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Posted on: Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 01:24PM
Posted by: Administrator 1 (Member)

COMTO and ViewSet Corporation put on the first FHWA workshop inDenver this past May, working with government, transit, DBE and communitystakeholders to increase workforce diversity and DBE contracts.  Based on the mediation efforts of theConference of Minority Transportation Officials to assist the Missouri DOT withthe I-64 Reconstruction Project, COMTO President/CEO, developed and introducedthe Community Partnering Agreement Process (CPAP.)  The model proved successful in both Missouriand Wisconsin--  so much so that the FHWAcontracted ViewSet and COMTO to bring the workshop to several key markets whereupcoming projects can benefit the communities in a greater way.

Read what Allen Masuda, Associate Administrator, Office of Civil Rights FHWA said:

Sharing best practices was well received by the Denver representatives, which included Denver RTD, Colorado DOT, DBEs, FTA-Colorado, primes and community leaders.

Over 75 participants took part in this day and ½ workshopthat featured presentations from the players in the successful projects inMissouri and Wisconsin--  these subjectmatter experts were well received and imparted the lessons they learned ontheir projects.  After the presentations,workshop participants broke up into small breakout groups that represented allthe stakeholders--  government, transit,small business, labor, community leaders and DBEs.  Participants had a chance to voice theirconcerns and offer solutions specific to Denver on how better to execute acontract. 

Logistically support for the workshop was contracted toCOMTO member and DBE Civil Technology in the Five Points area of Denver--  close to the proposed P3 project.  Local participants appreciated the historicalsignificance of the area and the workshop location.

Phil Washington, CEO/GM, Denver RTD had this to say:

The workshop was indeed a huge success and as we mentioned, we plan to convey the results of the workshop to a larger community group in late June.

COMTO and ViewSet plan on delivering the workshop to fouradditional cities with more in the planning stages.  Next up, the "Partnering with Communities onMajor Projects to Assure Success in DBE Participation, Diversity in Employmentand Workforce Development" will be in Hartford, CT August 11-12.  Check back soon for the detailed report for FHWA.