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June 2024 | 32nd Edition
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.
 USDOT Announces Updates to DBE Program
On April 9, 2024, the USDOT announced a major update to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE) rules, effective May 9, 2024. This is the first major DBE Program update released in 40 years, with newly revised rules designed to create simplicity and flexibility in the DBE Program, as well as increase DBE participation in federally funded transportation projects.
A few examples of these new updates include streamlining of the Interstate Certification process, increasing the personal net worth threshold to $2.047 million, and adding requirement of the Open Ended Performance Plan (OEPP) to Design Build projects to bring flexibility in DBE participation.
These changes to the DBE Program are intended to ensure DBEs have fair access and equitable opportunities in government contracting on federally funded projects. Stay tuned for more detailed updates from ODOT's Office of Equity and Civil Rights on these new DBE Program rules.
Reach out with questions to ODOT’s DBE Program Manager, Diponker Mukherjee by email or at 971-283-4636.
ODOT Recognizes Anniversary of the ADA Program
Increasing Access through Investment in Transportation Infrastructure
On the anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), we should view our progress. On July 26, 1990, George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law. It was the first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities and made “disabilities” a protected class.
Currently, one in four American adults have a disability, however, this estimate could be low with the current mental health epidemic. Unfortunately, people with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed, have additional health issues, and earn a lower income.
As state agencies, we can help make programs accessible, encourage health by providing safe spaces for people with disabilities to exercise on trails or sidewalks, and provide the infrastructure so people with disabilities can get to work, get to the grocery store, and visit with friends and family. At ODOT, we are bringing more than 25,000 curb ramps across the state into compliance with ADA standards through upgrades and investments in new ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian signals where there are none.
For questions about ODOT’s ADA Program contact Brenda Gessner, Title VI, ADA, Environmental Program Manager via email or 971-372-9291.
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ODOT’s Emerging Small Business Program Celebrates 35 years
 Since 1989, ODOT has led the state with its Emerging Small Business (ESB) Program by reducing barriers to transportation-related public contracting opportunities for certified emerging small businesses across Oregon. Through thousands of public contracts, the program has helped small Oregon firms increase their capacities and expand their market shares through participation in the state’s multibillion-dollar public contracting process.
ESB projects create contracting opportunities in a wide variety of project types to address critical capital improvement, maintenance, safety, and preservation needs for Oregon’s transportation system. Projects such as ADA ramps, pedestrian crossings, bus pads, hazardous tree removal, security cameras, fencing, graffiti and litter clean up, facilities upgrades, solar, emergency route signage, and highway preservation improve the experience for Oregonian’s statewide, whether driving, riding, biking, rolling, or walking.
For more information on ODOT’s Emerging Small Business Program contact Catherine Biscoe, ESB Program Manager via email or call 503-580-4682.
ODOT Certified Local Public Agency News
The purpose of the Certification User Group (CUG) is to streamline and improve the delivery of certified public agency federal aid on transportation projects for Oregon. Learn more about ODOT’s CUG announcements, resources and sign up to receive updates.
Upcoming Training
Certification User Group Summer Work Session, ODOT Certification Program
Tues., June 25 • Chemeketa Eola
Register now! The Certification User Group Summer Work Session will be held on June 25 at Chemeketa Eola. This year’s session will include opportunities to discuss and work on issues in a variety of topic areas as part of the 2024 Local Agency Guidelines (LAG) manual update. Review the draft agenda and register now. Questions? Contact ODOT Certification.
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Meet Joe Hanseling, ODOT Small Business
Programs Navigator
Joe Hanseling joined ODOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR) in March as a Small Business Programs Navigator. He will partner with fellow Navigator, Omar Alvarado, to conduct outreach and engagement for the OECR, developing relationships with partner agencies and small businesses.
Joe has a varied background working in outdoor recreation, higher education, and business operations for 10+ years. A recent graduate from the Portland State MBA program and the Google Project Manager certificate course, Joe last worked at Portland State before joining ODOT. One task Joe is taking on will be facilitating the DBE Advisory Committee, continuing to push forward the work that was completed with Cohort 1.
Based in Portland, Joe enjoys rock climbing and outdoor adventuring in his spare time. Joe can be reached at joe.hanseling@odot.oregon.gov or (971) 453-2889.
Watch for ODOT’s Small Business Programs Navigators at these upcoming events:
Governor’s Marketplace • June 5, 2024
Lane County Business Xcelerator Workshop • June 27, 2024
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Event Scholarships for Small Businesses Available Soon
Registration fees for events can be a barrier to participation. ODOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights works with trusted trade and industry partners to offer scholarships to trainings, workshops, mentorship programs, trade shows, expos and other specialized resource events. ESB and DBE certified firms may qualify for scholarships to industry and trade partner events that support small business.
Watch for news of upcoming scholarships to attend:
• BDI, Inc. Business Diversity Institute Sept. 16-17, 2024
• Hispanic Heritage Month Breakfast and Summit – Sept. 2024
Questions? Please contact Omar Alvarado, ODOT Small Business Navigator for more information via email or phone at 503-385-6694.
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 OAME Tradeshow Recap
ODOT was represented at the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME) annual Trade Show on May 2nd at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. It was the 36th annual trade show and over 1,200 folks visited the 133 booths at the event. OAME did a great job spreading their motto of “Everybody’s in, Nobody’s out!”.
Beyond the networking, Ben Felton the COO of Portland General Electric provided the keynote during the luncheon. ODOT sponsored a table that included Khang Tran from Humanus Labs, Venky Ramakrishnan from Sigma Consultants, Erica McCormick from Cascade GIS, and Vincent Oniah from Frontline Facilities. Omar Alvarado, Joe Hanseling, Ashley Sisneros, and Luis Umana represented ODOT. Multiple agencies and individuals were recognized for their work in the state, supporting small business and embodying the event theme of ‘Diversity and Sustainability through New Technology’.
 2024 ACEC-ODOT Conference Recap
ODOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights was represented at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) & ODOT Partnering Conference on May 21, 2024, at the Salem Convention Center.
Over 200 individuals signed up to attend the full-day conference which offered state-of-the-industry updates from Oregon’s transportation leaders and breakout sessions focusing on innovative projects, new tools, and new processes.
Presenters covered a variety of topics including ODOT budget and funding, I-5 Interstate Bridge Replacement Program update, I-205 Abernethy bridge, the ODOT Delivered Local Agency Program (ODLAP), procurement success stories, and much more. OECR sponsored multiple attendees – Khang Tran from Humanus Labs, Venky Ramakrishnan from Sigma Consultants, Samuel Gollah of EMS, Haregu Nemariam from Nemariam Engineers, Craig Hawker and Julo Vela from Central Geotechnical Services, and Mary Larkin from Northwest Watersheds.
OECR Small Business Programs Navigators Joe Hanseling and Omar Alvarado were joined by Ashley Sisneros from ODOT’s Procurement Office and were able to share information with attendees. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Manager Diponker Mukherjee co-presented with Oregon’s Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity’s (COBID) Jason Bricker on the new DBE rules.
Check out ODOT's YouTube Channel
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Do you want to see what happens when you apply 51,000 pounds of explosives to rock with 67,000 linear feet of drill holes?
Check out this video and more at ODOT’s YouTube Channel where you can explore ODOT project news, statewide events, traffic and safety updates, weather cams, and more.
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If you’ve enjoyed a safe, scenic drive on Highway 101 in southern Oregon, you just might have LaDuke Construction, LLC to thank. The company, led by Robert “Bob” LaDuke and based in Central Point, Oregon has completed 39 projects for ODOT since 2010. The work has included slope protection, slide repair, rebuilding roads, and even moving sections of most of the state’s rivers.
Prior to forming the current LLC, its predecessor, LaDuke Construction, started in 1980. The company initially focused on excavation and pipe work, which included bulldozing ash from the river after the eruption of Mount St. Helens. LaDuke Construction became a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in Oregon in 1981. LaDuke identifies as Latino.
Working with ODOT has been a major part of LaDuke Construction LLC’s operations, with 95% of their revenue coming from ODOT contracts. Notable projects include a $4.8 million slide repair on Highway 101 near Port Orford that required 90,000 tons of stone embankment and rip rap and a $5.3 million excavation project on Highway 140 near Lakeview that included 67,000 yards of excavation.
While acknowledging the high level of documentation required when working with ODOT, LaDuke appreciates that when working with ODOT, “you’re in charge of your destiny. From bidding through the job, the level of quality and what you charge for the work is up to you.”
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 Join ODOT at Oregon's Premiere Event: Back for the First Time
Since 2019!
The Governor's Marketplace brings information about public contracting opportunities and business resources to Oregonians across the state.
This one-day, free event will be held in Salem on June 5, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is highly recommended as session space is limited. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost.
Tradeshow exhibitors include state agencies, local governments, and resource organizations that provide business counseling, technical support, and community engagement to Oregon Businesses.
Presentations from:
- Oregon Buys and Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID)
- State Contracting Panel: DAS, DHS/OHA, ODOT, ODFW, Oregon Youth Authority
- Small Business Administration, Oregon Dept of Emergency Management, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
- APEX: Responding to Government Solicitations
- Must-know Resources: BizOregon, DHS/OHA, Preferred Worker Program, Dept. of Revenue, Secretary of State
- BOLI: What Contractors Need to Know
- Local Government Contracting: City of Salem, Marion County, OSU, U of O, METRO
Upcoming Events at a Glance
Governor's Marketplace • Wed., June 5 • Salem
OAME Youth Entrepreneurship Conference • August 8 • Portland
Lane County Business Xcelerator Workshop • Thurs., June 27 • Lane County
BDI Inc. Business Diversity Week • Sept. 17-18 • Portland
Details forthcoming.
Hispanic Heritage Month Summit 2024 • September • Salem Convention Center
Details forthcoming.
OregonBuys is the statewide web-based eProcurement system that has automated Oregon’s procurement process, creating efficiencies and transforming the way the state does business for all state agencies. OregonBuys features procure-top-pay automated processes from request through payment.
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Projects Open for Bids
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