Business grants for construction contractors are available at federal, state and local levels.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) enacted on January 2009, appropriated $131 billion for construction, according to Concrete Construction in "Winning Government Grants." Competing for grants requires knowledge of computers and the Internet, sound qualifications, a competitive bid based on sound principles of construction and the ability to budget and plan. The ARRA Divisions A and B appropriated $72 billion for highways, bridges and public works. The public works projects include improvements to airports.
Concrete Construction Economic Recovery Resource Center
Concrete Construction's Economic Recovery Resource Center lists opportunities in all state departments of transportation for Concrete Producers (1,500 projects, 50,000 jobs) as well as $15.7 billion approved by the Federal Highway Administration for highway construction. Applications for government grants increase in complexity from local to state to federal government. New Jersey is investing $469 million in state roads and highways. Congress directed $300 billion in stimulus money for roads and bridges and improving public works facilities. The Oregon Transportation Commission already approved $232 million in stimulus projects.
Federal Government Grants
All contractors who wish to compete for federal government contracts must register with the Central Contractor Registration/Business Partner Network. Half of all the grants offered by the federal government are administered through its Washington, D. C., offices. Small business loans and small business grants may be awarded to companies that meet the size standards that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established for most industries. The most common size for most general and heavy construction industries is $428.5 million and $12 million for all specialized contractors. Government grants for the construction industry are available on the government grants database with answers to most frequently asked questions, guidelines and instructions for applying.
Federal Aviation Procurement and Contracts
Procurement methods for Federal Aviation Administration public work construction contracts on airports are based on different levels. Construction contracts exceeding $10,000, $25,000 or $100,000 may be made by competitive sealed bid, a competitive proposal, a non-competitive proposal or a small purchase contract on amounts under $25,000. The proposal must include requirements, a description of the work and services, qualifications and cost and price analysis. The proposal must describe adequate safety procedures and standards. Special consideration is given to businesses owned by women and minorities.
Tags: Concrete Construction, federal government, public works, appropriated billion, Concrete Construction Economic
