Dive brief: Clark Construction Group has launched a small business initiative that aims to expand opportunities for underserved construction companies, even on projects where consolidation goals are not mandated. The SDBE15 program is designed to promote greater participation by small, disadvantaged, minority, and women-owned businesses in Clark’s construction projects nationwide, according to a press release. Through the program, Bethesda, Maryland, has committed to achieving at least 15% small or disadvantaged business participation in all jobs—even those that don’t include small business requirements. This approach includes subcontracting at all levels to enhance opportunities for the largest number of companies, the statement said. Dive Insight: The SDBE15 program is designed to expand and strengthen Clark’s existing network and foster long-term relationships with a diverse group of business partners, and is expected to generate approximately $250 million for small and disadvantaged businesses annually. Other large construction companies have announced similar initiatives focused on diversity in recent months. For example, AECOM’s “Sustainable Legacies” program, launched in April, includes goals toward developing project teams that reflect customers and the communities they serve and partnering with SMEs to generate social value through positive community investments. To determine subcontractor eligibility, Clark will use existing federal, state, or local government certifications. Company construction projects with previously announced small business engagement targets in excess of 15% will not be subject to this new standard. Clark’s project teams will work alongside the company’s assigned subcontractor development group, as well as estimation and procurement teams, to develop in-depth subcontracting plans for these small businesses spanning from the follow-up phase through to project delivery. The SDBE15 program is part of Clark’s comprehensive approach to developing and mentoring disadvantaged and small businesses, and complements the company’s established Strategic Partnership Program, an intensive Executive MBA-style development course aimed at small business owners and leaders. The skills and capacity building programme, now entering its 15th year, has more than 1,250 alumni and is offered in eight markets across the country. Providing support Clark has always provided opportunities for disadvantaged contractors to work on major projects. On last year’s $1.5 billion Kansas City Airport new terminal building project (pictured above), Clark-owned developer Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate and its design and build partner, Clark | Witz | Clarkson, a group of support for more than 100 minority and women-owned entrepreneurs. With a goal of sharing 20% ​​MBE and 15% WBE, the team used a variety of software to remove barriers that typically affect these types of businesses from securing contracts to working on projects of this size, Jeff Stryker, senior managing director at Edgemoor, said Construction Dive. The project team has set up a Pay No Delay program to ensure that these companies get paid within 14 days for the work completed. The Edgemoor Team Initiative has also provided workforce orientation and training programs and arranged for low-interest loans to help small businesses obtain equipment and working capital. “We really try to address all the issues that affect men and women who want to work in construction, both from a personal and a business standpoint,” said Straker. “We recognize that with large contracts like this, minority and women-owned businesses and other small businesses can take on a large scale of work if given the opportunity.”
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