All Aboard Florida hires Vailon Group consulting firm

All Aboard Florida (AAF) has hired the Vailon Group, a Miami-based consulting firm, to implement its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, the private passenger railroad company announced yesterday.

As part of the program, Vailon will work with AAF's general contractor Suffolk Construction to ensure that local subcontractors and area workers are included in the project's construction, according to an AAF press release.

Suffolk Construction is responsible for building AAF's MiamiCentral train station, which is slated to be AAF's flagship station just east of Miami-Dade County Hall.

"What is exciting and already apparent is the company’s level of commitment to hiring locally, and to reaching out to and forging long-lasting relationships with small and local businesses," said Marsha Jackman, The Vailon Group's president.

The Vailon Group currently serves the city of Miami, the Port of Miami tunnel project, Wexford Science and several other clients.

AAF officials expect that the area will see $1.3 billion in economic benefits during the station's construction and implementation phases.

The entire 235-mile rail project, set for completion in 2017, will provide a passenger-rail connection from Miami to Orlando, with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.