Outreach to small businesses interested in bidding on public works projects has become smoother—this is Teresa Maxwell's assessment.

As the DBE compliance officer for Skanska's civil engineering western region, Maxwell began her career at a front desk reception position, when contacting potential subcontractors still relied on paper documents and traditional mail. Today, she says, the system behind Skanska's internal diverse business outreach program (note: not the same concept as the U.S. Department of Transportation's 'Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program') has helped the company better achieve small business subcontracting goals on a $380 million project at Los Angeles International Airport.

In this interview, Maxwell shares with Construction Dive the goal attainment for Los Angeles World Airports' roadways, utilities, and support facilities, the current state of small business outreach, and the impact of evolving federal certification policies.

Editor's note: The following has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Construction Dive: For projects with participation goals, how has outreach to small businesses become more efficient or convenient?

TERESA MAXWELL: Looking back 20 years, we still had to mail paper drawings and specifications. With the advent of plan rooms and improved internet access, subcontractors now have access to more information.

Skanska's DBE program aims to 'level the playing field.' But on large projects exceeding a billion dollars, small contractors still face concerns and obstacles. For example, if a small contractor wants to bid on a $10,000 subcontract, how do they do it? How do they find the right path?

I think communication and access to information have improved significantly. But new technologies and communication methods have also caused small businesses to be inundated with bid invitations, and they need to filter out those that truly match their business scope.

What help can general contractors provide regarding the obstacles small businesses face?

Especially on large projects, small businesses need to find someone they can ask questions of. If they don't know anyone on the project team, the process can be overwhelming. We have adopted multiple strategies to assist them.

As the general contractor, we issue subcontract packages, but we also need to break down participation goals to first-tier large subcontractors. Therefore, how to introduce small businesses to these first-tier contractors becomes a challenge.

For example, we are members of the National Association of Minority Contractors and attended its golf tournament a few weeks ago. I might meet someone at the event who is suitable for a project. The key is finding ways to match small businesses with the right opportunities—whether working with us or with our subcontractors.

You mentioned 'leveling the playing field.' Are senior leaders at general contractors and project owners more actively involved?

Yes. Owners on the West Coast are very supportive, and they understand that projects need to focus on the local community. We are seeing more project labor agreements and community benefits agreements emerge.

On the small business side, I observe more efforts not only in training and certification but also in supporting them to complete contract work. In our 'Small Business Bootcamp,' Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) came to explain the concept of 'commercially useful function.' I think learning opportunities for contractors are increasing.

The U.S. Department of Transportation under the current administration has adjusted the DBE certification program. What is the impact?

This year, states are re-evaluating their certified DBE firms. California recently completed its re-evaluation, and the next step is to submit the plan and wait for U.S. DOT approval.

Therefore, there are currently no projects with federal DBE goals in California. As a large general contractor, we need to clarify our role—we are not a certification body, but one of the areas we are asked to assist with is: after re-evaluation, the pool of certified DBE firms has shrunk, so we need to inform firms: 'Hey, here are the benefits of becoming a certified DBE.'

The key is addressing the challenges brought by legal changes and our responsibilities as general contractors in these changes. It's interesting, and definitely something I've never experienced before.

Has this made the work more difficult?

The difficulty is that different people may have different interpretations of U.S. DOT guidelines, so there is a lot of discussion. Previously, the rules had not changed for a long time, and everyone knew how each other operated and interpreted things.

I try to stay positive about the changes. Skanska's DBE program has been running for many years. I think this can be an opportunity for owners to take a deep look at their own projects, understand the communities they serve, and the small contractors they can reach.

Sometimes, local hiring or DEI goals face resistance, with claims that public works requirements are unrealistic. What advice do you have for such contractors?

I think this resistance may stem from the goals themselves being difficult to achieve. Setting achievable goals is crucial. For example, if a 25% goal is set in an area lacking certified firms, contractors will struggle even with full outreach and support.

But if the goal is reasonable, it is worth pursuing. Goals should not be too easy; they need effort to achieve.