California authority to market high-speed rail project to minority-owned firms

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has partnered with the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to encourage minority-owned businesses to participate in the state's high-speed rail project.

Late last week, Diana Gomez, the authority's central California regional director, signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with David Hinson, national director of the MBDA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The agreement outlines the authority's and MBDA's joint outreach efforts to strengthen and expand the use of Central Valley Minority Business Enterprises during initial construction of the high-speed rail system, CHSRA officials said in a press release.

The partnership "is an important step forward in ensuring that people who are ready to work on the project have the opportunity to do so, and that we're ready to help them succeed," Gomez said.

The MOU was signed at the grand opening of a new Fresno, Calif., MBDA Business Center, which will offer minority owned firms professional management and technical assistance, information for regional contracting opportunities, and help getting certified and ready for work.