The Port of New Orleans has launched a series of roundtable discussions to promote professional services opportunities to local and small architectural and engineering companies as part of a business outreach initiative. To date, two roundtables have been held with more than a dozen companies attending and plans are underway for future roundtables.
“We want to ensure our procurement process is transparent and clear so as many qualified businesses as possible have the opportunity to work with the Port,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. “We want to be inclusive of companies large and small, firms we have worked with in the past and those new to Port NOLA. With an ever-larger pool of prospective professional services providers, the Port is best able to select the right teams for Port projects.”
During the roundtable discussions, Port representatives share information related to the engineering department’s objectives and best practices for a successful procurement process. Detailed information on upcoming projects is also provided, covering needs such as structural replacement and rehabilitation, electrical and mechanical repairs, construction engineering and inspection.
“Our goal is to engage local and small businesses in the region and create awareness of the opportunities to bid with the Port,” said Tiffany Carter, Port of New Orleans Director of Procurement. “We value the increased competition in this marketplace and growing capabilities and experiences of our local, small business community members.”
Invited companies are encouraged to share their perceptions, whether positive or negative, of doing business with Port NOLA. Port organizers hope companies leave the discussion with a stronger understanding of the Port’s needs, short-term and long-term investment opportunities, as well as an increased understanding of the Port’s proactive efforts to engage new providers and build valuable professional relationships.
“Ultimately, we want these discussions to lead to new opportunities for those teams that do not have the experience of working with the Port,” said Louis Jackson, Port of New Orleans Director of Engineering. “We want companies, even those with limited resources, to know that we truly are open for business with any qualified firm.
Small businesses, including minority-owned, women, disadvantaged firms and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses wanting to be invited to a professional services roundtable should email the Port of New Orleans Media Relations Manager, Donnell Jackson.