Tag: MWESB

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • SafeBuild Alliance | Safety Program

    Mentoring image with helping hand. Donaldson Consulting LLC played a key role in the development and implementation of SafeBuild Alliance's mentoring program.

    Mentoring Program Development Consultant, 2014-2018

    Played a key role in developing the SafeBuild Alliance’s first mentoring program, which partners construction companies with mature safety programs with MWESB/DBE contractors who have expressed a desire to improve their safety performance and work toward zero incidents on construction projects. 

    Testimonial

    “As a member of SafeBuild Alliance, Suzanne Donaldson-Stephens immediately began demonstrating leadership skills. She joined the SafeBuild Alliance committee that was charged with developing and implementing a mentorship program focused on improving Safety performance for contractors in Underutilized and Disadvantaged communities. Suzanne’s commitment to social equity and her expertise was quickly evident. She guided the committee as the framework, content, and details of the program were developed.”

    Karen Blythe, Executive Director

    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.

  • JR Merit | Seattle City Light Mill Pond Dam Removal

    Mill Pond Dam removal project where Donaldson Consulting LLC provided oversight regarding inclusion of diverse minority and woman-owned businesses.

    MWBE Expert Consultant, 2015

    Provided oversight regarding inclusion of diverse MBEs and WBEs; developed a mentor-protégé program; conducted outreach, dispute resolution, and monthly compliance meetings; monitored utilization reports; and trained JR Merit staff and teaming partners on issues affecting certified firms.

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

  • 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.