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March/April 2024
ODOT’s Office of Equity and 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, OECR’s Equity Line is a newsletter you will want to read.
 ODOT Crews Step Up During January Storm
January's winter storm unleashed sub-zero temperatures and heavy precipitation throughout the state. Oregon's Siskiyou Pass on I-5 received 24 inches of snow accumulation in just 5 hours.
Despite temperatures plunging as low as -23°F with windchill in Meacham, and a bone-numbing -30°F in Enterprise, ODOT crews worked tirelessly around the clock and took opportunities to partner with Oregon's small businesses as they battled the elements to ensure the safety and dependability of Oregon's extensive infrastructure network. With nearly 8,000 miles of road and 2773 bridges at stake, their efforts were crucial amidst the onslaught of fallen trees, heavy snowfall, and persistent ice.
Thank you, ODOT crews and Oregon's small businesses!
Meet Omar, Small Business Navigator,
Office of Equity & Civil Rights
ODOT recently hired a new Small Business Programs Navigator to help bridge the connection between ODOT and small firms looking to work with ODOT. If you are wanting to connect to learn about ODOT's available resources, please contact Omar Alvarado by filling out this 1-minute intake form.
Alvarado is planning the return of Doing Business with ODOT in-person workshops for Summer 2024. Please sign up with our intake form to be in contact for when these workshops begin! Prepare to be armed with knowledge and resources for your business to be ready to contract with us!
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 Considering a Career in Highway Construction? We can Help.
Highway construction workers are in demand in Oregon. ODOT has partnered with Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to train and support future highway workers. Information sessions, apprenticeships, mentoring and coaching are available. Apprentices can also get financial assistance including money for work tools and gear, child care support, and more.
Learn more about the opportunities in these high-paying fields with benefits.
OregonBuys Updates: Big Milestone
With the final implementation of OregonBuys on October 31, we want to thank you for being a part of a significant transformation for the agency. As we move past this important milestone, continuing to support all users and driving adoption is critical to realize the benefits of this 21st century system for our $1.6 billion spend.
As of February 1, we have recorded over $40 million in purchases and processed over 2,700 invoices!
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 When considering the breadth of work undertaken by ODOT, a common perception is that most of the work centers on the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, typically handled by large companies. However, the reality is far more diverse, as ODOT engages in a wide array of services with businesses spanning all scales.
In fact, a portion of ODOT's contracted services, currently set at $10 million over two years, is designated for allocation to certified Emerging Small Businesses (ESB) firms. Facilitated by the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, the ESB Program helps Oregon's small businesses access opportunities within the multi-billion dollar public contracting sphere.
One example of successful collaboration between ODOT and local small businesses was the manufacturing and installation of a concrete sign greeting travelers entering Oregon from California along Coastal Hwy 101 N. Situated in ODOT's Region 3 within rural Curry County, this project was awarded to Hayes Construction Services, Inc. and Coastal Construction Services.
 Business Executive Sustainable Training Headquarters (BESThq) exists to support the sustainable growth of the businesses that make up our community and to empower individuals to realize their business goals, all this while mindfully considering the quadruple bottom line of People, Profit, Planet and Purpose. BESTHq is an Oregon Benefit Company based in Beaverton.
BESTHq is the company behind Business Expo West 2024. This business and networking event attracts like-minded organizations and individuals to ignite and inspire next gen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEAM) pros while providing a clear pathway for their success.
When: April 11, 2024
Where: Tektronix, Bldg 38, Beaverton
Address: 3025 SW Zworykin Ave, Beaverton, OR, 97005
BESThq Business Expo West
Thursday, April 11, 2024, Beaverton
OAME Trade Show
Thursday, May 2, 2024, Portland
ACEC-ODOT Conference
Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Salem
Governor's Marketplace
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Salem
Updates coming
Business Xcelerator Workshop
Thursday, June 27, 2024, Lane County
Updates coming
Projects Open for Bids
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