Small Businesses Invited to US 550/US 160 Connection Project Trade Fair

SOUTHWEST COLORADO—CDOT is partnering with Connect2DOT to host a "Reverse Trade Fair" on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at the Double Tree Hotel in Durango.

"This event is an industry trade fair in reverse," said Kelly Whaley, CDOT civil rights specialist. "Small businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their services to potential prime contractors interested in the upcoming US 550/160 Connection South design-build project. And interested prime contractor teams will have the chance to visit with small businesses, learn about their experiences, skills and the variety of capabilities available within the local small business community.""

The day-long event will include a workshop on the design-build process, as well as effective bidding and estimating practices. A complimentary networking lunch will allow participants to meet the CDOT project team and interested prime contractors.

"The day will end with our Reverse Trade Fair, where small businesses can reserve free exhibitor tables," explained Whaley. "But there are a limited number of exhibitor spots, and preference will be given to [Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Businesses]."

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Emerging Small Business firms are qualified and certified in the special programs. Other business slots will be allocated based upon availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more and register.

Questions?
Contact Kelly Whaley at 970-385-1405.

Pre-Event Webinar

Participants and exhibitors are encouraged to register for a pre-event webinar from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Aug. 28. The webinar will provide a brief overview of the construction project; information about becoming certified as a DBE and ESB; as well as scheduling, logistics and more information about what to expect at the Reverse Trade Fair.

Register for the webinar.

Project Info

This $99 million construction project—focused on connecting US 550 to US 160 at the Grandview interchange—is part of long-range planning to enhance transportation for Southwest Colorado. The connection is a key component for future growth providing mobility, safety, economic vitality and connectivity for the entire Four Corners area, and all communities within this region that are currently seeing significant amounts of growth. The project is expected to solicit letters of interest from prime contractors by the end of this year.

Learn more.

About Connect2DOT

Connect2DOT is a state agency partnership program between the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and CDOT. The program provides online resources and events tailored to construction contractors and professional design, architecture and engineering firms. Resources and events are designed to help small businesses in the transportation industry become more competitive and successful in bidding and contracting with CDOT and other local transportation agencies.