Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati is currently building its new US$250m West End Stadium, which is set to open in 2020. While works continue on the project the club has revealed details of construction contracts it has so far awarded.
A post by FCC Communications, details how the club is making great strides with its inclusion goals set in the CBA.
With only one-third of contracts awarded for the West End Stadium construction, FC Cincinnati reported it has awarded US$54.9 million (or the equivalent of 63% of contracts) to companies with Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification.
Additional contracts will be awarded in 2020 for construction of the $250 million, privately funded stadium. The stadium is on schedule to open in March 2021.
As of October 31, 2019, West End Stadium construction contracts value awarded sit at US$86,428,334. As part of this MBE/WBE/SBE contracts and subcontracts account for US$54,991,305.
“We are striving to lead by example in our commitment to economic inclusion and diversity. We want to prove that we are a good neighbor, do things the right way and be an economic driver in our community. I’m proud to see such strong results with only one-third of the project awarded,” said FC Cincinnati president Jeff Berding.
FCC committed to meet or exceed The Port’s Economic Inclusion goals in its landmark Community Benefits Agreement with the West End, which was signed last year. The inclusion goals for construction spend are 25% MBE, 7% WBE and 30% SBE.
In 2020, additional bids will be awarded for various work including interior studs and drywall, painting, tile, carpet, stadium seating, millwork, metal panels and exterior studs. With the additional contracts that will come up for bid, FC Cincinnati and Turner + Jostin expect to exceed the inclusion goals set in the CBA when the project is completed in early 2021.
Construction managers Turner + Jostin are collaborating with the African American Chamber of Commerce and Inclusion Consultant Jilson Daniels to conduct direct outreach to minority businesses.
“The African American Chamber of Commerce has assisted with the project by providing outreach and by advising the team on the needs and concerns of minority, small, and women-owned businesses. We look forward to working to continue providing an inclusive environment and economic opportunity,” said Eric H. Kearney, President & CEO, The Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce
“We are pleased with the inclusion results we have been able to secure to date. We are seeing substantial disadvantaged business participation in contract amounts but also the numbers of different companies participating. We have a lot of work ahead of us but results so far have been great,” said Bob Grace, VP and construction executive, Turner Construction.
