Business Connections Module

Course 1 and 2 of the Business Connections Module are designed to provide attendees with first hand strategies to effectively market their firm's capabilities to Prime Contractors bidding on Caltrans Capital Construction Projects and other Public Works Projects. These two courses also provide attendees an opportunity to meet with a panel of Prime Contractors who have successfully bid and performed on Caltrans work. The panel members are prepared to review in depth what they expect from subcontractors, from the pre-bid stage to actual project execution and closeout.  Don't miss this opportunity to meet and learn directly from these Prime Contractors on what it will take to be successful in the bidding process. 

Course 3 will provide attendees an opportunity to effectively navigate the Caltrans website to identify upcoming contracting opportunities, Project and Bidding Specifications and associated Bid Conferences and Job-Walk Dates.  These dates and small businesses attendance are essential to maximizing small businesses exposure to Planholders (Prime Contractors who have secured the plans and are likely to bid on that specific Project) and to network and present your bid qualifications directly to potential Primes Contractors.

Course 1:Focus on Construction (Panel Discussion)
Attendees will learn first-hand from a panel of Prime Contractors on what it takes to win a bid and what they expect from their subcontractors at every phase of a contract, including:

• Bid/Pre-Award Phase (bonds, insurance, certifications, bids, etc...);
• Post-Award Phase (scheduling, cost controls, materials, extra work/change orders); and
• Project Closeout (prompt payment, invoicing, on-going compliance requirements, Certified Payroll Records and Related Requirements).

Course 1 will be offered from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Course 2:Focus on Construction (Panel Discussion continued)
Attendees will understand what the Prime Contractors consider to be barriers to entry or "deal-breakers" in doing business with non-responsive subcontractors.  Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel from the bidding stage to project closeout. Topics covered include:

• Barriers to entry,
• "Deal-Breakers", and
• Questions and Answers Opportunity
             Bid/Pre-Award Phase to Project Closeout

Course 2 will be offered from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Course 3: Navigating the Caltrans Procurement Website
Course 3 will provide attendees a step-by-step learning opportunity on how to    effectively navigate the Caltrans website to identify upcoming contracting opportunities, Project and Bidding Specifications and associated Bid Conferences and Job-Walk Dates as well as provide a summary of future Construction Projects to be advertised for bid in your local Caltrans District (to be presented by a Caltrans Representative or the CCCP Technical Counselor). Topics covered include:

• Navigating the Caltrans Website;
• How to identify upcoming contracting opportunities;
• Locating Bidding Specifications and information on associated Bid Conferences and Job-Walk dates; and
• Upcoming Construction Projects to be advertised in your local Caltrans District.

Course 3 will be offered from 9:00 am to noon

Northern/Central California Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course Description: Focus on Construction (Panel) Focus on Construction (Continued) (Panel) Navigating the Caltrans Procurement Website Trainer(s): TBD TBD TBD North Coast, Eureka 8/18/08 8/18/08 8/19/08 Cascade, Redding 8/20/08 8/20/08 8/21/08 Cal State East Bay, Oakland 9/17/08 9/17/08 9/18/08 San Joaquin, Stockton 9/15/08 9/15/08 9/16/08 Central California, Fresno 8/27/08 8/27/08 8/28/08 Southern California Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Course Description: Focus on Construction (Panel) Focus on Construction (Continued) (Panel) Navigating the Caltrans Procurement Website Trainer(s): TBD TBD TBD College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita 9/8/08 9/8/08 9/9/08 El Camino College, Hawthorne 9/10/08 9/10/08 9/11/08 Orange County, Santa Ana 9/29/08 9/29/08 9/30/08 Inland Empire, Riverside 9/24/08 9/24/08 9/25/08 North San Diego, Oceanside 9/22/08 9/22/08 9/23/08