Clean Water Atlanta Small Business Development Program

The City of Atlanta's sewer system rehabilitation program provides many opportunities for small, minority and female business enterprises to bid for and win projects as a prime contractor, joint venture partner or subcontractor.  An intensive program has been developed to provide small, minority and female businesses that have a desire to expand their experience and grow their businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to compete successfully for this work.

You should consider this program if your business has an interest in pursuing projects with the Clean Water Atlanta Program in the following project categories:

Sewer Cleaning  •  Sewer Rehabilitation  •  Pipebursting  •  Sewer Point Repair  •  Manhole Rehabilitation  •  Manhole Construction  •  Right of Way Clearing  •  New Sewer Construction (Open Trench)  •  Street Repairs & Paving  •  Work Support Services

The next SBDP class will begin in March 2010. Information on the application process wil be available online in January 2010.

SBDP Modules

Comprehensive training modules have been developed that will prepare your business to competitively pursue work with the City of Atlanta.

Safety
This course offers SBDP participants 10 hours of certified Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training.   Attendees will receive an OSHA card upon completion.

Contract Administration
SBDP participants will obtain a general understanding of contract execution, including how to interpret the legal obligations and requirements set forth within contract documents.

Scheduling
SBDP participants will learn effective and realistic scheduling to complete projects on time and under budget.

Estimating & Bidding
SBDP participants will perform hands-on bid and estimate exercises to avoid common pitfalls.

Conflict Resolution
SBDP participants will examine protocol, methodology, and legal considerations for productive solutions.

Construction Accounting & Finance
SBDP participants will learn the dollars and cents of construction and are eligible to receive a complimentary financial overview of their financial operations.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Techniques (Pipe-bursting)
SBDP participants can participate in eight hours of trenchless technology taught by Dr. Samuel T. Ariaratnam. Dr. Ariaratnam is an associate professor at Arizona State University where he specializes in trenchless construction methods (horizontal directional drilling and trenchless pipe replacement).  Practical applications will also be discussed by manufacturer's representatives.

Doing Business with the City of Atlanta
SBDP participants will become familiar with the structure and inner workings of Atlanta government, with a focus on procurement and compliance.  This module provides valuable information on requirements and procedures such as bonding and insurance, bid submissions, public information requirements, etc.

Primavera Expedition Training
SBDP participants will be offered three full days of comprehensive Expedition™ training — the City's required project management system.

Benefits

This program offers tangible benefits to participants, including:

• Gives participants a head start on fulfilling the City's procurement and compliance requirements
• Provides enrichment, support and commitment to small, minority-and-female-owned enterprises
• Participants receive valuable OSHA certification (10 hour OSHA card at module's completion)
• Participants receive a complimentary financial overview of company's financial operations
• Three full days of comprehensive Expedition™ training — the City's required project management system
• Participants receive specialized training in construction management and sewer rehabilitation techniques, skills transferable to other kinds of work and clients

Requirements

Once a firm contacts us to express interest in the SBDP, an assessment process will determine acceptance and specific classes needed for interested business owners.  Interested firms should consider these very important points regarding this program:

The minimum requirements necessary for a business to participate in the program include:

• The applicant's firm must have been in business for at least one year.
• If bonding services are needed, the applicant must be willing to utilize the Small Business Development Program's Bonding Program and Funds Control Agency's services, exclusively (no exceptions).
  • Applicants cannot have any liens against their company or its assets.
  • The applicant/firm must have a credit score of at least 520 to qualify for the bonding assistance available through this program.
• Business owners must be available to attend the modules after work. Classes will be taught primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM until 9:30 PM
• Part of the Estimating and Bidding Class will be taught on two consecutive Saturdays from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• The program is an intense, accelerated program and attendance at every class (based on each applicant's assessment) is mandatory.
• These are applicable fees if bonding and funds control management is provided.
• There are no fees associated with the assessment process.
• The cost to participate in the program is no more than $500.00, regardless of the number of classes taken.

The application period is closed.  If you are interested in participating in future programs, please e-mail us at vendordev@atlantaga.gov.