Tag: MBE

  • 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.

  • TriMet | DBE Consultant Support Services, Technical Assistance Program Development

    Image of TriMet MAX train and bus.

    Diversity and Small Business Consultant, 2012-2016

    Identified local and nationwide resources to interview and created interview questions. Identified longevity of programs, level of commitment, and level of success of each technical assistance program. Researched and reviewed literature and disparity studies. Compiled all results and submitted a comprehensive report with recommendations. Conducted DBE site visits, reviewed documentation, and submitted reports. Interviewed DBE businesses on Portland to Milwaukee Light Rail Project. Conducted and facilitated focus groups of DBEs. Provided all necessary services to ensure comprehensive compliance with TriMet’s DBE program by professional services and construction contractors. Assisted TriMet in reviewing contractor’s documentation of their DBE utilization and workforce programs, and performed all required DBE monitoring activities. Provided all necessary reporting and documentation as required to comply with federal, local, and agency requirements. 

    Testimonial

    “Donaldson Consulting LLC has been instrumental in providing services to contractors working on TriMet’s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project. Suzanne is knowledgeable and diligent in her approach to resolve complex issues. She is a pleasure to work with.”

    Monika Johnson, Representative, Diversity & Transit Equity

    Learn more about our Diversity Consulting Services.

  • Granite Construction, Hamilton Construction Company, and Railworks dba Willamette Community Connectors | Qualification Proposal for the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project

    Logo for Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project.

    DBE Outreach Consultant, 2012

    Reached out to over 500 DBE-certified firms, 100 of which responded. Coordinated an open house where interested subcontractors could review the project and meet key personnel. Documented all activities as appropriate. As a result, the team submitted a well-defined DBE Subcontracting Plan and met several DBE firms. Each member firm of the project team increased their knowledge of available certified firms with the data collected.

    Testimonials

    “Suzanne Donaldson has provided outreach for our team pursuing TriMet projects. Suzanne provided knowledgeable and energetic consulting into the Portland area DBE market by introducing our team to the DBE community through formal outreach meetings and introductions at monthly OAME and NAMCO meetings.”

    Ron Dukeshier, Large Project Manager, Granite Construction

    “Suzanne Donaldson has been instrumental in providing services to contractors working on TriMet’s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project. Suzanne is knowledgeable and diligent in her approach to resolve complex issues. She is a pleasure to work with.”

    Monika Johnson, Representative, Diversity & Transit Equity

    Learn more about our Community Engagement and Diversity Consulting Services.

  • Cooper Zietz Engineers | Portland Development Commission

    Aerial view of City of Portland and Willamette River.

    M/W/ESB Construction Contracting and Outreach Consultant, 2009-2010

    Developed and implemented outreach sessions targeted for Native-American-owned businesses. Business owners had the opportunity to meet the commission staff, learn about the services the commission has to offer, and hear about upcoming projects. Worked with firms to create or revise their business plans and marketing plans and assisted firms with the state certification process. Coached and mentored firms as needed.  All data collected was used to help the commission recognize the region’s Native American business owners and the various types of services and products available. 

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