“They think there’s a private list.”

That’s the myth officials have to counter for companies interested in doing business with the Allegheny County Airport Authority, said Jenee Oliver, Business Diversity and Outreach Manager for Pittsburgh International Airport.

Since conducting its first Small Business Fair in 2015, the Airport Authority has been working to better engage the local business community in airport operations. And with a billion-dollar Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) in full swing, the airport expects even greater opportunity to create new partnerships.

“The TMP is expected to generate $1.66 billion in economic activity and add nearly 11,000 direct and indirect jobs to the region,” said Paul Hoback, Senior Vice President of Engineering, Planning and Capital Development. “It is critical that we work with the local community – contractors, trades groups, service providers and others – in ensuring that the new terminal is delivered on time and on budget and is reflective of Pittsburgh.”

To identify companies interested in upcoming bid packages for terminal modernization as well as other opportunities, the Airport Authority will conduct a combined Industry Event and Small Business Fair on April 30 at Pittsburgh International Airport in the Hyatt Regency hotel.

“This will be the fourth Industry Day and Small Business Fair that we’ve offered related to the TMP, and we’ve had excellent attendance and engagement with hundreds of local companies,” Oliver said. “Our goal is to continue reaching out, providing the latest information and building relationships with potential partners.”

The event provides an open opportunity for small businesses, contractors, construction companies, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and others to speak directly to TMP and Airport Authority staff. Topics to be discussed include early site preparation work, to begin this fall, and building construction expected to begin in mid-2020. A special presentation at 9 a.m. is planned for companies specifically interested in construction opportunities.

As in past events, Industry Day also serves as a face-to-face networking opportunity for companies to learn about general business and procurement opportunities with the Airport Authority. The event also includes a national Airport Rental Car Supplier Diversity Outreach component, an effort that Oliver said is meant to increase diversity among car rental concessionaires.

Staff from the Airport Authority’s various departments — including Business Development, Public Safety, Operations & Maintenance, Sustainability & Natural Resources, Marketing & Communications, Finance, Engineering, Planning & Capital Development and Procurement — will be on hand during the event to answer questions.

Airport officials also are planning a separate fair for product vendors this summer to reach out to companies selling products like glass, tile, carpet, furniture and more that will be needed in the new terminal. Watch for details at www.PITtransformed.com.

The schedule for Industry Day is as follows:

Date: Tuesday, April 30
Agenda:

9 a.m. – TMP Construction Package Presentation

10 a.m. – Noon General Networking/Business Fair
Location: Hyatt Regency – Conference rooms D, E, F; Pittsburgh International Airport
Registration: www.PITtransformed.com

(Deadline to register is Thursday, April 25.)