Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paths to Partnerships? When and where is this year's event? How many agencies are involved? What are the Regional Construction Procurement Committee and the Public Agency Consortium? How do I register? What are the costs to participate? What are the discussion panels about? How can I stay in contact with Paths attendees? Where do I get a list of upcoming contracts for the next 2 years? How will the proceeds from this event be distributed? Who do I talk to for more information?

1. What is Paths to Partnerships?
In its tenth year, the Paths to Partnerships Regional Forum brings businesses and government agencies together to strengthen and establish contracting relationships. Large and small firms, including general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, consultants, vendors, and suppliers will meet key decision makers and learn about the billions of dollars in business opportunities that government agencies offer. Attendees will learn more about what is going on in the industry through panel discussions with agency and industry experts. [Top]

2. When and where is this year's event?
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108. [Top]

3. How many agencies are involved?
Over 50 agencies will be involved, including: The San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies; the 12 agencies that comprise the Regional Construction Procurement Committee; over 20 agencies from the State of California; and the 12 agencies of the Public Agency Consortium. In addition, many municipalities and other agencies will participate. [Top]

4. What are the Regional Construction Procurement Committee and the Public Agency Consortium?
The Regional Construction Procurement Committee (RCPC) consists of Engineering executives from 12 agencies working together to streamline the bidding process, coordinate bidding schedules and share information on infrastructure construction projects worth billions of dollars. The RCPC includes: the San Diego County Water Authority, the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, the Unified Port of San Diego, the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, the San Diego Unified School District, the San Diego Community College District, Sweetwater Unified School District, Poway Unified School District, SANDAG, Caltrans, and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC Southwest).

The Public Agency Consortium (PAC) consists of small business program managers from 12 public agencies, and includes: the Centre City Development Corp. (CCDC), the San Diego Housing Commission, the San Diego Regional Airport Authority, Caltrans, SANDAG, San Diego City Schools, San Diego Community College District, the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, San Diego County Water Authority, the Unified Port of San Diego, and the Contracting Opportunities Center. [Top]

5. How do I register?
Please click here to register online. We accept most major credit cards.

To register by mail, please make checks payable to GCAP Services, Inc. and note "Paths to Partnerships." Mail your payment to GCAP Services, Inc., 3525 Hyland Ave, Suite 260, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

If you require assistance or auxiliary aids in order to participate in this event, please contact Lorise Maynard at lmaynard@sdcwa.org or (858) 522-6622 at least 72 hours prior to the event. [Top]

6. What are the costs to participate?
Pre-registration before September 29th at 5pm will be $35.00 and includes a networking reception. After September 29th, registration fees will cost $45.00. Exhibit tables are available for $350 and includes 2 event registrations. Super tables are also available for $500 and includes 2 event registration. [Top]

7. What are the discussion panels about?
Panels will focus on regional initiatives to coordinate construction, consultant opportunities, and vendor bids, and efforts to improve the contracting climate for area businesses. Topics include: Linking Regional Construction Projects, Infrastructure Bond (I-Bond) Cooperative Outreach, Building Now for the Future of Education, Doing Business with the State of California. [Top]

8. How can I stay in contact with Paths attendees?
There will be opportunities to meet decision makers, network, exchange business cards, and browse exhibits. [Top]

9. Where do I get a list of upcoming contracts for the next 2 years?
A list of upcoming contracting opportunities will be available the day of the event. The list is a collaboration of government agencies hosting exhibits that day. [Top]

10. How will the proceeds from this event be distributed?
Proceeds from this year's event will benefit the San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC). The SDCOC's mission is to assist San Diego firms with doing business with federal, state, and local government agencies. A Procurement Technical Assistance Center, they are funded by sponsors such as the Department of Defense and Southwestern College. Their services are provided at no cost to business owners. To learn more, visit www.PTAC-SanDiego.org [Top]

11. Who do I talk to for more information?
Please speak with Lorise Maynard, SCOOP Manager at the San Diego County Water Authority, at lmaynard@sdcwa.org or (858) 522-6622. [Top]

Hosted By

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The Water Authority's Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP) is designed to maximize the participation of small businesses on Water Authority contracts and procurements. The SCOOP outreach approach is to incorporate activities focused on networking, training, and technical assistance to increase small business bidders and contractors on Water Authority projects.