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ODOT’s Office of Civil Rights’ newsletter, Equity Line, brings to you the newest content relevant to your business and business needs. Whether you work in transportation-related fields, construction, or just drive Oregon’s roads and have an interest in what ODOT is doing for the Oregon economy, OCR’s Equity Line is a newsletter you will want to read.
If you want to receive copies of the OCREL at no charge, delivered straight to your inbox, please click the sign up box below or send an email request to ocrprograms@odot.state.or.us to make sure you are on the list for future issues.
Interested in previous Equity Line Newsletter Issues 1-18? Click here for archived newsletters from Office of Civil Rights. Click here to sign up for our newsletters.
Do you have any ideas for our next Equity Line newsletter? Contact us!
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ODOT’s 2022 Disparity Study is underway.
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The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) seeks to ensure equitable outcomes for all our work across the state of Oregon.
As part of this commitment, we are working to increase the number of minority and women-owned businesses receiving ODOT contracts and performing work in our communities.
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In furtherance of this goal, ODOT has engaged Keen Independent Research to analyze the participation and availability of minority- and women-owned firms and other businesses for transportation contracts in Oregon. This disparity study will help ODOT operate the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and set a new overall three-year goal for DBE participation in its contracts.
A key component of this study is identification of businesses that are available to perform ODOT and local government contracts and subcontracts. Starting in December 2021, Keen Independent Research and its survey firm, Customer Research International (CRI), are contacting businesses by phone to ask about their qualifications and interest in this work. We would greatly appreciate your participation in this survey, as well as in a follow-up interview if contacted by other study team members.
This list of interested businesses also helps ODOT add to its information about potential contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants for future work.
To learn more about the the 2022 Oregon Department of Transportation Disparity Study, go to: https://keenindependent.com/ODOTDisparityStudy2022/
ODOT’s Office of Civil Rights – What Do We Do?
The Oregon Department of Transportation began in 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Highway Commission to "get Oregon out of the mud." Today, we develop programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads, and bridges; railways; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier regulation.
The Office of Civil Rights has various equitable programs that small business owners can engage in to build their companies. Our team helps businesses find more work, connect with workforce, and provides access to ODOT’s nondiscrimination programs. Our work includes the Mentor-Protégé, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) & Emerging Small Business programs, along with providing many other small business resources. To learn more about the office of civil rights, click here to visit our website.
Looking for help in your region? Contact your Field Coordinator
Not sure of your region? Check here: Oregon Department of Transportation : Regions : Regions : State of Oregon
Doing Business With ODOT RESOURCES: Virtual trainings for navigating public contracting with Oregon’s Department of Transportation
If you missed our workshops in October, you can catch up by tuning into our video recordings on YouTube and downloading the workshop presentation slides.
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ODOT Region 1 Procurements (Public Improvements, Goods and Trade Services)
Presenters: Ivory Williams & Kevin Cassidy
» Presentation Slides
» Video Link
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Highway Construction Program Overview
Presenters: Sarika Ramakrishnan & Darren Schmidt
» Video Link
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To view all the workshop videos, slides and resources, click here.
November is Native American Indian Heritage Month,
and ODOT recognizes Suzanne Donaldson…
our Small Business Spotlight
Company: Donaldson Consulting LLC
President: Suzanne Donaldson
Title: Owner/President
Phone: 360-280-2321
Website: https://www.donaldsonconsultingllc.com
Linecard: View pdf
Certifications: WA: DBE, MBE, WBE, SBE
OR: DBE, MBE, WBE
DBE: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, MO, MT (IL pending)
Federal: WOSBE, EDOSB
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Determination, perseverance, and resiliency
— a winning combination
Twenty-plus years ago, on the advice of a mentor, Suzanne Donaldson started working for herself, providing legal assistance services to multiple attorneys. Before she knew it, she had moved into the role of business development for a specialty contractor who needed help with revenue building and marketing exposure.
Suzanne found herself networking all around the Portland region and began attending diversity meetings with public agencies on the contractor’s behalf. These meetings introduced Suzanne to diversity consulting, which intrigued her — so she enrolled in various diversity workshops. She was determined to learn more about the importance of diversity in the workplace, the disparities, and the changes that need to happen.
As a Native American, enrolled as Cowlitz Indian Tribe Member, diversity consulting plays a vital role. As a result, Suzanne decided to include consulting services for diversity, equity, and inclusion — as well as project management administration services — as part of her business. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could start a business and build it successfully only having an associate’s degree,” Suzanne said.
“My work is meaningful, impactful, and fulfilling. I have the opportunity to build the skillsets of others with project teams and public agencies who are excellent teaming partners."
Donaldson now has two part-time employees and a handful of ancillary support services contractors to support her business, offering community engagement, facilitation, research, program development and implementation. Her clients cross multiple industries in multiple states. “I am DBE certified in 11 states, and have worked on a few national contracts. I build productive, authentic relationships and I owe my success to my network, which I am so grateful for and still have in place.” Most of all, however, she credits her determination, perseverance, and resiliency with her ability to stay in business after 20 years.
How teaming and mentoring led to leading
A Port of Portland Mentor-Protégé Program graduate (who has also become a mentor), Donaldson’s background also includes being a graduate of the Interise program as well as Business Diversity Institute Leadership Recharge. “These programs provided me with the tools to manage my business effectively.” She also says her mentors — which include Rhonnda Edmiston, Cade Lawrence, John Willis, and Jackie Babicky Peterson — have been instrumental in her growth as a business owner. “I am forever grateful.”
Donaldson finds that collaboration is critical for a successful project. When people are included and can share ideas, they function better. They learn to leap and not fear failure as much. They find the courage always to move forward. It’s important to me to always enter a room with my team-building spirit in hand. I truly believe, once you learn to work in a team setting, you can learn to lead. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘What Would You Do If You Knew You Would Not Fail?’” This quote was also on the desk of another mentor, Jacqueline McMahon — the person Donaldson credits with her starting the business. “I paid it forward and gave it to my protégé when I was a mentor at the Port.” Donaldson says this quote helps her stay mindful that anything is possible.
The business of Donaldson Consulting — providing expertise and value
Suzanne works toward creating a level playing field for underserved communities and businesses and enjoys collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
While she says she has worked on many fantastic projects, Donaldson’s current projects include being community engagement consultant on the ODOT Disparity Study project (working with Keen Independent Research) as well as working with Skanska USA Civil as the DBE coordinator/PM on the Pursuit I-205 Abernathy Bridge Phase 1A.
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Other projects saw her serve as trainer for Cooper Zietz Engineers for their Workforce Statewide Mentoring Services Development Program and also as DBE Coordinator/PM Administration Services for both the TriMet Southwest Corridor Light Rail Project (an AECOM joint venture with Southwest Transit Partners, Parametix-David Evans & Associates) and TriMet Southwest Corridor Project SWTPE Urban Design (with ZGF-VIA-Mayer/Reed Joint Venture).
She says these projects have been exceptional and provided her additional mentoring opportunities that helped her expand her skillset and grow her capacity. “It has been refreshing to work with teams and agencies that value the services I offer. Listening and participating in conversations and taking my recommendations makes me feel the work I do is appreciated.
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Northwest College of Construction Apprentice of the Year:
Matt Lux
Matt is a Grand Ronde TERO worker and has been working on ODOT projects for the last couple of years as an apprentice and a TERO worker for JW Fowler.
"Fowler loves Matt and they love having a single person help with two goals!"
— JW Fowler
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The TERO workforce and an OJT Apprentice of the Year:
Antonio Becerra
OJT/TERO apprentice worked on US30BY (LOMBARD) SAFETY EXTENSION project with Corpac through the confederated tribes of warm springs.
"Antonio started working with Corpac in the beginning of 2021. Over the past year, he has shown a genuine interest in not only learning more about the trade, but in making a career in construction. If there is ever any opportunity to learn something new, he is our first volunteer to deepen and broaden his knowledge and certifications. Antonio is a good communicator and integrated well with our team. We believe that he will continue to advance his career in construction and look forward to seeing his success and growth in the future."
—Trisha Cauthorn | Corpac Construction
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OAME and ODOT Partnership
Led by Sam Brooks, the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) is a non-profit, tax-exempt membership organization with a mission to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon & SW Washington.
As an all-inclusive organization, OAME lives and breathes by its motto: "Everybody's In, Nobody's Out." ODOT is more than glad to support.
This year and every year, ODOT sponsors the OAME Trade Show and Conference. We also support OAME's coffee and issues events, which reach folks from entrepreneurs, public agencies, partner non-profits, and large businesses. Let's work toward their mission of eliminating discrimination and racism together!
For information regarding, OAME, their trade show or sponsorship opportunities, contact Bill Prows at OAME 503-249-7744 or bill@oame.org
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 Welcome Newly COBID Certified Firms!
Firms certified 8/25/2021 – 11/15/2021
This data is provided to ODOT’s Office of Civil Rights by COBID.
Search by business name and/or vendor ID in COBID’s certified vendor directory to obtain additional details and contact information for any of the newly certified firms. The COBID certified vendor directory is available here.
ODOT’s bidding opportunities are listed through OregonBuys.
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OregonBuys is a new web-based eProcurement system that will automate the state’s eProcurement process and replaced ORPIN. You can register for the OregonBuys system here.
For questions about OregonBuys registration,
call 1-855-800-5046 or email Support.OregonBuys@oregon.gov.
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Need Live Assistance with ODOT-related
Activities in OregonBuys?
Tuesday and Thursdays from 1-3pm
To Access | Follow this link
Or Call 1-971-277-1965, ID#46033112
Projects Open for Bids
BID: S-73000-00001085 Closing Date: 11/30/2021 2:00PM
Title: RFB - DMV HQ Office Remodel
BID: S-73000-00001114 Closing Date: 12/01/2021 2:00PM
Title: After Action Report - Oregon Wildfire 2020
BID: S-73000-00000632 Closing Date: 12/02/2021 3:30PM
Title: Transportation Land Use Planning 2021 ("TLUP-21")
BID: S-73000-00000141 Closing Date: 12/07/2021 2:00PM
Title: Guardrail & Cable Barrier Price Agreement
BID: S-73000-00000877 Closing Date: 01/05/2022 2:00PM
Title: RFP - Turn-Key 19.5, 22K & 33K GVW Bucket Trucks Price Agreement
BID: S-73000-00000074 Closing Date: 07/15/2025 5:00PM
Title:RFQ Right-Of-Way Appraisal Services
BID: S-73000-00000075 Closing Date: 05/31/2029 2:00PM
Title: Employer Based CDL Testing for Transit Providers
Projects in Progress
Oregon Department of Transportation
Keep Oregon Moving (HB 2017) Projects : Projects : State of Oregon
1-205 Improvements Project - $500 million
Oregon Department of Transportation : Project-Details : Projects : State of Oregon
OR 217 Auxiliary Lanes Project
Oregon Department of Transportation : Project-Details : Projects : State of Oregon
1-5 Rose Quarter - $450-500 million | Phase 1a out to BID December 2021
Contact Mandy Putney, Principal Executive / Manager – Urban Mobility
503-720-4843 – Mandy.Putney@odot.state.or.us
Oregon Department of Transportation : Project-Details : Projects : State of Oregon
Real-time is the Design-Build Region 4 – Out to BID Nov 2, 2021
Contact Miranda Wells, Professional Engineer/Transportation
541-480-7812 - Miranda.WELLS@odot.state.or.us
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
In order to be part of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, your firm must be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises include small businesses that are at least 51% owned by Minorities (Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, and Women) Other individuals on a case-by-case basis.
Emerging Small Business (ESB)
The Emerging Small Business Program creates contract opportunities for Oregon’s small businesses. The program also helps remove some of the barriers which prevent small businesses from contracting with ODOT. The ESB program objectives are to:
- Ensure ODOT is following Oregon laws and requirements.
- Assist and encourage other state and local agencies to have Emerging Small Business programs.
- Ensure that opportunities are available statewide to a diverse pool of businesses.
- Ensure that Emerging Small Businesses can compete fairly for ODOT funded projects.
- Ensure that only eligible firms can participate in the Emerging Small Business program.
- Help develop firms so that they can compete outside of the Emerging Small Business program.
Title VI
ODOT complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other federal nondiscrimination statutes which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, disability or gender in ODOT’s programs, activities, services, operations, delivery of benefits or opportunities to participate.
In an effort to provide equitable access, ODOT provides accessibility aids, translation and interpretation services for public ODOT events and vital documents upon request. The public can get these services by providing reasonable advanced notice, at no charge to the individual.
Equal Employment Opportunity Contractor Compliance
The Oregon Department of Transportation is committed to equal opportunity in hiring and awarding contracts. ODOT promotes equal opportunity within its own workforce and with the workforce of contracted employers who provide services for the agency.
Workforce Development
ODOT is training future highway workers that will fill vacancies in the construction industry. By partnering with local nonprofits and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, we’re poised to meet today current demands. Get a list of programs ready to work with you.
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