Who Gets to Build California? Small Contractors Seek a Bigger Share of the Infrastructure Boom

September 28, 2026

The Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) is a national initiative addressing barriers that prevent small and historically underutilized businesses from competing for major public infrastructure contracts, rather than merely serving as subcontractors. Small contractors face significant obstacles including complex procurement systems, bonding requirements that demand substantial financial qualifications without providing project funding, and difficulty navigating unfamiliar contracting processes. Programs like LA Metro's small-business prime contractor initiative and Alameda County's technical assistance efforts provide crucial training, bonding support, and faster payment terms that help small firms manage cash flow and gain experience.

Who is affected

Small contractors and historically underutilized businesses seeking public infrastructure contracts
William Jackson and his company Global Electric (Southern California electrical contractor)
Bishoy Metry (structural engineer and contractor who immigrated from Egypt)
Public agencies including LA Metro, Caltrans, Los Angeles International Airport, and Alameda County
Large contractors who traditionally serve as prime contractors
Underserved communities where wealth-building opportunities are limited
Phillip Washington (EIP co-founder and co-chair)
More than 130 infrastructure leaders who attended the June 4 event
104 organizations that have signed onto the EIP coalition

What action is being taken

EIP is building a national coalition of public agencies and infrastructure organizations
LA Metro is operating a small-business prime program that pays contractors within 15 days of receiving invoices
Alameda County's Contractor Technical Assistance Program is providing training and assistance related to construction contracting and bonding
LA Metro's Contractor Development and Bonding Program is helping small and disadvantaged businesses prepare to compete for construction opportunities
Training and mentor-protégé programs are teaching contractors how to manage businesses, submit bids, and communicate with prime contractors
Small contractors like Jackson and Metry are bidding on and completing public infrastructure projects

Why it matters

This initiative is significant because billions of dollars in infrastructure spending—accelerated by the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—are flowing through communities, yet small and underutilized businesses face systemic barriers preventing them from accessing these wealth-building opportunities. By helping small contractors become prime contractors rather than remaining trapped as subcontractors, the program creates pathways for building wealth in underserved communities while simultaneously increasing competition in public procurement, which can benefit taxpayers through potentially lower costs. Without such programs, small businesses with technical expertise remain locked out of substantial contracting opportunities due to barriers like bonding requirements, complex procurement systems, and lack of knowledge about navigating public contracting processes in the United States.

What's next

On June 4, EIP held a signing ceremony and workshop in San Francisco where sixteen additional organizations joined the coalition. EIP has released a "Procurement for Prosperity" playbook that outlines strategies public agencies can use to expand access and competition, strengthen procurement practices, and create pathways for small businesses.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint