📣 Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce that the Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) now has an official fundraising page. Support minority and small businesses in Ohio by making a donation today. Every contribution helps us empower more entrepreneurs. Check it out: OBDC Fundraising Page 🌟
#OBDC #SupportSmallBusiness #EmpowerEntrepreneurs
The final OhioMBE Procurement Fair of 2025 is almost here!
Join us on Thursday, December 18 at the COED – Center for Entrepreneurial Development in Columbus for one more chance to make meaningful contracting connections before the year ends.
This is your opportunity to:
Participating organizations will be posted soon at OhioMBE.com
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates.
Every strong construction project starts with one thing: clarity. And nothing drives clarity like a well-written scope of work. If your scopes aren’t tight, your project isn’t tight — period.
That’s why the next OBDC Construction Academy class is one you don’t want to miss.
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, industry pro Daniel Odion, P.E., PMP returns to the virtual classroom — and you already know he’ll be dropping gems.
A scope of work isn’t just paperwork. It’s your roadmap, your protection, and your blueprint for how the job gets done.
When scopes are unclear, confusion follows. And confusion leads to delays, rework, strained relationships, and costly disputes.
This session gives you the tools to avoid all of that. Daniel will break down how to:
His teaching style is direct, practical, and rooted in real-world experience — exactly what contractors need.
Expect clear examples, real construction scenarios, and actionable steps you can apply immediately. Daniel has a gift for making complex topics simple, and every class he teaches leaves attendees with a notebook full of ideas they can put to work the next morning.
📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Zoom
Registration is free, and OBDC members can also access the full library of recorded sessions.
👉 Sign up today at OHBDC.org
If you’re serious about leveling up your project delivery — and learning from someone who truly knows the game — this is your class. Let’s build better, smarter, and with intention.
The wait is over — the OBDC Construction Academy video library is officially open and ready for you!
Daniel Odion has been dropping gems all year, delivering practical, real-world solutions to the issues contractors face every day. And now, every recorded session is available on demand.
Whether you missed the live classes or want to revisit a topic, the full library is just a click away.
Our most popular training sessions, including:
✅ Free for OBDC members
💵 Nominal fee for the public
📍 Watch anytime at OHBDC.org
This is the perfect time to sharpen your skills, grow your business capacity, and stay competitive in the construction industry.
The OBDC Construction Academy Library is officially open — dive in and start learning today!
The Ohio Business Development Center (OBDC) will host a special online informational session on ODOT’s new DBE certification and recertification requirements.
ODOT officials will join us to break down the recent federal Interim Final Rule (IFR) and explain exactly how Ohio is implementing these changes.
⏰ 11:30 AM
💻 Online Session – Free to Attend
🔗 Register at: OHBDC.org**
ODOT will provide clear guidance on the major changes now in effect, including:
All DBE firms previously certified under race- or sex-based presumptions must be reevaluated. This includes many Black-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned firms in the Ohio UCP directory.
Reevaluation requires:
Under the IFR:
These new federal rules fundamentally change how disadvantage is evaluated and how DBE participation works in Ohio. This session will help you understand what’s required and how to prepare your business for recertification.
Register now at OHBDC.org
LEGAL NOTICE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
The Columbus City School District is requesting Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in providing professional design services in the following categories:
Architect of Record
Landscape Architect
Civil Engineer
Engineer of Record
Firms can access detailed information and submission requirements on the District’s website:
http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/rfp
LEGAL NOTICE
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – RFP #2025-62-22
BOMB SQUAD ROBOT
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEM&HS), is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide a Bomb Squad Robot that meets the specifications outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP).
Proposal Opening:
Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
All amendments and clarifications for this solicitation will be posted on the Franklin County Purchasing Department website. Interested parties are solely responsible for reviewing and monitoring the site for updates:
http://purchasing.franklincountyohio.gov/businesses/bid-opportunities/
Pre-Proposal Conference: None scheduled.
Questions:
Email: annie.spann1@franklincountyohio.gov
Phone: 614-525-3750
Written Question Deadline:
November 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST
Franklin County Board of Commissioners:
Erica C. Crawley, President
John O’Grady, Commissioner
Kevin L. Boyce, Commissioner
Wednesday, November 12 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Online)
Taught by Daniel Odion, P.E., PMP
Want to win more contracts and build stronger partnerships? Join construction expert Daniel Odion, P.E., PMP for this interactive online session designed to help subcontractors stand out during the bidding process and shine in pre-award interviews.
You’ll learn how to:
✅ Craft competitive, compliant bids that get attention
✅ Communicate your company’s value with confidence
✅ Build trust with primes and procurement teams
✅ Avoid common mistakes that cost opportunities
Whether you’re new to bidding or ready to take your proposals to the next level, this class offers practical strategies you can use right away to grow your business.
🎟️ Free for OBDC Members | $14.99 for Non-Members
💻 Held online via Zoom
👉 Register today: buytickets.at/OBDC
🌐 Learn more at OHBDC.org
LEGAL NOTICE
INVITATION FOR BIDS – CANALS EDGE RENOVATIONS
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors for the Canals Edge Renovations, located at 5303 Amalfi Drive, Canal Winchester, Ohio.
🕚 Bid Opening:
Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom (virtual)
To attend, email Chris Belcastro at cbelcastro@cmhanet.com at least 12 hours before the bid opening to obtain the link.
📬 Bid Submission:
Bids must be mailed or dropped off at 880 E. 11th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211 before 11:00 a.m. on December 18, 2025, and time stamped.
If hand-delivering, notify the front security officer that you are submitting a “BID” for time stamping.
🏗️ Pre-Bid Meeting:
Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
5303 Amalfi Drive, Canal Winchester, Ohio
📄 Contract Documents:
Available for viewing at https://cmhanet.com/design-and-construction
Bidders may also obtain documents from DC Alpha Graphics, 1254 Courtland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201, or www.dcplanroom.com, starting Thursday, November 6, 2025, upon receipt of a refundable $50 company check or money order payable to CMHA.
📞 (614) 297-1200 | 📠 (614) 297-1300
⚖️ Requirements:
Comply with Davis-Bacon Labor Standards (HUD)
Comply with Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968
Support CMHA’s MBE goal of 20% and Section 3 goal of 10%
Submit a 5% bid bond with your bid
Issued by:
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)
https://cmhanet.com
👉 View more contracting opportunities at OhioMBE.com
The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) is inviting bids for:
Fire Damage and Non-Insurance Work at 589 Sunset View Drive, Akron, Ohio 44320
🕑 Bid Due: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, by 2:00 p.m. (local time)
📍 Location: 100 West Cedar Street, Akron, Ohio 44307
📄 Specifications:
Available for purchase at SE Blueprint, 520 South Main Street, Suite 2411, Akron, OH 44311
📞 (330) 376-1689 | 📧 seblue@seblueprint.com
Plans are also available through:
📞 Questions: Michele Kindler, Assistant Contracting Officer – 330-376-7792
♿ Persons with disabilities needing assistance should contact AMHA’s ADA Coordinator at 330-762-9631 or Ohio Relay at 800-750-0750 at least seven days in advance.
👷♀️ Issued by:
Herman Hill, Executive Director
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
👉 Review more bid notices at OhioMBE.com
The OBDC Construction Academy continues to help small contractors build capacity and compete for more opportunities. Join us online this November for two powerful sessions led by Daniel Odion, P.E., PMP, designed to strengthen your business strategy, performance, and project delivery.
Wednesday, November 12 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Online)
Learn how to prepare strong bids, communicate your value, and make a lasting impression during pre-award interviews. This class is packed with real-world insights to help subcontractors win more work and build strong relationships with primes and owners.
Wednesday, November 19 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Online)
A strong scope sets the tone for success. Discover how to develop clear, detailed scopes of work that improve project outcomes, reduce disputes, and strengthen collaboration across your team and client partners.
🎟️ Free for OBDC Members • $14.99 for Non-Members
📍 Online via Zoom
👉 Register today: buytickets.at/OBDC
🌐 Visit: OHBDC.org for more programs and resources.
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