Renee DuFour

Project Manager

Knutson Construction

Statistics & Data

o General contractors are typically given a goal to reach for a particular project

o The project owner generally mandates the goal based on their funding source

o Contracting outcomes are subject to interpretation

Best Practice Suggestions

o Prevent Pass Through Enterpriseso Ensure firms supply their own workforce vs.

subcontracting labor to another firm

o Teach & Provide Mentorshipo Encourage partnerships with larger contractors in the

same field

o Know Your Supplierso Ensure material suppliers are buying direct from

manufacturers vs. through larger non-minority suppliers

o Encourage and facilitate partnerships with manufacturers directly

Root Causes of the Disparities

o Many contracting firms are started by individuals who knew a trade

o Many contracting firms are passed down through generationso Financing

Best Practice Suggestionso Create Opportunities

o Encourage strong female and minority workers to consider going into business for themselves

o Offer them contracting opportunities when possible

o Look for ways to develop opportunities

o Create Connections o Contact specific unions for

special projects

o Trade organizationso Competitorso Minority trade

development organizations: MEDA, NAMC, AWC, etc.

o Volunteer & Reach Outo Volunteer for

organizations working to increase participation

Agency Enforcement Strategies

o Work with the Authority having jurisdictionoBe upfront and work closely on:

oDefinitionsoReporting methodsoFrequency of reportsoContent

oKeep the AHJ informed

Potential Issues with Union/Non-Union

o Unions exist to strength their members’ workplace rights

o Lack of consistency among the trade unions with regards to increasing participation of firms

o Unions vary on their approach to increasing diversity of their membership

Best Practice Suggestions

o Review GoalsoWith the local building trade associationoWith local building trade unions; request and

determine areas of assistance/participation

o Keep Union InformedoOf progress, issues, and concernso Involve in solving problems and finding

solutions

Trust Issues with Minority Contractors

o Safety

o Quality workers

o Keeping commitments of doing agreed upon work

o Paying labor and material suppliers

o Union dues

Best Practice Suggestions

o Start Small

o Keep documentation of all agreements

o Stay Flexibleo Be prepared to assist o Be prepared to modify the

agreemento Be prepared to pay sooner

than the normal billing cycle

o Be Open to Teacho Estimatingo Payrollo Billingo Submittalso Change orderso Schedulingo Etcetera

Experience, Bonding, Insurance

o Lack of estimating experience

o Lack of bonding capacity

o Lack of proper insurance coverage and ability to pay

Best Practice Suggestions

o Avoid Bondingo Develop scope of work

packages tailored to existing women and minority businesses

o Ensure Estimate Accuracyo Work with contractors

early on

o Extra Considerationso Consider modifying

insurance requirements for self employed business owners (WC can be negotiable)

o Consider financially assisting firms to cover additional insurance requirements they have not typically carried or had resources to cover in the past