Description: This session provides information on the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program, focusing on key areas relevant to potential business engagement. We will examine NAICS codes associated with the types of businesses and scope areas that are anticipated for the Program in the future. Additional topics covered will include the Program’s current proposed construction sequencing, timelines, as well as an overview of construction packages and information on the contracting processes utilized by the four project owners. We will also have a few specific examples of the types of businesses that have worked on the project to date.

Speakers: Samir Randolph, Small Business Outreach Senior Manager, and Barbi Alexander, DBE and Workforce Equity Compliance Specialist 

Samir Randolph is Small Business Outreach Senior Manager at the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. He brings over two decades of experience in business development, workforce equity, and community engagement, with a career spanning political campaigns, public service, startup consulting, and workforce development. Samir is a veteran of two presidential campaigns, serving key operational roles for President Obama’s 2008 and Clinton’s 2016 campaigns. Throughout his career, he has led outreach, training and workforce development for small businesses at both the federal and local levels, including at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Clackamas Workforce Partnership. At IBR, he helps small business owners overcome barriers by accessing resources and business opportunities, building strategic networks, and providing technical assistance, while working to address systemic inequities and create fair opportunities for workers. Driven by a strong belief in the potential of entrepreneurs, Samir finds fulfillment in helping them succeed and contributing to a more prosperous and equitable regional economy. 

Barbi (Barbara) Alexander currently serves as the DBE and Workforce Equity Compliance Specialist on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program and has over 10 years of small, disadvantaged, disabled and veteran-owned business support, education and expertise she brings to the IBR program. Barbi’s background includes over 20 years of leading cutting edge medical research, specializing in areas of Neurology and Rheumatology.

Barbi brings her expert skills of communication, systems analysis and creation of operational paradigms to bring accountability and compliance in the areas of performance improvement and program design to her work on the IBR program. Of note, Barbi was awarded an Oregon Genius Award by the Oregon Public Health Administration in 2005 for her groundbreaking medical education program and conference, “Bridging the Gap – Addressing Health Disparities in Minority and Underserved Populations”. Barbi also has publications in Neurology – American Academy of Neurology, JAMA and Nature. She has actively served as a Multnomah County Planning Commissioner since 2022 and serves as Chair on the Portland Public Schools Climate Crisis Response Committee and is a happy gardener and baseball fan.

Business Excellence Sessions are a series of virtual educational workshops designed to address the unique challenges businesses face in their daily operations and their journey toward overall success. Among the most common challenges are legal, financial, and contracting obstacles. These sessions aim to provide entrepreneurs with a platform to learn, grow, and apply practical knowledge to enhance their businesses. Participants will also gain insight into other community resources and opportunities available now or in the near future. Topics can cover services, opportunities in development, or essential information small businesses need to know.