Engage with Local Capacity Building Organization
Involve a local business capacity building organization in planning
These organizations are valuable partners who can bridge knowledge gaps between your institution, general contractors, and local construction suppliers. Sitting in on some of the initial planning phases of a project will help them understand the project’s phasing, and what types of subcontractors will be needed when.
Introduce your general contractor to the capacity building organization
The capacity building organization is best acquainted with the local subcontractor and supplier landscape; early in the contracting process, consider better connecting your general contractor to local resources by introducing them to this organization. This is especially important when you have awarded a contract to a developer who has not previously worked in your geographical footprint.
This relationship gets a contractor new to the area to think beyond their existing and habitual vendor base, it helps eliminate potential future excuses about suboptimal inclusion performance, and it may take on a form as simple as providing a list of known local and diversity suppliers and subcontractors.