Port of New Orleans seeks bidders for projects

Port of New Orleans seeks bidders for projects    The Port of New Orleans said it is encouraging small and minority-owned businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises to bid on a series of construction projects to repair damage from Hurricane Katrina.
   The port will hold a “Doing Business with the Port” briefing Thursday, 6-8 p.m., in which officials will discuss upcoming construction work.
   To date, the port has completed about $12 million in Katrina repairs. Roughly, $8 million worth of projects are underway, but a significant amount of work remains to be done. About $15 million worth of work is in the engineering phase and could be put out to bid in late 2007. As much as $25 million could go out to bid in 2008.
   The types of projects that the port will be undertaking could help many small companies grow, said Gary LaGrange, port president and chief executive officer.
   “We encourage all qualified businesses to take a look at these projects. It’s going to be a series of small construction projects that a growing business can leverage to generate new income and create new economic opportunities,” LaGrange said.
   Information, including advertisements, pre-bid meetings, bid openings, information on obtaining plans and specifications, and list of plan holders, is available at: www.portno.com/pno_pages/business_procurement.asp.
   In addition, smaller projects valued at under $50,000 become available periodically and do not require a Louisiana contractor's license. Register to be on the port’s bidder’s list by visiting www.eriverworks.com or e-mail LARiverWorks@aol.com or call River Works at (504) 896-4600 or (504) 382-4007.