering provided a platform for open dialogue on the barriers that hinder the growth and success of these businesses, particularly within the context of Alaska's unique economic landscape.
The Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office was proud to represent the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, emphasizing its commitment to supporting small businesses. During the discussions, the Civil Rights Office highlighted some of the specific obstacles that small businesses encounter, such as difficulties in securing contracts, accessing resources, and navigating regulatory requirements. The exchange of ideas and experiences at this event underscored the importance of continued collaboration and support to help these businesses thrive and contribute to the state's economy.
 To assist new DBE/ACDBEs in familiarizing themselves with the program, its requirements, and to learn more about the Civil Rights Office, we are pleased to announce monthly 'New DBE Orientations.' In collaboration with Alaska APEX Accelerators, these sessions aim to educate new DBE/ACDBEs on the purpose of the Civil Rights Office, compliance requirements, available support services, training opportunities, federal contracting opportunities, and more! Virtual orientations are scheduled to occur on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 11:00 AM via Zoom. Check out our website for more information:
https://dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/dbeorientation.shtml
 There has been a change to the Bidders Registration Form! Make sure to download the correct form before sending it in to our office. the new Bidders Registration Form can be found on our website at: https://dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/bidreg/bidreg.cfm
Just a reminder that all firms are required to submit a Bidder’s Registration form before an Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) project can be awarded. The Bidder Registration form must be submitted to the Civil Rights Officer (CRO) on an annual basis beginning January 1 and is valid thru December 31. Complete this form for each contractor and subcontractor. Firms will be listed on the bidder registration online directory located at: https://dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/bidreg/bidreg.cfm
Please submit Bidder and Consultant Registration forms via email at: dot.cro.forms@alaska.gov
 Whether you are a long-time or first-time voter, its never too late to educate yourself on voting. Being an informed voter is crucial to local elections and national elections, here are some tips on how to be a prepared and informed voter before election day on November 5th:
Learn:
- Learn about the candidates and policies on the ballot.
- What policies to they focus on?
- Do you agree with the candidates on specific issues?
Analyze the Information:
- Is this information helpful?
- Is it from a truthful source?
- Does it fit with other facts you know?
- Why is the candidate running for office?
Decide:
- Review what you have learned about the candidates and policies. Based on the information you know, rate the candidates and policies, and use that information to make an informed decision.
Vote!:
- Voting is the next step!
- Make sure you take all information you gathered into account when heading to the polls.
Remember to be respectful to other voters throughout this process and encourage friendly debates. See you at the polls!
"The most valuable tool you have is the ability to see different points of view."
 Have some spare time? Check out some of the events happening in our community!
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Alaska Entrepreneurship Week
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Date: October 7th-11th, 2024
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Vision: To annually jumpstart the improvement of Alaska's entrepreneurial ecosystem by bringing together investors, small business owners, investors, and support organizations to showcase their achievements, explore opportunities, and foster collaboration. Through Alaska Entrepreneurship Week, we envision a platform where stakeholders interact, discover, and build lasting connections, driving sustained economic growth and making Alaska a beacon of entrepreneurial success.
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Website: https://akew.org/
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AGC Annual Conference
- Date: November 6-9th at the Hotel Captain Cook
- Vision: AGC's Annual Conference is Alaska's premier networking event for the construction industry, featuring multiple days of professional development sessions, a vendor trade show, evening networking receptions, AGC's Excellence in Construction & Excellence in Safety awards luncheons, agency updates from DOT & DOD, and so much more! Our conference is capped off by AGC's Dinner Dance (tickets sold separately from conference registration).
- Website: https://www.agcak.org/annual-conference/
Looking for more events? Check out the Civil Rights Office Events page for more events in our community! https://dot.alaska.gov/cvlrts/events.php |
