OREANDA-NEWS. The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) has awarded more than USD 5 million in contracts to local small businesses in the last seven months under the 7040 Pilot Program, an effort by the Department to directly engage Community Small Business Enterprises (CSBEs) in select airport priority maintenance projects and emergency maintenance repairs. The pilot program currently includes expedited contracting opportunities for more than 30 qualified contractors in the building trades to perform emergency maintenance and construction work at Miami International Airport and Miami-Dade County's four general aviation airports.

The program is already paying dividends at MIA, where qualified contractors are taking part in: the renovation of passenger loading bridges in the Central and South terminals; performing painting and waterproofing work at various locations; and making drainage improvements and repairs at cargo facilities, among other projects. In its first phase, the program awarded nearly USD 3 million in contracts to participating contractors, which are divided among four trades: roof maintenance; plumbing; painting/waterproofing; and utilities/underground. Now in its second phase, the 7040 Pilot Program has awarded another USD 2.3 million in contracts for an additional four trades and issued more than USD 800,000 in total work orders to date. Ultimately, MDAD plans to expand the program to include approximately 50 qualified local contractors in 14 construction trades.

"The 7040 Pilot Program is a great example of a big business incorporating small businesses into its operations in a way that's beneficial for everyone involved," said MDAD Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "Offering meaningful work to our small business partners, encouraging local job growth, and improving our airport facilities are goals worth pursuing, and this program brings all of those elements together."

MDAD's Facilities Management/Project Administration Division is managing the program with the assistance of the Department's Minority Affairs Division to ensure that interested small businesses are provided a fair opportunity to participate in maintenance contracts. MDAD Associate Director of Minority Affairs Milton Collins stated that his office "is keeping the local small business community regularly informed of 7040 Pilot Program opportunities at monthly outreach meetings."

Participating contractors must be able to respond to priorities and emergency maintenance calls 24 hours per day, seven days a week; meet stringent work experience and security requirements; and be certified as CSBEs. The maximum contract value for each trade is capped at \\$200,000 and individual work orders will not exceed USD 50,000 in value.