More than a bridge: building diversity

From ODOT-

On each project, ODOT employs
strategies to provide opportunities for small contractors and to attract, develop
and retain a skilled and diverse workforce.  

For the Willamette River Bridge project, targeted 10
percent participation by disadvantaged business enterprises and 10 percent by
minority-owned, women-owned and emerging small businesses, for a total of 20
percent DMWESB participation.
 

In addition, ODOT set aspirational
targets for the project’s workforce at 14 percent for both minorities and
women. Through March 2012, we’ve surpassed our goals in each area, achieving
15.1 percent participation by minorities and 15 percent by women.  

Using the construction manager/general
contractor delivery method for the project makes it easier for us to apply the
principles of ODOT’s Workforce Development Program. The program is designed to
expand diversity in employment and increase training resources and
opportunities for highway construction jobs throughout the state.   

ODOT chose the CM/GC
approach in part because the project’s complexity requires numerous experienced
subcontractors and a highly skilled workforce. This has been a primary reason
for the exceptional diversity achievements we’ve seen to date. 

CM/GC and its ability to
maximize DMWESB participation offers a number of benefits. DMWESB contractors
generally have a more diverse workforce, giving an even greater number of women
and minorities the opportunity to gain experience on a large bridge
construction project.  

Read more about how we’re
able to achieve this important success in an article on HubDOT.com authored by
Jim Cox, ODOT’s major projects branch assistant manager.