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For Immediate Release
September 14, 2004
Oakland, Calif. (September 14, 2004 ) - The Port of Oakland’s Social Responsibility Division (SRD) reports that its Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program is effective and provides important opportunities for DBE’s to do business on Port projects. The result is that some projects have exceeded the requirements for assistance funds from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Port Board of Commissioners’ President Patricia A. Scates offered, “We are committed to enhancing the economic, social and environmental well-being of our region as part of our mission. This particular project is another great example of our sincere effort to promote social equity and I’m proud of our achievements in this area,” she added.
For the reconstruction of the apron at Hangars 7 and 8 at Oakland International Airport, the SRD set a goal of 9.8 percent of the work to be performed by DBE’s. O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc., which was awarded the contract for the project, has far surpassed the requirement committing 59.4 percent of the contract to certified DBEs. In dollar terms it represents $1,469,170 of the award.
DBEs are identified by the Port’s SRD through various outreach efforts including the use of the database maintained by the California Unified Certification Program. “Our DBE program is exactly what federal funding agencies have in mind,” noted Bernida Reagan, Director of the Port of Oakland’s Social Responsibility Division. “The success of the Port’s contracting efforts demonstrates that the Port of Oakland is serious when it comes to awarding contracts to companies that are committed to delivering social equity,” she said.
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a business that is at least 51 percent owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, which includes persons of color, disabled veterans and/or women. In order to qualify for certain federal funding programs, the Port must maintain a program for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in federally funded contracting opportunities. For the federal fiscal year of 2004 the Port received over $13 million in federal assistance. In consulting, construction and trucking projects as funded by the Federal Aviation Administration, the overall DBE annual goal for federal fiscal year 2004 is 11 percent. It is the policy of the Port to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation assisted contracts. “We make every effort to create a level playing field on which Disadvantaged Business Enterprises can compete fairly for contracts and subcontracts related to the Port’s activities,” concluded Reagan.
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest containerport in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the nation with more than 13 million passengers a year; and Jack London Square is Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an autonomous department of the City of Oakland.
Contact:
Marilyn Sandifur
Manager Media/Public Relations
(510) 627-1193
msandifur@portoakland.com |
