Business news & in-depth insight for contractors and small and disadvantaged entrepreneurs in public works. In today's fast changing world we report on topics relevant to the construction, small business, and public works community. We aim to inform our readers about pressing issues facing American small businesses, contractors, subcontractors, emergent entrepreneurs, and their employees. We also report on the role of government in public works and in promoting public-private partnerships and outreach efforts. Subscribe for FREE to our weekly newsletter and contact us with any ideas or suggestions.en-UShttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/test connhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/185/test-connhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/184/test-1-pmOhio Spends $600m in Onshoring Intel Chip Manufacturing Ohio is major location for the tech industry. Ohio Spends $600m in Onshoring Intel Chip Manufacturing Ohio is major location for the tech industry. Ohio Spends $600m in Onshoring Intel Chip Manufacturing Ohio is major location for the tech industry.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/182/ohio-spends-$600m-in-onshoring-intel-chip-manufacturing-ohio-is-major-location-for-the-tech-industry.A recent survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled concerning trends regarding school infrastructure across the United States. The survey, which provides insight into the condition of aging school facilities, reveals that over a third of public schools in the country have never undergone major renovations. NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr emphasized the critical role that school facilities play in education, highlighting their impact on the health and comfort of students and staff. "The condition of our school facilities plays a critical role in the education of more than 49 million US public school students," explained Carr. She further said, "As such, these data provide insight into the current condition of our schools as the nation continues down the road to learning recovery." The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2023, found that 36% of main school buildings were constructed before 1970, indicating a significant portion of aging infrastructure in many educational institutions. Moreover, the survey found that only 13% of schools reported major renovations between 2020 and 2023. This discrepancy between the age of school buildings and the frequency of renovations raises concerns about the maintenance and modernization of school facilities.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/181/survey-finds-a-third-of-us-school-have-never-had-major-renovationsA recent survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled concerning trends regarding school infrastructure across the United States. The survey, which provides insight into the condition of aging school facilities, reveals that over a third of public schools in the country have never undergone major renovations. NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr emphasized the critical role that school facilities play in education, highlighting their impact on the health and comfort of students and staff. "The condition of our school facilities plays a critical role in the education of more than 49 million US public school students," explained Carr. She further said, "As such, these data provide insight into the current condition of our schools as the nation continues down the road to learning recovery." The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2023, found that 36% of main school buildings were constructed before 1970, indicating a significant portion of aging infrastructure in many educational institutions. Moreover, the survey found that only 13% of schools reported major renovations between 2020 and 2023. This discrepancy between the age of school buildings and the frequency of renovations raises concerns about the maintenance and modernization of school facilities.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/180/survey-finds-a-third-of-us-school-have-never-had-major-renovationstesting 15 category titlehttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/179/testing-15-category-titletesthttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/178/testVeterans who have served our country in protecting from external threats often find it difficult to fend for themselves when they have given up their uniforms. For years, the National Veterans Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) has urged Congress to raise the government-wide goal for awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) from 3% to 5%. In 2023, this change was amended in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024. Many want it to be even higher. On February 15th, US Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the bipartisan Contract Our Veterans Act, which sets targets for the US Department of Defense (DOD) to expand contracts with small, veteran-owned businesses.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/177/federal-bill-seeks-to-increase-dod-contracts-for-vosbs-the-department-of-defense-is-a-major-employer.Veterans who have served our country in protecting from external threats often find it difficult to fend for themselves when they have given up their uniforms. For years, the National Veterans Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) has urged Congress to raise the government-wide goal for awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) from 3% to 5%. In 2023, this change was amended in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024. Many want it to be even higher. On February 15th, US Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the bipartisan Contract Our Veterans Act, which sets targets for the US Department of Defense (DOD) to expand contracts with small, veteran-owned businesses.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/176/federal-bill-seeks-to-increase-dod-contracts-for-vosbs-the-department-of-defense-is-a-major-employer.dangerVeterans who have served our country in protecting from external threats often find it difficult to fend for themselves when they have given up their uniforms. For years, the National Veterans Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) has urged Congress to raise the government-wide goal for awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) from 3% to 5%. In 2023, this change was amended in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024. Many want it to be even higher. On February 15th, US Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the bipartisan Contract Our Veterans Act, which sets targets for the US Department of Defense (DOD) to expand contracts with small, veteran-owned businesses.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/175/federal-bill-seeks-to-increase-dod-contracts-for-vosbs-the-department-of-defense-is-a-major-employer.A recent survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled concerning trends regarding school infrastructure across the United States. The survey, which provides insight into the condition of aging school facilities, reveals that over a third of public schools in the country have never undergone major renovations. NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr emphasized the critical role that school facilities play in education, highlighting their impact on the health and comfort of students and staff. "The condition of our school facilities plays a critical role in the education of more than 49 million US public school students," explained Carr. She further said, "As such, these data provide insight into the current condition of our schools as the nation continues down the road to learning recovery." The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2023, found that 36% of main school buildings were constructed before 1970, indicating a significant portion of aging infrastructure in many educational institutions. Moreover, the survey found that only 13% of schools reported major renovations between 2020 and 2023. This discrepancy between the age of school buildings and the frequency of renovations raises concerns about the maintenance and modernization of school facilities.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/174/survey-finds-a-third-of-us-school-have-never-had-major-renovationsA recent survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled concerning trends regarding school infrastructure across the United States. The survey, which provides insight into the condition of aging school facilities, reveals that over a third of public schools in the country have never undergone major renovations. NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr emphasized the critical role that school facilities play in education, highlighting their impact on the health and comfort of students and staff. "The condition of our school facilities plays a critical role in the education of more than 49 million US public school students," explained Carr. She further said, "As such, these data provide insight into the current condition of our schools as the nation continues down the road to learning recovery." The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2023, found that 36% of main school buildings were constructed before 1970, indicating a significant portion of aging infrastructure in many educational institutions. Moreover, the survey found that only 13% of schools reported major renovations between 2020 and 2023. This discrepancy between the age of school buildings and the frequency of renovations raises concerns about the maintenance and modernization of school facilities.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/173/survey-finds-a-third-of-us-school-have-never-had-major-renovationsA recent survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has unveiled concerning trends regarding school infrastructure across the United States. The survey, which provides insight into the condition of aging school facilities, reveals that over a third of public schools in the country have never undergone major renovations. NCES Commissioner Peggy Carr emphasized the critical role that school facilities play in education, highlighting their impact on the health and comfort of students and staff. "The condition of our school facilities plays a critical role in the education of more than 49 million US public school students," explained Carr. She further said, "As such, these data provide insight into the current condition of our schools as the nation continues down the road to learning recovery." The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2023, found that 36% of main school buildings were constructed before 1970, indicating a significant portion of aging infrastructure in many educational institutions. Moreover, the survey found that only 13% of schools reported major renovations between 2020 and 2023. This discrepancy between the age of school buildings and the frequency of renovations raises concerns about the maintenance and modernization of school facilities.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/172/survey-finds-a-third-of-us-school-have-never-had-major-renovationsVeterans who have served our country in protecting from external threats often find it difficult to fend for themselves when they have given up their uniforms. For years, the National Veterans Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) has urged Congress to raise the government-wide goal for awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) from 3% to 5%. In 2023, this change was amended in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024. Many want it to be even higher. On February 15th, US Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the bipartisan Contract Our Veterans Act, which sets targets for the US Department of Defense (DOD) to expand contracts with small, veteran-owned businesses. The DOD has set contracting goals for five small business categories: women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underutilized business zones, and disadvantaged. The legislation would add veteran-owned small businesses to the list and establish a contracting objective of 5% of the value of all prime contracts and subcontracts granted each year, similar to the goal previously established in NDAA.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/171/federal-bill-seeks-to-increase-dod-contracts-for-vosbs-the-department-of-defense-is-a-major-employer.Veterans who have served our country in protecting from external threats often find it difficult to fend for themselves when they have given up their uniforms. For years, the National Veterans Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) has urged Congress to raise the government-wide goal for awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) from 3% to 5%. In 2023, this change was amended in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2024. Many want it to be even higher. On February 15th, US Congressmen Mike Waltz (FL-06) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the bipartisan Contract Our Veterans Act, which sets targets for the US Department of Defense (DOD) to expand contracts with small, veteran-owned businesses. The DOD has set contracting goals for five small business categories: women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underutilized business zones, and disadvantaged. The legislation would add veteran-owned small businesses to the list and establish a contracting objective of 5% of the value of all prime contracts and subcontracts granted each year, similar to the goal previously established in NDAA.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/170/federal-bill-seeks-to-increase-dod-contracts-for-vosbs-the-department-of-defense-is-a-major-employer.The US Government Accountability Office provides oversight for the federal government.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/169/gao-challenges-dot's-criteria,-multimodal-project-grantstesting tweet and linkedin posthttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/168/testing-tweet-and-linkedin-postTest article LThttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/167/test-article-ltHas murmu sealed for modi?https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/166/test-afor a job role i am adding this for testing purpose. hdxhdh shhdddddddd hdhhjdhhdhd hdhgdhghgdhgdhg ghdghhgggggggggggggg hdhgdgdghdgydyghdgydtgdhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/165/test-pThe Department of Transportation awarded $12.6 million in grants to nine marine highway projects.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/164/usdot-grants-marine-highways-$12.6m-to-ease-supply-chain-woesLorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/163/testing-teamEight Disadvantaged Business Enterprise’s (DBEs) or Small Business Enterprise’s (SBEs) will be chosen as sub-consultant firms to launch the program.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/162/dbe-mentor-protege program-launches-in-santa-claraEight Disadvantaged Business Enterprise’s (DBEs) or Small Business Enterprise’s (SBEs) will be chosen as sub-consultant firms to launch the program.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/161/dbe-mentor-protege program-launches-in-santa-claraThe executive order established City goals for contracting minority- and women-owned businesses, requiring goal tracking and reporting as part of the annual budget process, and integration with a Supplier Diversity Program.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/160/city-of-boston-completes-m/wbe-disparity-studySeveral construction worker unions have held rallies against Amazon’s plans.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/159/unions-protest-amazon-expansion-in-massachusettsWith the money from the Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska will build a new airport and repair two others.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/158/alaska-secures-$47.5-million-for-work-on-three-airportsAdvocacy groups say the government is identifying the correct issues but suggesting the wrong solutions.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/157/sba’s-office-of-advocacy-criticized-as-big-business-mouthpiece110,000 construction jobs were added in the U.S. economy last month according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/142/“tsunami-of-growth”:-construction-job-growth-soared-in-month-of-marchAnd Republicans are fighting back.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/141/biden-white-house-unveils-$2-trillion-infrastructure-packagetetsing descriptionhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/126/test18(a) businesses when they have no relevant experience of their own are now allowed to use past performance ratings from Joint Ventures that they have participated in. Prime contractors are now also required to provide a past performance record for when requesting first-tier small business subcontractorshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/125/download-sending-sms-through-process-builderThe new stimulus bill expected to be signed into law today gives $30.5 billion to struggling public transit agencies.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/123/stimulus-gives-massive-shot-in-the-arm-to-public-transitJust 2.4 percent of the budget goes to public transit, doubling the amount the governor proposed.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/121/ohio-house-passes-$8-billion-transportation-budgetHawaii's most important harbor is getting some major upgrades.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/118/honolulu-harbor-renovation-project-enters-phase-2https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/117/new-orleans-seeks-to-ensure-35%-of-city-contracts-go-to-dbesDespite national trends showing a serious slump in commercial construction, the industry is serving as a “lifeline” for the Hawiian economy, despite its reliance on tourism and defense spending.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/116/hawaii-bucks-national-trend,-construction-sector-thriving-despite-pandemicThe bill would go a long way to making sure financial institutions have fair lending practices with the LGBTQ business community.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/115/new-bill-marks-major-step-in-lgbtq-business-equalityhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/114/nyc-will-include-lgbt-owned-businesses-in-city-procurementThis time, “small business” actually means small business.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/112/sba-sets-up-14-day-exclusive-loan-period-for-small-biz,-changes-to-pppContractor News talks with industry leader Jon O’Brien about contractors working with labor unions to get back to restart the economy while promoting workers’ rights and health and safety amid the coronavirus pandemic and opioid epidemic.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/110/how-contractor-associations-work-with-labor-unions-to-fill-in-the-gaps-—-and-sometimes-save-the-dayThe loan is the first from the DOT’s railroad rehab program under the Biden Administration.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/109/usdot-loans-more-than-$900-million-for-dallas-regional-rail-projectA new study by the Toronto-based Institute for Work & Health shows that unionized construction job sites see 29 percent fewer incidents of severe injury.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/108/new-study-shows-unionized-construction-sites-are-saferhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/107/faa-seeking-stakeholder-feedback-on-acdbe-programVeterans are being substantially left out of state and local government certification programs.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/106/exclusive:-most-state-&-local-gov’ts-lack-veteran-set-asides-in-public-works-projectshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/105/virginia-bill-will-aid-mbe/wbe/sbe-businessesFind out who made the cut in our Contractor News top 10 list.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/104/the-biggest-construction-companies-of-2021Advocacy groups have taken legal action against the administration of outgoing Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/103/update:-biden’s-labor-secretary-pick-faces-legal-action-over-disparity-studyThe $14 billion dollar construction and renovation project is ahead of schedule and bringing a major aviation hub into the 21st century and beyond.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/102/road-closures-and-bridge-dismantling-signal-progress-on-$14b-lax-renovationhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/101/data-released-on-birmingham’s-m/wbe-program,-more-plans-in-the-worksPerformance shortcomings in the resume’s of the two top officials in the Department of Labor under Joe Biden could mar the Labor Department.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/100/biden’s-top-two-department-of-labor-officials-under-fireJoe Biden has announced Julie Su as his pick for Deputy Labor Secretary. She’ll be leaving a “troubled” California agency to join the administration.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/99/biden’s-top-two-department-of-labor-officials-under-firehttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/98/8(a)-“section-8”-firms-get-a-boost,-able-to-qualify-through-past-performance-in-joint-venturesThe Maine Department of Transportation has released a work plan for Fiscal Year 2021-2023, with 2,180 individual projects outlined.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/96/maine-dot-releases-$2.71-billion-3-year-work-planSome 41 percent of black-owned businesses shut down in the first months of the pandemic. The time to act is now.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/95/black-businesses-deserve-another-stimulus-this-black-history-monthFeds update laws for WOSBs and HUBZone contract awardshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/94/maximum-award-price-raised-for-wosbs-and-hubzone-businessesGovernor Ron DeSantis has released his budget request for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 chalk full of funds that could ultimately wind up in the hands of contractors.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/93/florida-governor’s-budget-proposal-seeks-more-than-$10-billion-for-dotThe Small Business Administration is making significant changes to the Woman-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/92/the-sba-is-overhauling-its-wosb-programDespite big infrastructure plans proposed by President Joe Biden, market analysts and industry experts are not expecting major growth in most construction sectors until 2022.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/91/commercial-construction-will-take-a-hit-in-2021Few government officials would disagree that 2020 was an utter mess for procurement. It’s good to see NASPO stepping up to help clear through this madnesshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/90/naspo-conference-to-feature-deep-dive-on-key-covid-challengesThe massive project aims to have all four traffic lanes on the bridge and the fishing pier back up and running in March.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/88/florida's-pensacola-bay-bridge-$430-million-project-chugs-alongThe results of the forthcoming studies will help to improve contracting requirements so that underrepresented firms are not left behind.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/86/nassau-and-suffolk-counties-lack-data-on-m/wbe-participation-in-public-worksBecause the SBA Administrator is the lowest-ranking member of the president’s cabinet, it could take a while for the Senate to get around to confirming Guzman, despite the urgency given the crisis faced by small businesses because of the pandemic.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/85/small-business-advocates-urge-congress-to-quickly-confirm-new-sba-leader-guzmanThe shake-up at DOT comes at a pivotal time for the US in terms of transportation.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/84/buttigieg:-a-new-face-facing-new-obstacles-in-transportationThis will result in the closure of the VA's Center for Verificationhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/83/small-business-admin.-launches-sdvosb-certification-process-in-place-of-dept.-of-veteran-affairs-self-certification-processMaryland’s DOT is letting more successful business owners compete in their procurement process.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/82/maryland-ups-personal-net-worth-cap-for-mbesThe construction projects in development for National Landing will undoubtedly create thousands of construction jobs, making it one of the most exciting development projects in the US today.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/79/dc's-new-amazon-hq-sparks-$4-billion-in-transportation-projectsA ton of money is at stake.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/78/a-border-wall-blitz-as-future-hangs-in-limbo-—-or-does-it?The diversity study marks just the first step in this process.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/77/nj-treasury-announces-initiatives-to-promote-its-sbe,-mwbe,-vob,-and-dvob-programs$31 Million; 26 projects; 200 jobs.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/75/pennsylvania-invests-millions-in-rail-freight-improvementsIt could equal millions of dollars in contracts.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/74/five-percent-of-la-school-contracts-to-go-to-dvbeshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/73/san-diego-slbe-audit-finds-lack-of-minority-and-women-roleAll alone or in good company?https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/72/sba-administrator-heaps-praise-on-trump-after-high-profile-resignations-over-capitol-riotshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/71/jacksonville-transportation-authority-launches-lbe-programIt's a falling house of cards.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/70/dot-secretary,-five-faa-officials-and-more-resign-following-capitol-riotsThe small business ecosystem is in free-fall, yet the IRS is ramping up its audits..https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/69/irs-to-increase-small-business-audits-but-there-are-ways-to-protect-yourselfNew Hampshire’s capital could soon be connected with Boston’s via passenger rail.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/67/contract-awarded-for-preliminary-work-on-commuter-rail-between-boston-and-manchesterhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/65/alaska's-dot-aims-to-increase-dbe/mbe/wbe-participation-in-contractsStart your new year off right with free classes on growing your business. Link to the webinar on Thursday below.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/63/sba-launches-digital-learning-platform-for-women-entrepreneurs,-20-business-centershttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/62/hud-section-3-business-program-updated-for-2020https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/61/tennessee’s-dbe-program-sets-new-spending-recordWhile the number may not be as good as it sounds in terms of reducing unemployment, experts say that some of the largest and most successful companies out there get their start during difficult economic times.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/60/us-business-registration-up-82-percent-but-it-may-mostly-be-glorified-gig-workThe new stimulus bill, signed into law by President Trump on Sunday night, pumps billions into highway and other transportation services.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/59/new-stimulus:-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-public-works-contractorsSome new businesses may soon qualify.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/58/department-of-transportation-will-broaden-dbe-eligibilityA much-needed update for public safety, with many public works projects almost certainly to come.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/57/us-government-orders-rail-crossing-safety-updates;-contracting-opportunities-likely-to-ariseStreamlining the permit process for dredging and filling contractorshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/56/trump-admin-grants-florida-permitting-authority-over-wetlandsThere's a lot in the new stimulus to help sustain and even foster MBEs.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/54/minority-businesses-stand-to-benefit-from-new-ppp-rules,-pilot-programThe beginning of a new era.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/46/congress-votes-to-fund-the-space-force-as-contracting-opportunities-arise"Houston, we have a problem."https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/45/houston-port-study-shows-m/wbe’s-underrepresented-among-contractorsAfter months in limbo, Congress is finally poised to pass a new economic relief package.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/44/what-your-small-business-needs-to-know-about-the-new-stimulus-packageThe US restaurant industry is undergoing an earthquake.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/43/one-in-six-us-restaurants-have-closed-down-—-moms-and-pops-suffer-much-worse-than-chainsThe extension is related to COVID-19 delays in the disparity study.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/41/chicago-city-council-extends-m/wbe-set-aside-programGet a leg-up in a competitive market.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/40/leading-construction-management-app-offers-free-training,-discounts-to-mbeshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/39/the-national-veteran-business-development-council-is-helping-to-certify-sdvosbs-and-vosbsFinally some good news.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/38/us-cuts-tariffs-on-exceptionally-expensive-canadian-lumber-in-halfNewly funded infrastructure projects to give a big boost to commercial and passenger transportation in California.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/37/funding-for-56-infrastructure-projects-approved-in-californiahttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/36/new-york-nearly-reaches-30%-m/wbe-goal-for-state-contractsBipartisan Negligencehttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/35/congress-weighs-watered-down-stimulus,-as-new-ppp-failures-revealedThe city of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is looking at ways to expand the participation of minority and women owned companies in public works.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/34/chattanooga-aims-to-increase-mwbe-participationOn Veterans Day, U.S. Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-Indiana) introduced the Veteran Entrepreneurial Talents Act (VETs). The VETs Act raises the federal government contracting goal for service-disabled veteran-owened small businesses to 5%.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/33/rep.-hollingsworth-(r-indiana)-introduces-vets-act-to-help-veteran-owned-businesses-thriveThe not-for-profit National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) has signed on to a virtual summit on crowdfunding small businesses. The foundation joins other leading organizations for veteran, minority, and women-owned small businesses partnering with Microsoft on the “virtual crowdfunding event.”https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/32/small-vet-firms-turn-to-crowdsourcing,-while-it’s-unclear-how-much-ppp-money-they’ve-receivedThe U.S. federal government’s updated rules for Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBzones) program could be a much-needed boon for Puerto Rico’s economy which has been devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/31/puerto-rico:-a-hubzone-boost-for-a-ravaged-economy?As the rental crisis worsens and the coronavirus rages -- and federal unemployment checks phased out -- renting workers and small business landlords are both finding themselves without income or federal relief.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/30/august-to-test-limits-of-renters,-small-business-landlordsConstruction costs are down for the first time in a decade due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s cheaper now for companies and individuals to hire home remodelers, paving contractors, and many other small construction related businesses.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/29/market-changes-bring-down-pay-for-contractors,-but-raise-costs-of-doing-businessFederal efforts to bail out small businesses have done a lot of good. But is everyone receiving funds actually a small business?https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/28/washington-insiders-took-full-advantage-of-ppp-loan-programPresident-elect Joe Biden has just started rolling out announcements of key positions in his cabinet. While there is still no word on who will lead the Small Business Administration, his campaign material has outlined a number of proposals for disadvantaged small businesses to be implemented through the agency.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/27/joe-biden’s-$400-billion-procurement-planThe National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is hosting regular virtual business meetings with LGBTQ business owners, allowing them to informally pitch their ideas to a panel of experts, giving LGBT small business owners a chance to receive free feedback and even potentially connect them with purchasers, suppliers, and procurement experts.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/26/national-lgbt-chamber-of-commerce-can-help-refine-your-business-pitchesThe North America’s Building Trade Unions (NABTU) released two reports in July showing a high degree of satisfaction among oil and natural gas construction workers.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/25/oil-workers-strike-it-rich---reportPennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) is doubling down on efforts to help minority, women, disabled, and veteran-owned small businesses secure contracts with the state government.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/24/pennsylvania-governor-announces-new-measures-to-connect-small-businesses-with-state-contractsPresidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden released a plan in late July entitled “The Biden Agenda for Women.” It contains, among other agenda points, a plan to “improve economic security,” which itself includes detailed policy positions pertaining to women-owned small businesses.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/23/team-biden-releases-plan-for-women-owned-businessesFrom accountants to graphic designers, marketing professionals to the “gig economy,” more and more traditional workers in the US are turning to independent contracting to make ends meet, and with the “new normal” of the coronavirus setting in, the trend is only exacerbated.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/22/is-the-future-freelance?Advocacy Groups Sound the Alarm on Minority Business Survivabilityhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/16/advocacy-groups-sound-the-alarm-on-minority-business-survivabilityRecent surveys and reports on the status of women and minority-owned small businesses in New York City and Kansas City, Missouri could spell an increasingly future for many.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/14/many-minority-and-women-owned-business-enterprises-struggling-in-major-citiesDuring a time of global pandemic  scammers have been preying on small businesses, taking advantage of the desperate situation that many find themselves inhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/13/easy-steps-for-your-small-business-to-avoid-scammers-during-the-coronavirus-crisesThe Government Accountability Office (GAO)  has found significant vulnerabilities to fraud in the Payment Protection Program (PPP). Meanwhile, stories of fraud-related arrests are cropping up across the country.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/12/the-small-business-association’s-ppp-program-vulnerable-to-fraud,-gao-warns-as-arrests-roll-inThe Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for the Small Business Administration (SBA) has not released an assessment on whether minority and other underserved businesses are getting the relief they were guaranteed under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) since early May.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/11/left-for-dead?:-are-minority-owned-businesses-getting-the-covid-relief-they-need?https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/8/new-jersey-to-conduct-m/wbe-disparity-studyhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/7/orange-county-passes-dvbe-policyhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/6/east-baton-rouge’s-new-dbe-programhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/5/asheville-sets-up-m/wbe-gender-race-conscious-contracting-policieshttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/4/ohio-launches-wbe-programhttps://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/3/hattiesburg-city-officials-give-update-on-dbe-programSmall businesses that have reopened in California are again seeing major slumps in business as the virus resurges in the state. Meanwhile, the governor has declared July to be All Small Businesses Month in California.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/2/california-also-fighting-for-small-businesses-as-it-battles-pandemicIt’s no secret that the coronavirus has caused global supply chain disruptions at an unprecedented level, but hospital supply costs are perhaps the starkest example of just how bad things have gotten.https://www.contractornewslatest.staging360degreecloud.com/1/hospital-construction-and-medical-supply-costs-skyrocket-due-to-covid-19