Three Public Forums Set to Discuss M/W/DBE Issues for RTA Professional Services and Vendor Contracts

March 21, 1997

Public forums have been scheduled in Tacoma, Edmonds and Tukwila as part of an ongoing series intended to help the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority develop clear and responsive policies regarding inclusion of certified minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises (M/W/DBE) in its contracting. These forums will focus on policies for RTA bid procedures and contracting requirements for professional service consultants, and goods & services vendors. The schedule for the forums is:

Tacoma:
Wednesday, March 26
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. . Tacoma Public Library, Olympic Rm.
1102 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma

Edmonds:
Monday, March 31
7:00 - 9:00 p.m
Edmonds Public Library, Plaza Rm.
650 Main St., Edmonds

Tukwila:
Wednesday, April 9
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Tukwila Community Center
12424 - 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila

The RTA's first forum on M/W/DBE policies was held in February and focused on architectural and engineering contracting procedures. The policies developed in response to the February forum are currently under consideration by the RTA Board, and will provide a starting point for the discussion at other forums. Public forums on M/W/DBE policies for construction and other contract service areas will be announced by the RTA in the latter part of the year as the RTA begins to implement Sound Move, the 10-year regional rapid transit plan approved by Puget Sound area voters last November.

The Tacoma, Edmonds and Tukwila forums will include a presentation on the RTA's draft implementation program and schedule for Sound Move, and of the RTA's process and board-adopted guiding principles for developing and implementing effective M/W/DBE strategies. Most of the forum will be devoted to an open public discussion of the issues. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences and thoughts about what works and what doesn't in achieving fair employment policies.

Invitations have been extended to interested firms. and representative groups to attend, but the meeting is open to all who are interested. Individuals and businesses wishing to be notified of upcoming M/W/DBE activities should contact the RTA:

By mail:

RTA
821 - 2nd Avenue, MS-151
Seattle WA 98104

By fax:
206-684-1234

By phone:
206-687-6776 (during normal business hours)

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.