 January/February 2025 | 36th Edition
Equity Line brings you the newest content relevant to your business. 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, Equity Line is a newsletter you will want to read.
 Charting a New Course for Small Businesses
We have exciting news for Oregon's small construction businesses!
The Oregon Transportation Commission gave the green light to ODOT's new Small Business Development Program by approving the rules guiding implementation in 2025. This innovative program will pave the way for up to $25 million in prime transportation construction contracts to be awarded annually to qualified small businesses.
Here's the lowdown:
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Race- and gender-neutral: This program levels the playing field for all qualified small businesses.
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Project pipeline: We're currently identifying suitable projects for the program.
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Eligibility routes: There are several ways to qualify:
- Registration with and eligibility to participate in a U.S. Small Business Administration government contracting program
- Valid COBID certification
- Self-Qualification
Want to learn more?
Contact SBDP Program Manager Ailsa Kellam via email today! Let's work together to build a stronger, more equitable transportation system for Oregon.
Did You Miss the "Doing Business with ODOT" and "Meet the Primes" Virtual Events?
Hundreds of businesses joined ODOT, Business Oregon, and Prime Contractors to learn about upcoming projects, certifications, small business programs and more.
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 Rules changing for the DBE Program
Th US Department of Transportation announced several revisions to the rules for administering the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, effective May 9, 2024. The rule changes are an effort to significantly modernize DBE Programs across the country. Notable changes include: updates to personal net worth, thresholds for inflation, new rules for counting of material suppliers, and updated certification provisions that allow flexibility when determining eligibility.
As we learn about how these rules will impact doing business with ODOT, we will continue to update our contracting community on how to get certified and to bid on our projects. USDOT is maintaining a webpage with the current guidance on these rule changes.
Reach out with questions to ODOT’s DBE Program Manager Diponker Mukherjee
by email or at 971-283-4636.
Future Contract Opportunities: Interstate Bridge Replacement Project
The Interstate Bridge Replacement program is committed to maximizing DBE participation in future contracts. Construction work on the IBR program could begin as soon as late 2025 or early 2026.
It is anticipated that there will be over two dozen contracts of various sizes. This work ranges from the replacement of the I-5 bridges over the Columbia River to local roadways, building construction and transit.
Contracting opportunities for DBEs will exist within these larger contracts and include a wide range of disciplines.
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 New website tracks state of Oregon’s transportation system
Oregon’s transportation system connects people and goods to places, and ODOT plays a role in many of them, including:
- ODOT manages state highways, interstates, and the bikeways and walkways along through routes.
- ODOT oversees the state’s portion of Amtrak passenger rail service and the Point Bus.
- ODOT regulates railroad safety.
- ODOT regulates commercial vehicles (like freight trucks) and their drivers.
- The Oregon DMV is part of ODOT.
A new dashboard tracks how ODOT is doing in key transportation areas, including safety, city, climate and sustainability, mobility, customer services, maintenance and operations, and project delivery.
Looking for ODOT Contract Opportunities? These resources are for you!
Schedule of Upcoming Projects Current Bid Opportunities in OregonBuys
Bid Express Alternative Contracting
 Coastal Construction: Paving the Way for Small Businesses
Ryan Olson is the owner of Coastal Construction LLC, a small business based in Coquille formed in April 2021. Coastal Construction achieved Emerging Small Business certification in August 2022 and quickly secured three projects before the year's end.
While the certification process was rigorous, Olson acknowledges its importance in creating opportunities for smaller businesses to work with ODOT. Unlike private businesses that often favor established subcontractors, ODOT's ESB program actively seeks out and supports emerging companies.
ODOT has been Coastal Construction’s primary client, accounting for 90% of their business. The work they’ve been awarded includes dirt excavation, culvert replacements, stockpile cleanups, and crack sealing.
Work through the ESB Program has helped to build Coastal Construction from the ground up. The business has been able to increase the number of employees and upgrade equipment to accommodate larger jobs, including emergency contracting with ODOT.
Olson emphasizes that success with ODOT requires strong bidding skills and efficient project execution. "I've become better at understanding spec books and contracts, and generally more skilled in the professional aspects of running a business," he says.
Olson also appreciates the ESB program's leadership for actively seeking feedback on the ODOT’s certification, bidding, and other processes. "They are genuinely interested in helping small businesses gain access to work with ODOT," he adds.
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Coastal Construction Services, LLC
Trucking | Excavation | Pavement Maintenance
Service Area: Oregon
541-310-9095
coastalconstructioncoosllc@gmail.com
Find them online here |
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The Oregon Secretary of State Office of Small Business Assistance offers free and confidential assistance to small businesses with questions or concerns about business and government. Topics include:
- Starting, growing or closing a business
- Business licensing
- Business FAQs
- Business resources
- Small Business Toolkit
- Newsletter
- Business Express
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