Partnership Powerhouse
About Us
Partnership Powerhouse was established on February 23, 2024, to address and resolve issues that suppress the full participation of minority and disadvantaged businesses in the procurement process of local agencies, organizations, and companies.
Mutual goals for Partnership Powerhouse
- Empower minority and disadvantaged businesses to achieve contract awards with local, state, federal, and private organizations.
- Provide minority and disadvantaged businesses access to the procurement process through education and resource connections.
- Create an environment for minority and disadvantaged businesses to enhance economic growth.
- Encourage minority and disadvantaged businesses to obtain designations and/or certifications to do business with state and federal governments.
- Nurture and maintain a supplier diversity committee of stakeholders to foster collaboration and networking to ensure a level playing field in the procurement process.
Common Definitions
Supplier - a business that provides a product or service and includes contractors, consultants, subcontractors, sub-consultants, retailers, wholesalers, service providers, etc.
Disadvantaged Business - a for-profit entity where a minority or woman owns at least 51% interest and controls management and daily business operations.
Participating Stakeholders
City of Albany
Dougherty County
Dougherty County School System
Albany State University
Albany Technical College
Labor Now: Assists with temporary staffing needs
GT Apex Accelerator: Helps Georgia-based businesses identify, compete for, and win government contracts at no cost
Albany Chamber of Commerce: Helps connect, build, influence, and lead
Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission: Fosters new business investment through recruitment, retention, and expansion
University of Georgia Small Business Development Center: Provides small business consulting services at no cost
Albany Community Together, Inc.: Provides capital, coaching, and connections to close the financial gap
Ardurra: Engineering and Consulting firm overseeing the City's Combined Sewer Separation Project
Gallop & Associates Consulting Group: Financial services and performing outreach for Ardurra
Kick-Off Event June 27, 2024
Bid Opportunities
City of Albany and Dougherty County: Local Bidding Opportunities
Albany State University and Albany Technical College: State Bidding Opportunities
Dougherty County School System: DCSS Bidding Opportunities
Vendor Registration
City of Albany
Dougherty County Vendor Application Request
Albany State University
Dougherty County School System
Procurement Data Analysis
FY 23 (City and County) Analysis of Procurement Data Formal Solicitations(PDF, 161KB)
FY 23 City vs County Minority Contract Awards - Addendum(PDF, 74KB)
FY 24 (City and County) Analysis of Procurement Data Formal Solicitations(PDF, 153KB)
Contact
Email: Angela Calhoun, Assistant to the City Manager
Resource Agencies
Department of Administrative Services: Provides training, networking, and access to bidding platforms to engage with state and local agencies
US Small Business Administration for Georgia District: Offers free business counseling, SBA-guaranteed business loans, home & business disaster loans, and federal government contracting
CEI DBE Services: One-stop shop for all DBE support services' needs
The Launch Room: A local space in Albany where entrepreneurs receive education, networking, and innovation to build a thriving business
