The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation recently introduced its first Construction Academy as part of its “Change Your Altitude” vendor outreach program led by the Office of Business Engagement and the Purchasing Administration Unit. The three-module training academy helps small construction firms understand how to do business at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE).

The goals for the academy include helping construction firms better understand and access opportunities in airport construction projects as a prime contractor or subcontractor; building capacity to compete for capital development contracts at PHL and PNE; and providing business and technical tools to strengthen readiness and competitiveness.  

“This Academy provides focused training, expert connections, and networking to build a strong pipeline of qualified businesses. We want to give business owners the opportunity to learn what we need, what we expect, and what upcoming projects are in the pipeline,” Department of Aviation Vice President of Procurement Deatrice Isaac shared with academy participants. “We also want to give you the opportunity to meet the folks on our teams who can guide you through the process and prepare you for the opportunities that are to come. We will help you understand how to bid and how to do business with the city and the airport so that you are prepared and ready."

The Academy’s first module, held at the Department of Aviation’s offices on April 16, introduced the airports’ Capital Development Group, which is responsible for PHL and PNE’s $2 billion infrastructure program. During this module, airport staff discussed the public works procurement process, upcoming PHL and MarketPlace PHL concessions opportunities, and how to compete as a prime or subcontractor. The session also included a “Tips for Success” panel featuring representatives from the Capital Development Group and current contractors doing business at the airport. 

"Being in a room with professionals doing the work I aspire to do made the experience feel real and within reach. That level of access was impactful because it showed me the importance of being present in these environments and taking advantage of networking opportunities when they come up,” said Kodi Nixon, CEO of Reboot Contractors. 

“The academy is designed to see behind the curtain on how things operate,” said Clarence Lejeune, CEO of Lejeune & Associates, LLC/Operating Partner, Marketplace PHL. "Relationships get developed with companies who don’t know each other.”  

Department of Aviation Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam told participants, “We see significant opportunities for businesses to partner with us in delivering our Transform PHL and PNE programs. We welcome innovative, outside-the-box thinking and creative solutions that help bring our projects to life.”