As part of the National Public Works Week and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works and the city’s Bureau of Contract Administration hosted the Accessing L.A. TeamWith Virtual Event on May 19.

Small, diverse and local business owners gathered online for presentations and a panel discussion during the annual professional and personal services event. A special focus was placed on efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion and provide employment opportunities for transitional workers during the “Koi Pond” segment.

This year’s virtual TeamWith event was held in collaboration with Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Office of Budget and Innovation and Office of Economic Development, various council offices and the city’s Department of Public Works, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Port of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports.

“Through the Accessing L.A. TeamWith event, the Department of Public Works continues its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by leveling the playing field for historically disadvantaged businesses,” Public Works Commissioner Susana Reyes said. “I’m proud of the Bureau of Contract Administration and all its partners for providing small and diverse businesses with a fair shot at sharing in all the contracting opportunities that exist with the city of Los Angeles.”

During the virtual event, the Mayor’s Office of Budget and Innovation’s procurement team presented on the Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement, a free service provided by the city that features all contract opportunities throughout the city in one convenient location.

The Bureau of Contract Administration shared recent changes to the city’s Local Business Preference Program for Los Angeles County businesses that could be eligible for a contracting preference for local small businesses as well as business entities working with the hardest-to-employ populations.

The event also featured a panel of city agencies. Additionally, a panel including Murakawa Communications, Crystallogy and Kewo Engineering Corp. offered a small business perspective on doing business with the city.

“Accessing L.A. is an opportunity to stay connected with our local business community and inform them of developments in the city’s procurement process, such as updates to our Local Business Preference Program and the new Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement,” said John L. Reamer, Jr., inspector of public works and director of the Bureau of Contract Administration.

“Koi Pond,” an exclusive feature of TeamWith, was once again held virtually during the event. Five finalists were selected from an application process held before the event to showcase their services and receive instant feedback from an executive panel. That portion of the program was moderated by former Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza, who currently serves as deputy chief of staff for Attorney General Rob Bonta, and included expert feedback from a panel including Reyes, LA Lights general manager Miguel Sangalang and the director of small business and entrepreneurship for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Leila Lee. Finalists gave a two-minute business pitch on how they would promote diversity, equity and inclusion and provide employment opportunities to transitional workers.

For information, visit accessingla.com.