We’ve posted videos recently highlighting some of the stories behind Metro’s disadvantaged worker and business programs.

Our last video of the series features Kevin Ramsey, owner of Alameda Construction Services Inc. based in Compton. Kevin used the opportunity provided through Metro’s disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program to find work on Metro projects. His firm’s solid track record led to more projects with Metro as well as other high-profile projects with public and private clients. His business now has more than 50 employees.

Kevin’s story is part of a four-video series featuring construction workers and small business owners whose lives have been positively impacted by working on Metro projects through the agency’s Project Labor Agreement/Construction Careers Policy (PLA/CCP) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Small Business Enterprise (DBE/SBE) program.

The agency hopes the programs have provided residents with the opportunity to use their own hard work to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

The other three videos from the series included:

Cristina Ramos, owner of Printing Services USA in Boyle Heights, who has been in business more than 15 years. She began working with Metro through the agency’s DBE program during the construction of the Gold Line:

Katherine Norve, a single mom working on the Regional Connector project through Metro’s PLA/CCP:

Eric Barnes, a young father who turned his life around and is now working on the Purple Line Extension through Metro’s PLA/CCP.

A little more background on the two programs from Metro’s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD):

Project Labor Agreement (PLA) & Construction Career Policy (CCP)

Metro adopted the CCP in conjunction with the PLA to encourage construction employment and training opportunities to those who reside in economically disadvantaged areas on Metro construction projects. The agreement applies to certain local (non-federally) funded and federally funded construction projects with a construction value greater than $2.5 million. The PLA is unique in that Metro is the first transit agency in the nation to adopt such an agreement with national targeted hiring goals for federally funded projects with FTA approval. Metro’s new “Pilot Local Hire Initiative” enables Metro to implement local hiring requirements on both Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contract opportunities advertised before March 6, 2017. 

For more information on the program, click here.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DVBE) / Small Business Enterprise (SBE) programs

Metro’s DBE and SBE/DVBE programs ensures that disadvantaged, small and disabled veteran businesses have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in Metro contracting.  The programs are to create a level playing field for which DBE and SBE/DVBE firms can compete fairly on both federal and or non-federally-funded contracts.  For more information on Metro’s small business programs and learn to how to get certified as an DBE, SBE or DVBE, click here.