Small Business Consultant, 2018-2024
Worked with Metro to develop a small business development program to align with their strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Served as an advisor to make recommendations for additional improvements.
Tag: small business
-
Balfour Beatty Construction/ Howard S. Wright Constructors Portland Building Reconstruction Project
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.
-
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, MetroLearn more about our Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.
-
JR Merit | Seattle City Light Mill Pond Dam Removal
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
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 EquityLearn 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
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 EquityLearn more about our Community Engagement and Diversity Consulting Services.
-
Cooper Zietz Engineers | Workforce Statewide Mentoring Services Development Program, ODOT Office of Civil Rights
Trainer, 2010-2011
Provided training for the Workforce Development Program. Provided outreach to primes and subcontractors that have worked on ODOT projects, and developed workforce training materials for project managers, forepersons, apprentices, and journey workers to build long-lasting mentoring relationships. Introduced the program and training materials to contractors, provided classroom training, and provided mentoring and crisis services information to apprentices. ODOT’s goal in creating the landmark Workforce Development Program was to find, train, and employ a diverse, skilled workforce that is prepared to meet upcoming construction demands. The program is designed to expand diversity in employment, increase apprenticeship participation, and increase training resources and opportunities.
Learn more about our Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.
-
CH2M HILL | TriMet Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail West Segment Final Design
DBE Coordination Consultant, 4/2001-2012
Provided DBE consulting services on the final design engineering of the west segment of the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project. Used a hands-on approach and worked closely with the project manager and DBE teaming partners. Conducted bi-monthly outreach with DBE partners to stay actively engaged, checked on status of work completion, and assisted in alleviating any concerns over work products or delivery schedules. Reviewed past utilization and risks/opportunities for enhanced future engagement with DBEs. Determined skill sets, capacity information, and deficiencies such as accounting, software knowledge, QA/QC practices, and project tracking systems. Assisted firms by providing hands-on Elations Training and by locating and suggesting programs to train small businesses. Attended monthly DBE meetings with TriMet’s Capital Projects, Diversity and Transit Equity representatives and project management staff to review and discuss progress or future deficiencies. Provided reports as applicable and assisted in advertisement and recruitment of students to the TriMet Internship Program by reaching out to local colleges and Universities. Coordinated internship candidate interviews, developed interview questions, attended interviews, and made recommendations.
Testimonial
“Suzanne’s innovative approach to the DBE coordination has included one-on-one meetings and hands-on support and mentoring for each of 10 DBE contractors on the project…Suzanne’s performance has also received positive attention from the owner, TriMet. She has been praised for her collaborative style and drive for constant improvement of the DBE program. Her approach has not only ensured quality delivery by our DBE contractors, but also has grown the capacity of the firms that she has mentored — a key goal of TriMet’s. Perhaps my highest praise for Suzanne is that I would not hesitate to work with her again on future projects.”
John Willis, former CH2M HILL Vice President, NW Transportation ManagerLearn more about our Community Engagement, Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.
-
JE Dunn Construction | Collaborative Life Sciences Building & Skourtes Tower, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Oregon University System, Portland State University
Outreach and Community Engagement Consultant, 6/2011-9/2014
Conducted outreach events and activities to help generate interest from MWESB firms and provide opportunity to understand the proposing process. Distributed Invitations to open houses and invitations to bid while documenting responses and attendance and follow-through. Compiled information from interested MWESBs to assist project team when preparing bid documents. Consulted with non-certified contractors and assisted with identifying scopes of work and certified firms. Identified real or perceived barriers by the MWESB community in regard to bidding the project. Represented client at associations, organizations, and chambers of commerce. Maintained transparent communication with certified firms, client, owners, and the public. Provided mentoring and technical assistance as appropriate, such as completion of the contractor’s online procurement system. Kept up with the many changes on a $200 million design-build project and established an approach for certified business utilization plans for each second-tier contractor, which are documented post-bid and pre-award and may become part of their contract.
Learn more about our Community Engagement, Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.
-
Andersen Construction | Lake City Village HOPE VI, Seattle Housing Authority
Community Engagement Consultant, 2010-2011
Developed and implemented a community participation plan for Andersen Construction and their subcontractors. Provided consulting and monitoring for subcontracting goals, apprenticeship utilization, HUD Section 3 employees, and HUD Section 3 businesses. Attended monthly Section 3 advisory committee meetings and provided outreach to certified firms and Section 3 businesses, including communication with various associations, organizations, and community members. Interviewed subcontractors for compliance with the Community Participation Plan. Provided post-award assistance to subcontractors by reviewing company demographics and financial status to determine eligibility for the Section 3 and Self Certification Programs.
Learn more about our Community Engagement, Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.