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FTA
26-03
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Tel.: (202) 366-4043
U.S.
Department of Transportation Launches Program Providing Economic Growth
Opportunities to Small, Disadvantaged Businesses
U.S.
Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced the establishment
of its first contract award under the mentor-protégé program, which is
designed to enhance economic opportunities for small, disadvantaged business
owners.
"This
program demonstrates the Bush Administration's commitment to providing
women-owned and minority-owned small businesses every possible opportunity to
compete effectively for federal contracts," said Secretary Mineta.
"I commend Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer Dorn for taking a
leadership role in launching the mentor-protégé program at the Department of
Transportation."
On
August 1, 2002, during a forum for small and women-owned businesses, Dorn
promised that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) would provide additional
economic opportunities. In less
than a year, FTA's mentor-protégé initiative was developed and launched.
The
first protégé firm to be selected is a woman-owned business, Interactive
Elements Incorporated (IEI). Minority-owned
Delon Hampton and Associates (DHA) has been selected as the mentor firm.
"Nothing
compares to having a first-rate mentor who is experienced in the federal
contracting marketplace," said Administrator Dorn.
Dorn sees the mentor-protégé program as a way to cultivate new talent
and provide experience to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
The
IEI/DHA alliance will receive one of 18 contracts to monitor over 125 major
capital transit investment projects expected to cost more than $87 billion in
federal, state and local funds. PMO
contractors play a critical role in ensuring that FTA-funded projects progress
on time, within budget, and according to agreed upon plans and specifications.
IEI,
headquartered in New York City and founded in 1970, has experience in several
critical areas, including transit and rail operations, safety reviews, security
reviews, construction management and project management oversight.
IEI projects have included a comprehensive safety investigation of Metro
North and the Long Island Railroad, and an analysis of the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority commuter rail system.
DHA,
the mentor firm, is a leading provider of planning, design, engineering, and
program and construction management services.
It brings over 30 years of experience to the joint venture.
DHA is a graduate of the SBA's 8(a) Business Development program, which
helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access
the federal procurement market.
The
mentor-protégé program, overseen by the Small Business Administration (SBA),
will open doors to new business opportunities for small, disadvantaged
businesses. More importantly, it
will equip these companies with the necessary tools to compete for federal
contracts. Mentors provide
technical and management assistance, financial assistance in the form of equity
investments and/or loans, subcontract support, and assistance in performing
prime contract responsibilities. The
program provides an avenue for small, disadvantaged firms to achieve
entrepreneurial success and contribute to economic growth.
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