What resources are available for small contractors?
Regional Alliance for Small Contractors, Inc. - An Innovative Industry Partnership
A group of prestigious New York/New Jersey construction firms and public agencies joined together in 1990 to form the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors (RASC), a not-for-profit corporation.
The RASC works to promote the advancement of minority, women, the disadvantaged and small local business entrepreneurs, with their development and management. They also promote policies and practices that improve the competitive position of S/M/W/D/LBE contractors to realize growth in the construction and related industries, and expand the capacity of these firms to undertake contracts of increasing size and complexity.
The RASC has these primary goals:
- Increase the number and size of contracts awarded to small businesses in construction and expand the range of their business opportunities.
- Expand the capacity of S/M/W/DBE businesses to undertake contracts of increasing size and complexity and to support their overall development.
- Strengthen the regional construction industry by promoting policies and practices that improve the competitive position of minority- and women-owned enterprises and small businesses.
- Promote the advancement of minorities and women as owners, managers and employees in the construction industry.
Volunteers from major construction firms are available to coach contractors interested in working on transportation and building projects. The facility contains a bid room, library, project specifications, educational materials and a workstation. The center is open Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.; evening and Saturday hours of operations are available by appointment.
The Regional Alliance For Small Contractors, Inc.
The Port Authority Bus Terminal
625 8th Avenue, North Wing, Second Floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-268-2991
Fax: 212-268-7509
Program Contents
RASC operates a multifaceted program, which enables S/M/W/DBE contractors to realize success and growth in construction and related industries. Programs consist of an array of financial, management, marketing and contract compliance services.
Managing Growth
Experienced S/M/W/DBE contractors learn how to effectively manage and grow their businesses through an innovative and intensive professional training program called Managing Growth.
This series of more than 30 business and construction management training classes is designed and taught by senior construction executives and technical experts from RASC member firms focusing on practical applications to problems frequently encountered on the job site and in the office. Courses range from 10-18 hours in duration.
Some of the courses offered include:
- Contract Administration
- Estimating
- Project Management
- Project Planning and Scheduling
- Financial Strategies for the Growing Contractor
- Internet and the Construction Industry
- Construction Contract Law and Safety
Contract Compliance Services
RASC provides all services necessary to ensure that construction managers and owners comply with their project’s federal, private or public sector EEO/AA/DBE obligations to administer and oversee program requirements.
RASC has developed comprehensive contract compliance programs and a data tracking system, monitoring programs and procedures to facilitate projects in excess of $1 billion.
Financing Small Contractors
The Bonding and Loan Assistance Program, helps small contractors prepare applications for loans and bonds. Through participating banks, sureties and public lenders, contractors can receive working capital at market rates.
Contractors’ Opportunities Clearinghouse
This program offers the opportunity to meet and speak one-on-one with representatives from large public development agencies and major construction firms.
S/M/W/DBE contractors learn about upcoming construction projects for the year and how to do business with the participating sponsors.
Outreach Referral Service
Each year, numerous calls are received from project owners, construction managers and developers seeking minority and women contractors. From our database of information, RASC makes referrals in response to these requests, providing business opportunities for hundreds of contractors.
