Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center, Opportunity Council for Early Learning Development, and OFCCP Introductions

On November 21, 2023, Jennifer Fritzel, Regional Outreach Coordinator, Lawrence White, Regional Outreach Technical Advisor, and Quanda Evans, Assistant Director, Seattle District Office, met with CJ Seitz, Executive Director, Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center, David Webster, Director, Opportunity Council Early Learning Development Center, Kori Olsen, Communications Associate, Port of Bellingham, Jennifer Novak, Port of Bellingham, and Kenda Sipme, Center for Retention and Expansion of Childcare. Quanda provided a thorough overview of OFCCP's mission, enforcement laws, and work around compliance and assistance for federal contractors/subcontractors. Jennifer Fritzel introduced the Sumas Port of Entry Mega Construction Project and OFCCP's efforts to uplift economic opportunities for historically underserved communities. There were a few questions the representatives were interested in, which were who the prime contractor would be and the selection process, how important will childcare be for the workers hired on the project, how many workers would be hired on the Sumas Project, and do the IIJA funds necessitate workers be hired from Whatcom County alone. Quanda and Jennifer provided responses to their questions, and Quanda shared GSA's Sumas Project page: https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions/region-10-northwestarctic/buildings-and-facilities/washington/sumas-land-port-of-entry. Jennifer explained in addition to our efforts around the project, we are interested and available to host training opportunities for the contractors that CJ works closely with. CJ requested additional training information by email and will coordinate future training opportunities. The group emphasized the important need for childcare adding there is very limited care available in the state. David shared there is interest to influence families to become licensed in-home childcare to support all of Washington, especially around rural communities such as Whatcom County. The group concluded the meeting with interest to stay in contact and CJ shared her interest to introduce OFCCP the Sumas Mayor.