Message from the Director
We have closed another productive year here at the North Texas Tollway Authority's Business Diversity Department. As we look back on several exciting developments within the business diversity community in 2012 we are eagerly anticipating what is in store for 2013.
In April, the NTTA selected VRX Inc. as its major maintenance consultant. A woman-owned enterprise led by Noelle Ibrahim, VRX had previously served as a sub-contractor for the NTTA. We believe the elevation to prime contractor is a direct result of the NTTA Business Diversity Department's outreach efforts to promote growth, resulting in increased responsibilities. VRX staff's familiarity following subcontractor work on various NTTA projects gave the company insight into NTTA protocol and the expectations of a prime participant and allowed them to deliver the top proposal.
VRX's selection demonstrates that the inclusion of disadvantaged, minority and woman-owned business enterprises and small businesses is a continuing priority for the NTTA. The NTTA made further strides in 2012 as a respected leader and partner in the region's transportation network, one of its key strategic goals.
In 2013, the NTTA will continue monthly Business Chat Sessions, which continue to grow and provide information to vendors interested in doing business with the NTTA as well as the quarterly Vendor Outreach Symposium program. The VOS, a traveling road show that covers Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties, is a one-stop outreach initiative that provides participants an opportunity to meet staff from various NTTA departments and acquire information regarding future procurement opportunities.
Keep your eyes open as we begin preparation for our next Relationships and Opportunities Advancing Diversity Program class. The ROAD program is designed to pair D/M/WBEs with representatives from prime contractor firms that offer similar services and work with NTTA. This partnering relationship provides D/M/WBEs access to greater resources, products and/or services that can provide training and support for expanded business operations, technical capabilities and guidance in developing strategies to strengthen their businesses.
We are looking forward to the new year and providing enhanced procurement opportunities for small businesses. If you have any questions or comments, we would be delighted to hear from you. Call our Vendor Outreach Hotline (972) 447-3333 or send an email to vendoroutreach@ntta.org. You can always contact me directly at (214) 224-2288.
We look forward to working with you in the future.
Anthony Coleman
Director of Business Diversity |
NTTA PARTNERS WITH REGIONAL ENTITIES FOR INCREASED DIVERSITY CONTRACTING
The NTTA, the Texas Department of Transportation and contractor associations in the region have forged a partnership designed to increase diversity in the heavy highway industry. The program is appropriately named the Cooperative Inclusion Plan. The NTTA Board passed a resolution supporting the CIP on Oct. 17.
The CIP seeks to increase inclusion by establishing firm benchmarks to address challenges and create opportunities for that seek work in the heavy highway industry.
All CIP participants agree a cooperative partnership is important to establish benchmarks, address challenges and deliver real and sustainable results. The CIP will seek to advance existing efforts for disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned and small businesses and historically underutilized businesses in unison and collectively build new strategies making the sum of the total bigger than the pieces. The program will work toward shared goals beneficial to all heavy highway construction participants.
John Martinez of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association and John Kelly of the Black Contractors Association released a joint statement in support of the CIP. "It is our understanding that NTTA, TxDOT and heavy highway contractors are poised to make great strides in building capacity through the new Cooperative Inclusion Plan. The net effect of the Plan will be to increase the number of contractors able to bid on projects, drive down costs and increase quality. This is a win for competition, heavy highway industry contractors and taxpayers," they said.
A kick-off workshop at the Goodwill Industries Center in Dallas on Dec. 11 attracted nearly 200 participants. It was co-hosted by John Kelly, president of the Black Contractors Association, Paul Causey, the North Texas area manager of the Associated General Contractors of Texas, and John Martinez, the president of the Regional Hispanic Contractors Association. All currently serve on the NTTA's Business Diversity Advisory Council, helping guide the NTTA in its efforts to encourage the participation of (D/M/W/SBEs) in the NTTA's contract opportunities.
One highlight was a comprehensive presentation covering the CIP Resource Guide for Highway Construction. The guide features information vital to helping D/M/W/SBEs and HUBs successfully navigate a complex business environment and take part in potential contracting opportunities to increase highway construction diversification. Additionally, the presentation focused on the CIP's partnering organizations, diversity initiatives, requirements, key contact information, and a glossary of common highway industry terms.
The agenda also covered current highway projects with major contractors and entities including the NTTA. There was also a panel discussion that gave the contractors' perspective on highway contract opportunities. The panel discussion was followed by a question and answer session and networking with major contractors |
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VENDORS GATHER AT THE NTTA FOR OUTREACH SYMPOSIUM
 | | Business Diversity Director Anthony Coleman visits with vendors in the NTTA boardroom |
The NTTA hosted its most recent Vendor Outreach Symposium Dec. 6 in the NTTA boardroom to provide information about upcoming projects in Collin County. The VOS is a traveling road show and one-stop outreach opportunity for prospective vendors.
Business Diversity Director Anthony Coleman presented NTTA accomplishments and outlined the Authority's commitment to inclusion of small business enterprises in procurement.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet NTTA staff including Director of Information Technology Dave Pounds, Director of Maintenance Eric Hemphill, Director of Procurement Felix Alvarez and Director of Public Affairs Kim Jackson.
These events are designed to engage contractors in the process of doing business with the NTTA. As a result, attendees received assistance from Business Diversity staff on how to find available opportunities online, register as an NTTA vendor and learn about upcoming opportunities. Attendees were invited to network with each other following the program. The VOS will travel to Denton County in February. Dates will be available online at Ntta.org
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STAFF VISITS WITH COLLIN COUNTY BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
 Business Diversity staff continued outreach efforts with small businesses Dec. 1 at the Collin County Black Chamber of Commerce annual holiday party. This annual event recognizes the action and accomplishments of outstanding citizens within the community.
Director of Business Diversity Anthony Coleman discussed NTTA initiatives, such as Vendor Outreach Symposiums and the Second Wednesday Business Chat sessions. The event's program allowed participants to discuss business opportunities, showcase their companies, and network with other businesses. Approximately 200 guests attended the event.
NTTA Assistant Executive Director of Administrative Services Kimberly Tolbert (fifth from left) displays her Luna award.
NTTA EXECUTIVE WINS MAJOR AWARD
Congratulations to Chief Strategic Officer Kimberly Tolbert, who was named as a winner of the 2012 Regional Hispanic Contractor's Association Luna Award. The award celebrates the achievements of individuals and companies with a vision for women in the construction, architecture and engineering industries by encouraging, promoting and developing women at all levels in the construction industry according to the RHCA. The ceremony was held Oct. 25 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. |
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VENDOR CONTRACT COMPLIANCE TRAINING WORKSHOPS
 Business Diversity staff is excited about progress with the Prism monthly subcontractor/vendor payment reporting system. In January the department began using the new secure, web-based contract compliance reporting system to capture prime and sub contractor spending for NTTA contracts. The objective of the new contract compliance system is to simplify vendor monthly reporting, increase efficiency, and save contractors time.
All prime contractors are required to complete a vendor training workshop prior to using the new contract compliance tracking system. Business Diversity department staff conducts the free training workshops each month and leads vendors through an overview of the new system, and NTTA contract compliance reporting requirements. The new series is being planned for 2013 and will be available online at NTTA.org.
NTTA OUT & ABOUT
NTTA HOSTS LARGE DIVERSITY EVENT
The NTTA hosted the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials Transportation Opportunities Series and Women's Transportation Seminar event Nov. 16 as part of the NTTA's ongoing effort to increase outreach and market contracting opportunities to the public.
The event was held in the NTTA's boardroom and was open to all business professionals interested in working with the NTTA.
The annual Dallas/Fort Worth WTS diversity program was a joint effort with the Dallas COMTO Chapter. This year's event focused on diversity initiatives in the transportation industry.
The goal of the program is to educate the WTS and COMTO communities about diversity solutions in addressing the region's current concerns about minority and women inclusion and utilization in transportation.
The WTS diversity committee and Dallas' COMTO chapter assembled an expert panel of representatives from the NTTA, Fort Worth Transportation Agency, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and the Texas Department of Transportation to speak at the event.
CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION BUSINESS BRIEFING
NTTA staff participated in a contractor association business briefing in conjunction with the Regional Hispanic Contractors, Black Contractors, and Asian American Contractors associations Oct. 16 in Dallas. Staff met and networked with representatives from more than 100 small businesses at the event, discussing NTTA business practices and upcoming initiatives.
ROAD PROGRAM ROUNDTABLE
Business Diversity staff hosted a Relationships and Opportunities Advancing Diversity program roundtable discussion and forum Oct. 22 at the NTTA. The event allowed representatives from prime firms to exchange ideas, discuss accomplishments and review successes achieved.
Business Diversity Director Anthony Coleman provided highlights of the ROAD program class guide, outlining the program's operating guidelines, team expectations, role of the department, upcoming key dates and meeting schedules. ROAD program teams asked questions about steps ahead and shared progress and positive developments made to date. This followed an NTTA forum for ROAD program consultant firms in September.
CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
Business Diversity staff hosted the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency's monthly certification workshop Sept. 25 in the NTTA Boardroom. The free workshop consisted of two-parts.
NCTRCA staff led disadvantaged/minority/women business enterprises owners through an orientation regarding certification and provided assistance for certification applicants.
Business Diversity Manager LaRhonda Hytchye informed attendees of upcoming NTTA initiatives and opportunities. Representatives from other entities provided overviews of their organizations, upcoming opportunities and tips on how to do business with each of the respective agencies. All recently certified members were encouraged to introduce their companies and network.
NTTA UPCOMING DIVERSITY OUTREACH EVENTS
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Feb. 13 |
NTTA Monthly Business Chat Session |
Monthly Business Chat Sessions: The monthly business chat sessions provide an opportunity for prospective vendors with the opportunity to promote their businesses and network. Information provided to attendees is tailored to the vendors' specific industries. Business Chat Session are conducted the second Wednesday of each month.
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Feb. 27 |
Collin County Governmental Purchasers Forum |
The Collin County Governmental Purchasers Forum will host its Annual Vendor Fair at the Collin College Preston Ridge Campus Conference Center located at 9700 Wade Blvd., in Frisco on Feb. 27, from 1- 4 p.m.
This annual event is an opportunity for business professionals to meet staff from Collin County government entities and school districts. The first segment of the event will consist of a presentation on "How to do Business with Government Entities" followed by an open fair to meet with the various government entities. The Collin County Governmental Purchasers Forum is comprised of more than 30 entities, including the NTTA.
The event's program will allow small businesspeople the opportunity to discuss business opportunities, showcase their companies, and network with the participating entities.
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March |
NTTA Vendor Outreach Symposium-Denton County Session |
To increase its outreach efforts and to market contracting opportunities to the public, the NTTA hosts each quarter a Vendor Outreach Symposium in each of the four counties including Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant to share procurement opportunities and provide networking opportunities with key NTTA staff. The symposiums are traveling road shows that offer one-stop outreach for prospective vendors and provide information about contract opportunities for future NTTA projects and procurements.
Participants have the opportunity to meet staff from various NTTA departments, including the Business Diversity Department. In addition, representatives from various certification agencies provide information about how to become DBE or M/WBE certified. These events are also designed to engage diverse contractors in the process of doing business with the NTTA. Attendees receive assistance from procurement specialists on finding available opportunities online. Vendors also can complete vendor registrations on site, and question-and-answer sessions are held to address any procurement concerns. The VOS also includes time for networking with other participants.
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March 13 |
NTTA Monthly Business Chat Session |
Monthly Business Chat Sessions provide an opportunity for prospective vendors with the opportunity to promote their businesses and network. Information provided to attendees is tailored to the vendors' specific industries. Business Chat Sessions are conducted the second Wednesday of each month.
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VENDOR REGISTRATION
Stay apprised of NTTA opportunities by registering online at www.ntta.org. Registering online allows your firm to automatically receive emails for NTTA bid opportunities that match your company's registered skill sets by specific commodity codes.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Visit www.ntta.org to find upcoming opportunities for four industry-specific categories, as well as the construction letting schedule. |
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CONTACT US
For questions regarding
vendor outreach, email VendorOutreach@ntta.org or call 972-447-3333.
For questions regarding business diversity, email BusinessDiversity@ntta.org or call 214-461-2007.
For questions regarding all procurements, email bidpurchasing@ntta.org.
Visit the Business Diversity Department online at www.ntta.org for direct access to the NTTA's Diversity Policy, Contractors Compliance Handbook, compliance report forms and other helpful links.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
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