CIRAS, Turner Construction to Host 1st Annual Construction Diversity Accelerator in DSM

Partnership Member companies Turner Construction Company and CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) have collaborated to create an opportunity for construction-oriented Underrepresented Business Enterprises (UBEs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) through their Construction Diversity Accelerator (CDA) program. The five-week program gives attendees the skills they need to help them become successful subcontractors. UBEs and DBEs are at least 51% women- or minority-owned small businesses, veteran-owned, persons with disabilities-owned, small business and other disadvantaged businesses. The CDA program will be taught by Turner staff and select industry partners. 

About the Program 

Each accepted construction-related business may bring two attendees to the weekly classes held at Simpson College in West Des Moines. Classes will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. January 23 through February 20, and applicants must commit to a minimum of four out of the five weeks. 

Class topics include: 

• Preconstruction & Procurement – Estimating, plan reading, bidding, vendor prequalification, contracts, insurance 
• Engineering – RFIs, submittals, change management; Payment Applications – schedule of values, lien waivers, sworn statements, Textura, APP 
• Scheduling – Pull planning, manpower, sequencing, trade coordination 
• Safety/Lean – Logistics, Building LIFE, 5S, PTP, JHA 
• Business Development/Graduation/Panel with Key Leaders – Networking, pursuits, upcoming opportunities, UBE (Underrepresented Business Enterprise) Certification 

Apply here for the 2023 CDA program. You will receive a confirmation email at the email address you provide on the form. Contact Mary Zimmerman with questions about the program. 

Attendees chosen for the CDA program will be notified before the end of the year. Find out more here. 

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