AN OVERVIEW OF COUNCIL DISTRICT OUTREACH WEBINARS
“ As you know , working with public agencies is a challenge . We are not called a bureaucracy for no reason , but this program is here to help contractors just like you break through those barriers .”
Representatives from Metro ’ s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department ( DEOD ) presented the ins and outs of Metro ’ s small business program , including its certification process . Senior Representative Cynthia Suero-Gabler and Representative Jan Davis said they are dedicated advocates for small contractors and that their role is to serve as contractors ’ Metro system navigators . They told attendees that “ we are your friends on the inside .” The DEOD representatives said that becoming certified levels the playing field by providing a fair opportunity to compete for federally or non-federally funded transportation contracts .
MWIS CEO Ingrid Merriwether provided an overview of the CDABP . She described how the CDABP provides bonding assistance , contract financing , technical support , education , training , and other services to underrepresented businesses . Robert Lowery , MWIS Field Support Project Manager , followed up by talking in greater depth about the technical assistance aspects of the CDABP .
An informative presentation on doing business with the County of Los Angeles , and specifically the Department of Public Works ( DPW ), was provided by Ghayane Zakarian , Contracts Manager and Chief of Administrative Operations , and DPW Business Outreach and Compliance representatives Amy Le and Robert Murphy . They expressed DPW ’ s commitment to supporting the growth of the regional economy through contracting with small and diverse businesses . In addition , the County certification process was explained by Jessica Mireles , Senior Counselor at the Procurement Technical Assistance Center ( PTAC ), Office of Small Business , Department of Workforce Development , Aging , and Community Services ( WDACS ).
You can view a recording of this video online .
Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Sheila Kuehl
On August 25 , 2022 , Los Angeles County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Sheila Kuehl co-hosted the “ Navigating LA County and Metro Contracting Opportunities ” webinar about the services provided by the regional Contractor Development and Bonding Program ( CDABP ), administered by Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services ( MWIS ), which cohosted the event .
Supervisor Kuehl warmly welcomed and talked about the importance of the CDABP for small
06 - imwis . com and diverse contractors , including opportunities related to the Measure M infrastructure expansion and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles . “ LA County ’ s Regional Contractor Development and Bonding Program is the key to helping you take advantage of all this growth ,” said Supervisor Kuehl . “ This webinar is about demystifying the procurement process with public agencies and helping you grow your business .”