Port of Oakland seeks business opportunities from small, local firms

Oakland, Calif. – Sept. 14, 2016: The Port of Oakland plans to spend $498 million on capital improvements over the next five years. That means the Port will be selecting contractors to carry out major public works projects.

Today the Port is offering a “Contracting 101” seminar to help small and local firms compete for upcoming business opportunities. Port contract experts will provide guidance on how to apply for public works projects. The event will be held at Merritt College located at 12500 Campus Drive in Oakland from 8:30 AM until 11:30 AM. Guest speakers include Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle and Laney College Dean Peter Crabtree.

“We see plenty of contracting opportunity on the horizon for small and local businesses,” said Port of Oakland Director of Social Responsibility, Amy Tharpe. “That’s why we want to prepare firms now to take advantage of these business opportunities on the horizon.”

Oakland International Airport projects will include over $196 million for terminal projects and $120 million for airfield improvements. In the Maritime Division, more than $28 million will be available for marine terminal improvements and upgrades. There are also $3 million in capital projects within the Port’s Commercial Real Estate which includes Jack London Square.

Here’s the Port’s record over the last three years in public works contracting with local and small business:

• 85% of the spending has gone to firms in the Port’s Local Business Area - Alameda and Contra Costa counties;
• 65% has gone to firms in the Port’s Local Impact area: the cities of Oakland, Emeryville, San Leandro and Alameda;
• 27% was spent with small businesses; and
• 15% with very small businesses.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

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