The slow economy is prompting contracting firms across the country to bid on construction projects in San Diego. But San Diego leaders would rather see the work for city contracts go to local companies.
Projects being planned by the City of San Diego are receiving contracting bids from companies throughout California. But officials are encouraging small businesses to apply for the jobs as well.
San Diego’s Small Local Business Enterprise Program gives preferential treatment to qualifying companies even if their project bids are higher. Deborah Fishle-Faulk, the city’s Director of Administration, says that’s not a big problem right now.
“The bids we’re seeing now coming in, because of the economy; they are significantly lower than the engineer’s estimate,” she said.
Fishle-Faulk says the city is working to establish an annual goal for the number of small businesses involved in its construction projects. The program is now accepting applications.
