Tag: DBE

  • Skanska | Oregon Department of Transportation I-205 Improvements Abernethy Bridge, Phase 1A Pursuit

    DBE Outreach & Networking Consultant, 2021-2022

    Provided DBE consulting and project management services on the $370 million I-205 Abernethy Bridge improvements pursuit. Helped develop a strategy to assist ODOT in reaching its DBE goals of 14% and diversity goals of 20% MBE and 14% WBE. The project aimed to provide firms a commercially useful function, in which they were responsible for at least 30% of the contract. Worked with the project manager and teaming partners. The pursuit was part of a larger effort to manage congestion, increase predictable travel times, and reduce crashes.

  • ZGF-VIA-Mayer/Reed Joint Venture | TriMet Southwest Corridor Project SWTPE Urban Design

    DBE Coordinator, Onboarding Manager, and Project Management Plan Manager, 2018-2021

    Managed the project handbook and monthly progress reports and coordinated and trained DBE subcontractors for this comprehensive planning and design effort to help address the impacts of future growth while preserving neighborhoods and creating more great places. 

  • Keen Independent Research —  Disparity Studies

    Community Engagement Consultant, 2014-present

    Conducting disparity studies on behalf of Keen Independent Research for the City of Vancouver, City of Tacoma, City of Providence, RI and State of Rhode Island, Port of Portland, Santa Clara County, State of Oregon Mental Health Regulatory Agency, Salem Area Mass Transit Department, and Oregon Department of Transportation.

    Participating in internal and external stakeholder meetings, conducting in-depth interviews throughout Oregon, and preparing monthly progress reports analyzing whether there is a level playing field for MBE and WBE firms in the Oregon transportation contracting industry and in its own contracts. Conducting reviews of agency procurement and contracting materials.

    Also conducted a workforce equity study for the City of Tacoma, assessing whether the makeup of the City’s workforce looks like the residents of Tacoma and surrounding communities.

  • MGT of America Consulting, LLC — Multiple Agencies in Alaska and California | Disparity Studies

    Disparity Study Leader, 2020-present

    Conducting disparity studies by analyzing businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry and their experiences dealing with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and other public and private sectors. Evaluating the agencies’ M/W/DBE business programs and recommending modifications. Conducting interviews; managing and facilitating public hearings and focus groups; managing surveys; and providing a highly detailed summary of findings for the Disparity Study. 

  • Granite Construction | City of Portland 9th & Hoyt Construction Manager/General Contractor

    Diversity Manager and Project Management Support, 2022 – 2025

    To enable redevelopment of the historic post office, the City of Portland is designing and constructing utility and roadway upgrades along NW 9th Avenue in the Pearl District of downtown Portland. Coordinating and orienting equity subcontractors and assisting with project management. Utility upgrades include water line capacity improvements, sanitary sewer work, and storm drain upgrades. Roadway improvements include pedestrian ramp upgrades and street resurfacing. 

  • Southwest Transit Partners— Parametrix-David Evans and Associates-AECOM Joint Venture | TriMet Southwest Corridor Project

    SW Corridor, Great Places, www.swcorridorplan.org

    DBE Coordinator, Onboarding Manager, and Project Management Plan Manager, 2017-2021

    Coordinating and training DBE subcontractors and managing the Project Management Plan for this comprehensive planning and design effort to help address the impacts of future growth while preserving neighborhoods and creating more great places.

  • Balfour Beatty Construction/ Howard S. Wright Constructors Portland Building Reconstruction Project

    Portland Building reconstruction where Donaldson Consulting LLC provided mentor-protégé consulting services.

    Mentor/Protégé Services Facilitator, 9/2016–11/2017

    Facilitated introductory meetings with each design mentor/protégé team to identify goals and action plan for the following year. Monitored and checked in on each team on a quarterly basis. Wrote and submitted reports to the team lead.

    Learn more about our Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.

  • MGT Consulting Group | John Wayne Airport

    John Wayne Airport where Donaldson Consulting LLC performed work on the John Wayne Airport Disparity Study as a sub-consultant to MGT of America.

    Community Engagement and Facilitation Consultant, 2015-2016

    Managed and cofacilitated public meetings and focus groups, conducted 50 in-depth interviews with business owners and stakeholders, and created an extensive database of certified firms and stakeholders in Orange County, California.

    Learn more about our Community Engagement and Diversity Consulting Services.

  • Metro | Training and Certification Assistance

    Diversity and Small Business Consultant, 2015-present

    Working with Metro staff in continuing to develop Metro’s small business development program to align with their strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Serving as an advisor to make recommendations for additional improvements.

    Developed and cofacilitated a “How to Respond to RFP” workshop; performed outreach to potential bidders; identified potential barriers to proposing; assisted qualified firms with the certification process; provided technical assistance to proposers responding to requests for proposals; and provided due diligence documentation. As an example, for one RFP, helped five firms become certified and provided proposal technical assistance to six firms. A total of 15 certified firms received a contract, over 50 percent of the contracts awarded to certified firms. 

    Testimonial

    “With Suzanne’s outstanding leadership, dedication, and ability to support our organization’s project goals, we achieved great success in providing assistance to our clients. I strongly recommend Suzanne Donaldson for projects that require strong leadership, professionalism, great organizational skills, and a pleasant demeanor. Suzanne has been very dedicated in helping Metro to increase diversity in contracting. I had the pleasure of organizing a workshop for which Suzanne was one of the winning proposers and took a leadership role in making the event a success. Suzanne worked on a project team to plan the workshop and conduct training on MWESB certification, sustainability in contracting, and how to do write successful proposals. Suzanne distinguished herself from other team members by her excellent leadership skills, outstanding outreach work, and dedication to the workshop. I particularly appreciate Suzanne’s authentic approach and excellent presentation skills to educate traditionally underserved businesses about how to do business with public agencies. The weeks following the workshop, Suzanne committed herself to providing technical assistance to the workshop attendees in order for them to achieve their MWESB certification and write strong proposals. As a result, Metro has received an increasing number of successful proposals from traditionally underserved businesses. Suzanne is a great team player and easy to work with. We are looking forward to working with her in the future. We are in the process of planning more workshops and outreach events for which we will seek Suzanne’s great expertise again.”

    Gabriele Schuster, Procurement Manager, Metro

    Learn more about our Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.

  • Wenaha Group | TriMet

    Tilikum Bridge Crossing. Donaldson Consulting LLC served as a DBE consultant, providing outreach services for multiple projects over 2 years as an Owners Representative for TriMet on various projects.

    DBE Consultant, 2013-11/2017

    Provided outreach services for multiple projects on this all-DBE and all-Native-American-owned team as owner’s representative for TriMet on projects of various sizes and scopes. Served as community liaison to introduce opportunities and gain interest by certified firms. Prepared and distributed Notices of Invitations to Bid while directing bidders to TriMet’s Vendor Registration System. Identified real or perceived barriers in regard to bidding projects. Maintained transparent communication within the team. 

    Testimonial

    “In our industry you meet and build relationships with a wide variety of companies and individuals, but none quite like Suzanne Donaldson. Suzanne is a unique individual who holds strong ethical values and understands the value of community and the strength of diversity. Suzanne has become a key component of our team at the Wenaha Group. She was a vital part of our team that was awarded the Facilities Group Project Management Services contract for TriMet. Over the past two years she has been instrumental in helping the Wenaha Group and TriMet achieve DMWESB participation goals on several projects. Her knowledge of construction and ability to outreach effectively in the community directly attributed to five certified firms submitting price proposals on a large multi-year contract for TriMet. These were the only firms to submit pricing, and four of them were awarded contracts. Her excellent communication and presentation skills have been paramount. Suzanne’s expertise, experience, and reputation would be a great asset to any team. We have truly have enjoyed working with her and look forward to our continued successful relationship.”

    Jim Houchins, Senior Manager, Wenaha Group, Inc.

    Learn more about our Community Engagement and Diversity Consulting Services.