When

Session 1 Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT 

Session 2 Friday, October 146 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT
Bonus session Monday, October 19, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT

Session 3 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT 

Session 4 Friday, October 23, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT

 

Where

VIRTUAL EVENT - more info following registration 

Contact

Megan Leary, Business Outreach Consultant 
Luster National, Inc. 
510-670-5521 
businessoutreach@acpwa.org 

Philip Lang, LBU Consultant 
Oakland Unified School District
(510) 593-8181

 

 

 

Building Opportunities for Business (BOB) 2020

Construction Contractors' Academy 

Alameda County Public Works Agency (ACPWA) in partnership with Oakland Unified School District is offering its Annual Contractors' Academy FREE to all attendees! This year's Academy will be held virtually to ensure the safety and security of our presenters and attendees.

Small/local/minority and woman-owned businesses are encouraged to attend!

The 4-part series (plus one bonus session) will take place 10/14-10/23 and will break down all the components of how to successfully bid a Public Works contract. 

By registering for this Contractor Academy, you agree to attend all four sessions. If you are not able to attend all four, please inform us immediately. 

Session 1: Introduction to Public Works Contracting
Wednesday, Oct. 14th, 2020 @10:00 a.m.- 12:00 pm 
 
This session provides an overview of how cities, counties and other public agencies go about bidding for construction services, and the types of contractual relationships that firms encounter when they bid and build public works projects. Topics include the following:
  • The Basic Fundamentals
  • Finding Projects to Bid
  • Contacting the Primes
  • Roles of Prime & Sub
  • The Scope Letter
  • Bonding requirements
  • Overview of Bidding Format
Session 2: Estimating & Bidding 
Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 @10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  
 
In Estimating and Bidding, the instructor drills down in detail on how to prepare successful bids. He covers the basics of preparing an estimate in a format generally used as an industry standard. The use of Excel spreadsheets is key to this exercise: Items covered include:
  • The Bid Format
  • Preparing the Spreadsheet
  • Cost of General Conditions (Jobsite OH & Supervision)
  • Subcontractor & Vendor Outreach for Pricing
  • Quantity Take-offs
  • Pricing of Labor
  • Pricing of Materials & Equipment
  • Factoring in the Schedule
Bonus Session: Bonding - How does it work?
Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 @10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

In this supplemental workshop, both Mr. Duarte and a Carol Henry of Merriwether & WiIliams Insurance Services, will discuss and explain the bonding process and how it differs from an insurance policy. Carol Henry serves as the Program Manager for the Alameda County Contractor Technical Assistance Program and brings over 25 years of experience in the industry.

You will hear both perspectives from the contractor's and the owner's side. The agent will provide also provide a primer on the basic steps needed to qualify for bonding. Some points to be covered include:
  • Bond vs. Insurance
  • The Four types of bonds
  • Why bonds are required
  • Why Primes are bonding subs
  • What the bond provides
  • How do I qualify?
Session 3: Estimating & Bidding / Best Practices + Meet the Primes Roundtable
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 @10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

In Part 3 of the series, Mr. Duarte expands on key issues and problems often encountered during the bidding process. A sample bid will be examined and explained. Some best practices and bidding strategy will be explained how it is used by the "pro's".
  • Bid Day logistics
  • Cost Impact of Project Labor Agreement (PLA's)
  • Union vs Non-union considerations
  • Tax & Freight costs
  • Material price increases
  • Bonding costs
  • Covid-19 protocols
  • Contingencies & "Plug" numbers
The second hour of this session will consist of a Meet the Primes Roundtable where participants will be introduced to Prime Contractors and learn about how to best connect with them on future projects. Participants TBA.  

Session 4: Managing the Project
Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 @10:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

In the last session of Mr. Duarte's series, he will answer the question, "OK, I got the bid, Now What?" After submitting a winning bid and being awarded a prime or subcontract, there is a standard sequence of events and tasks that will occur and need to be followed for successful start-up of the project. Some key points that will be covered include:
  • Furnishing Bonds & Insurance (Primes only)
  • Review of the Contract / Subcontract
  • Schedule of Values
  • The Project Schedule
  • Submittals
  • Quality Control
  • Safety Program
  • Pay Estimates
  • Change Orders
  • Project Closeout

Presented by Ed Duarte, CEO of Aztec Consultants, a professional construction management & general contracting firm founded in 1986.  Aztec specializes in public works, commercial, retail, and institutional construction projects. Mr. Duarte has served as mentor to many construction subcontracting firms throughout northern California and has taught numerous technical assistance workshops for Caltrans, the City of Oakland, Port of Oakland and the Small Business Administration.  This will be Ed's fifth year with the Academy.  Participants have consistently praised Ed's teaching style and subject matter knowledge.