More than 100 people representing 40 local firms attended networking event and panel discussion
DENVER (April 13, 2023) — Stemming from the firm’s commitment to engaging with diverse and underutilized partners, HNTB’s Denver office recently hosted a networking event for minority- and women-owned enterprises and disadvantaged businesses. More than 100 people representing 40 local firms attended.
HNTB staff facilitated introductions between the firm and various regional transportation agencies as well as identified synergies between the service needs of clients and the expertise of the people in the room.
“This successful networking event resulted in discussions about accomplishments to date, future opportunities and potential teaming arrangements for upcoming projects with Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Denver International Airport, and the Regional Transportation District,” said Reza Akhavan, PE, HNTB’s Denver office leader and vice president.
In addition to networking, the event presented a panel of local leaders who discussed the importance of MWBE/DBE partnerships from their unique perspectives. Following the panel, HNTB’s client service leaders for Denver-area clients introduced themselves to the group and briefly outlined future project needs.
Over the years, HNTB has partnered with multiple agencies in Colorado and the Denver area. The firm provides architecture and engineering services at Denver International Airport. HNTB also served as the design and construction manager on the Denver International Airport Program Management Team for the $544 million Hotel and Transit Center and Concourse Expansion Project. Currently, HNTB is assisting CDOT in its Front Range Passenger Rail Project, RTD with systems engineering support, DEN with the 7th Runway evaluation, and supporting the City and County of Denver with program management.
To honor its commitment to developing small businesses to compete for and successfully deliver large complex projects, HNTB recently partnered as a sub-consultant with a majority woman-owned aviation consulting firm, Aviation Planning Group, to successfully secure a contract with DEN to provide on-call airport planning services.
Other DEN projects that HNTB acts as a sub-consultant for DBE/MWBEs include a contract led by Peak Consulting for on-call environmental and sustainable planning services and another with Yeh and Associates, which will provide quality assurance for construction. Support includes providing training, technical knowledge sharing and assistance in pursuing new business.
To support these and future projects, the Denver office increased its headcount substantially, adding engineers, senior planners, program managers, environmental experts and construction managers. The office has also added employees to its tolling practice group to support the development of E-470 and its systems practice group, which assists clients with communications, electric vehicle charging programs and the power systems of complex transportation infrastructure in Colorado and across the nation.