4 Steps for GCs to Acquire Minority Contractors скачать в хорошем качестве

4 Steps for GCs to Acquire Minority Contractors

If you're a General Contractor, then you are very likely to be involved with government contracts requiring Minority participation at various percentages. Finding Minority Contractors is not a very easy task but not impossible if there is a process in place to foster the proper environment. NOTE: Even businesses other than GCs (outside of construction industry) can apply these strategies to find and acquire Minority suppliers/providers/partners. Based on research as well as years of experience, I have gathered the key elements of a successful Minority Acquisition Program to create a platform which will attract MBEs. Four essential steps: 1. COMMIT As a GC, you have to develop a culture of diversity within the organization before engaging in relationships with MBEs: you have to make sure you are not just signing up to simply meet Minority goals in your projects, but rather you should aim at exceeding the required percentages. One really important point we don't talk about enough is the vast advantages of doing business with a diverse team: it has been proven to increase innovation, profit while creating jobs for historically underutilized businesses. This is the proper mindset to have before beginning a Minority Acquisition Program journey. Symbolize your commitment by hiring a full-time employee (or a full department for larger GCs) dedicated to Minority Contractors and Suppliers identification, qualifying, acquiring, and retaining. 2. NETWORKING Where can you find Minority Contractors? Where do they congregate? You have to go where your audience can be found and in the case of MBEs: MBE organizations, support centers and associations. Shake the tree of your existing MBE networks (They will be pleasantly surprised), then set up outreach programs specifically targeting Minority Contractors outside of your current networks. Locate MBE subcontractors by publishing advertisements in ethnic and minority publications and with your local minority contractors’ associations. Consider attending outreach programs sponsored by state and local MBE Program offices or local contractors’ associations. Leverage technologies to help you manage your subcontractor utilization, tracking and compliance with automated systems or software. This can help you track MDWBE subcontractor utilization rate. 3. INCUBATOR PROGRAM Set up an incubator program since so many MBEs need support in various capacities. Your ability to address the urgent needs of MBEs will establish a strong and capable pool of Minority Contractors who will help you achieve excellence in your construction projects. The incubator program will encourage MBEs to participate in pre-bid, bid opening, and pre-construction meetings for more technical exposure. The program will also organize or participate in educational workshops, statewide and local conferences, and one on one counseling sessions for historically underutilized construction firms. Lastly, assisting MBEs in maintaining current and valid certification is essential. 4. MINORITY EVENTS Organize Minority events to constantly take the pulse of your pool of MBEs. This will give you a chance to listen to their concerns, issues and goals. MBE events organized in partnership with Minority-focused agencies/entities will also attract more Minority Contractors outside of your network. Team up with contractors’ associations like the National Association of Minority Contractors, National Hispanic Construction Association, National Black Contractors Association, and the National Association of Women in Construction. These organizations have local chapters that are familiar with the construction industry so establishing a relationship with them and involving them in your MBE events will go a long way in developing your diversity culture. More detailed technical and strategic contents are available to help you set up a successful Minority Acquisition Program. Feel free to reach out as each contractor has its own goal/context. I also offer personalized consulting services for an in-depth analysis to develop an action plan.