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Port Reaching Out to More Small, Local Firms

Press Releases, Seaport, Airport, Commercial Real Estate, Community
January 14th, 2015

Press Release

For Immediate Release
January 14, 2015

Port of Oakland Reaching Out to More Small, Local Firms

The bottom line: $570 million in capital improvement spending

 

Oakland, CA – Jan. 14, 2015 – The Port of Oakland plans to spend $570 million on capital improvements over the next five years. It extended efforts today to ensure that businesses including small and local firms continue to share in the work.

The Port educated 155 contractors from nearby communities during a half-day seminar on bidding for public works projects. The objective: cast a wider net in selecting firms to do everything from paving to perimeter dike improvements.

“The Port of Oakland’s mission is job creation and economic growth,” said Social Responsibility Division Director Amy Tharpe. “As we progress, we want firms right here in our backyard to benefit along with everyone else.”

Builders, plumbers and electricians crowded a classroom near the Port’s Jack London Square for contracting advice. Port engineers and contract experts educated potential bidders on how to compete for public works projects. New projects will include building renovations, electrical upgrades and pavement overlay on runways at Oakland International Airport, which is managed by the Port of Oakland.

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

  • 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 and Oakland International Airport. The Port's jurisdiction includes 20 miles of waterfront from the Bay Bridge through Oakland International Airport. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland.
Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contact:

Roberto Bernardo,
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
Click here to contact Robert Bernardo

Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur