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The
U.S. Department of Transportation has established
its first contract award under the mentor-protégé
program, which is designed to enhance economic opportunities
for small, disadvantaged business owners.
"This
program demonstrates the Bush Administration's commitment
to providing women-owned and minority-owned small
businesses every possible opportunity to compete
effectively for federal contracts," U.S. Secretary
of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta said. "I commend
Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer Dorn for
taking a leadership role in launching the mentor-protégé
program at the Department of Transportation."
On
Aug. 1, 2002, during a forum for small and women-owned
businesses, Dorn promised that the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) would provide additional economic
opportunities. In less than a year, the FTA mentor-protégé
initiative was developed and launched.
The
first protégé firm to be selected is a woman-owned
business, Interactive Elements Incorporated (IEI).
Minority-owned Delon Hampton and Associates (DHA)
has been selected as the mentor firm.
"Nothing
compares to having a first-rate mentor who is experienced
in the federal contracting marketplace," Administrator
Dorn said, adding that she sees the mentor-protégé
program as a way to cultivate new talent and provide
experience to socially and economically disadvantaged
entrepreneurs.
The
IEI/DHA alliance will receive one of 18 contracts
to monitor more than 125 major capital transit investment
projects expected to cost more than $87 billion
in federal, state and local funds. PMO contractors
play a critical role in ensuring that FTA-funded
projects progress on time, within budget, and according
to agreed upon plans and specifications.
IEI,
founded in 1970, is headquartered in New York City.
The firm has experience in several critical areas,
including transit and rail operations, safety reviews,
security reviews, construction management, and project
management oversight. IEI projects have included
a comprehensive safety investigation of Metro North
and the Long Island Railroad and an analysis of
the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter
rail system.
DHA,
the mentor firm, is a leading provider of planning,
design, engineering, and program and construction
management services. It brings more than 30 years
of experience to the joint venture. DHA is a graduate
of the Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a)
Business Development Program, which helps small,
disadvantaged businesses compete in the American
economy and access the federal procurement market.
Under
the program, mentors will provide technical and
management assistance, financial assistance in the
form of equity investments and/or loans, subcontract
support, and assistance in performing prime contract
responsibilities.
(This
article is reprinted from the Fall 2003 edition
of Enterprising Women magazine. Copyright
2003, Enterprising Women Inc. Reproduction in whole
or part is prohibited, except by permission of the
publisher.)
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