CTAP COVID-19 SURVEY & SUPPORT SERVICES
CTAP COVID-19 SURVEY & SUPPORT SERVICES
On March 17 , 2020 , Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services , the administrator for Alameda
County ’ s Technical Assistance Program ( CTAP ), quickly adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing a shelter-in-place protocol for all of its staff while exploring ways to provide additional support to our small , local and underrepresented contractors during this challenging time .
To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our small contractors , CTAP staff developed and sent out a survey to 35 CTAP participants in April 2020 and , despite the intense chaos and confusion of those early days of the pandemic , the survey received a nearly 50 % response rate . Based on the survey responses , CTAP staff expanded the Program ’ s focus and services to help address the most urgent needs of our small contractor community .
Using our existing Program resources and relationships with Alameda County and Program Partners , CTAP staff communicated the survey results to key decision-makers , advocating for resources and assistance in meeting small contractors ’ top three most pressing concerns :
•• Help applying for and securing PPP , EIDL and other pandemic-related loans and grants
•• Assistance with avoiding pandemic-related lay-offs
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Cooperative solutions for resolving pandemic-related project delays and suspensions and for ensuring the continued availability of construction work
As CTAP and other support and advocacy organizations worked with government officials , public agencies , primes , unions and other stakeholders to find ways of safely reopening construction projects