Highway contractors invited to projects briefing

Southwest Colorado — Area contractors and subcontractors are invited to learn more about upcoming highway construction projects set to break ground in southwest Colorado. A project briefing will be held Fri., Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 21636 US Highway 160 in Durango. Contractors have the option of attending either in person or virtually. Online registration is required for both in-person and virtual participants at: SWColoradoProjects.eventbrite.com. Since lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

The event is hosted by the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Contractors Association, Western Colorado Contractors Association and Connect2DOT (CDOT’s partnering agency for small business development).

At the event, CDOT project engineers will present information about scheduled infrastructure projects soon to be advertised for bid for the 2024 construction season. Representatives from local municipalities, counties, special districts and federal agencies will also provide information about upcoming construction projects planned throughout southwestern Colorado.

Topics of discussion include planned scopes of work, relevant program changes for contractors and other requirements associated with small business certifications like DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and ESB (Emerging Small Business).

“This is a great opportunity for contractors and subcontractors to get a head start on marketing and networking efforts,” said CDOT Regional Transportation Director, Julie Constan. “We encourage companies or firms with small business certifications, like DBE and ESB, to attend.”

The DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) program is a federal effort to encourage participation by under-utilized businesses on public projects. ESB (Emerging Small Business) is a race-and gender-neutral program that fosters small business participation on CDOT projects.

For additional information about the event contact Cathy Kramer at 970-903-6108 or [email protected].