MBDA UNVEILS FIRST U.S. GLOBAL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR MINORITY-OWNED FIRMS

Program to provide minority-owned firms with education, mentoring and ability to compete for $1 billion in global construction procurement opportunities

U.S. Commerce Deputy Secretary Dennis Hightower, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the International Trade Administration (ITA), the Tutor Perini Corporation, and the University of Southern California's School of Policy, Planning and Development today announced the nation's first program created to globalize the U.S. minority-owned construction industry by providing education, mentoring and procurement opportunities to minority-owned firms. Firms that complete the program will have the opportunity to compete for a minimum of $1 billion in Tutor Perini contracts, primarily international contracts, over a four year period.

An unprecedented public-private program, spearheaded by the MBDA, the Global Construction Program will prepare 150 high capacity, minority-owned and operated general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to compete for construction opportunities worldwide. Participating firms will receive training, education and mentoring, as well as a new, broader source of contracting opportunities. Tutor Perini Corporation is one of the nation's largest global construction conglomerates and a leader in supplier diversity within the construction industry.

Included in the program are comprehensive quantitative and qualitative needs assessments, classroom training and distance learning, including: webinars and online self-study through USC; field and on-the-job training provided through Tutor Perini; and training on federal certifications that will allow participants to work on U.S. government-supported construction projects internationally.

The program is specifically tailored for minority general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Federal sector global contracts traditionally have an entry point eluding to even the best minority-owned firms. The cost of the program is $10,000 for general contractors and $7,500 for subcontractors and suppliers. The first class is scheduled to begin Oct. 3, 2010.

To participate in the Global Construction Program, applicant firms must be:

* Minority-owned (more than 50 percent) and operated, and certified as a minority enterprise or similar designation by NMSDC or have other recognized certifications, such as an SBA 8(a), program signed letter of enrollment, or a similar state-level minority enterprise certification;
* Willing to complete a business needs assessment;
* Operating an active construction or construction supply business and have been in this business for five years or more immediately preceding the submission of the application; and
* Performing and/or have performed at least $5 million on a single project if a trade subcontractor, or performed at least $10 million on a single project if a general contractor.


There is significant growth in infrastructure projects globally - from building roads and airports to commercial and public buildings. Through this program, MBDA will further support the growth of minority-owned firms in the international construction arena.

To apply, minority-owned firms should send an e-mail to Prequalification@periniwest.com with Global Construction program in the subject line.

When e-mailing firms should include:

* Company name
* Contact name
* Scope of Work (please include CSI code)
* Telephone Number
* Fax Number
* Physical address
* E-mail address
* Website address


For more information, visit www.periniwest.com.