Desa Exceeding Expectations

USC Innovista Research Campus

 
DESA was contracted to provide minority business consulting services within the USC Innovista Research Campus project. Specifically, we worked directly with two Construction Managers – Barton Malow (Horizon Block) and Gilbane (Biomedical Block).  DESA provided the following services:
 
1) Assisted in preparation of minority participation language that was to be included in the Construction Manager's RFPs.
 
2) Ensured actions were taken to provide notice and opportunity for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to compete for work and to be awarded work, if pre-qualified by the Construction Manager.
 
3) Obtained a list of all MBE businesses, certified in the State of South Carolina, provided written notice of the proposed work and encouraged firms to submit applications for pre-qualification.

• Established a database of firms notified. Monitored and followed-up with those firms during the pre-qualification process. Documented follow-up activities including telephone conversations and written notices.
• Submitted a schedule of effort that detailed time frames for issuance of the notice, receipt of pre-qualification information, review of capabilities and recommendations for consideration in the bid process.
• Assisted in evaluating pre-qualification forms submitted by subcontractors.
• Scheduled and conducted an outreach seminar to explain the scope of opportunities and to provide information, forms, deadlines and assistance for submitting pre-qualification.
• Maintained records of outreach events, one-on-one meetings, phone conversations and meetings.

4) Worked with the Construction Manager's representatives to match qualified minority contractors with the scope of work available in an effort to optimize minority participation.

5) Served as a liaison between the Construction Manager and the minority contracting community to ensure project awareness was communicated throughout the community.

6) Provided monthly activity reports to the Construction Manager during the course of the project.