Large, prime contractors in Virginia are having difficulty finding enough certified small and minority- and women-owned subcontractors to meet the state’s diversity policy goals, according to a survey of businesses and public entities in the state.
The survey also revealed that some subs that would qualify under diversity goals thought the certification process was challenging, or were unaware of opportunities presented to them if they went through that process. The difficulty in meeting diversity goals has also been reported in other areas of the country.
Less than a third of the Boston’s top 150 projects met racial equity goals, and none met targets for women contractors. In Florida, a contractor recently asked for more time to complete a luxury condo project, in part because of a struggle to find enough diverse workers to meet goals.
The Virginia survey and other reporting on the diversity challenge could indicate that prime contractors aiming for federal infrastructure projects will have a tough time finding qualified subcontractors to meet diversity goals.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2020
Two tree species native to the Northeast found suitable for CLT
Eastern white pine and eastern hemlock pass strength testing.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2020
Prescient receives ICC certification for seismic resilience system
Technology suitable for buildings up to 12 stories in earthquake-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2020
Design firms creating plans to re-imagine D.C.’s tidal basin
Area including National Mall is facing increased flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2020
France to mandate all new public buildings be 50% timber or other natural materials
Measure would go into effect by 2022.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2020
American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute expand partnership
Will collaborate on new code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2020
Wallcoverings industry releases product scorecards concerning sustainability
Tool adds more transparency to certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2020
Bay Area communities struggle with what to do about rising sea level
Policies include sea walls, levies, and relocation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2020
Cell phones present a safety hazard at job sites
Use of ear buds, headphones banned by some contractors.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2020
American Concrete Institute releases 2020 codes, specifications, and practices
ACI Collection features guidance on structural concrete construction and rehabilitation.
Codes and Standards | Feb 25, 2020
New ISO standard for optimizing building use and reusing and recycling components released
Aim is to realize full potential value of a building throughout its life cycle.