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| Web Brief (Mar 08) |
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Steve Muma inspects work of a firm contracted via SCP
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Small Contracting Program provides easy access to new talent at a great price (Mar 08)
The quickest way between two points has always been a straight line. ODOT recently took this approach when developing the Small Contracting Program: the best way to create the most opportunities for small businesses and the agency is for the two to contract directly.
The program’s two parts—professional and technical services, and construction—provide small consultants and contractors with not only a chance to contract as a prime with the agency, but also a chance to compete for financially meaningful projects without having to rely on a much larger company as the intermediary.
But the benefits of this direct approach aren’t only for small businesses. For ODOT, the SCP gives managers a new, more flexible way to contract with small firms and contractors resulting in more control over the timeliness, cost and quality of their projects.
“ODOT is often charged with completing complex projects with limited staff, time and budgets,” said ODOT Procurement & Contracts Specialist Gail Samura, who along with her colleagues in the ODOT Procurement Office, help Technical Services managers and others hire small businesses through the program. “Working with small firms gives us access to a talented labor pool so we can complete projects quickly and effectively.”
For Steve Muma, Region 1 Survey Unit manager, the SCP has been a great experience. With help from procurement specialists such as Samura, and with a quick and simple process to follow, Muma has found that he is able to choose the best firm for the job and build a strong rapport with the consultant. Ultimately, this direct relationship helps him ensure work is completed on time with high-quality results.
The process began with Muma and Samura reviewing the pool of consultants to find the most appropriate candidates. Interviews then covered the specifics of each firm’s credentials, as well as what it would take for the partnership to be most successful.
“The SCP is a wonderful, beneficial learning experience for both parties,” said Muma. “As ODOT refines the application, interview and contracting processes, more opportunities are created for firms that can grow with Oregon.”
The SCP is quickly gaining popularity throughout the agency. As of early March 2008, there have been six new contracts awarded through the program, with approximately 15 others currently in the works and more to come as the construction side of the program gets under way.
“The Small Contracting Program is currently very active throughout the agency. There’s a good chance by the time people read this that we’ll have between six and 10 more contracts signed,” said Lis Cooper, project manager for the Small Contracting Program. “It’s been busy, but it’s also exciting that so many people are finding the program useful.”
Region 1 Public Information Specialist Mike Mason is another happy user of the SCP. Mason turned to OPO for help in issuing a customized Request for Proposal for a firm to redesign Region 1’s intranet.
“By working with a qualified consultant from the Small Contracting Program, we got the best of both worlds: individualized attention and a creative solution at a great price,” said Mason.
In the informal interviews, Mason screened consultants for enthusiasm, creativity, commitment and chemistry. According to Mason, the interviews increased both his and the consultant’s confidence that the project could be completed successfully on time and on budget.
“The benefit of the SCP for the agency,” Mason said, “is that it attracts small businesses that otherwise may be too intimidated to bid, so ODOT has access to a new set of ideas. And because the contracts are a relationship-building opportunity with the agency, the companies are driven to deliver high-quality programs.”
For more information on how you can experience the benefits of the SCP with your projects, call Lis Cooper at (503) 731-8510 or e-mail elisabeth.cooper@odot.state.or.us.
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