LOS ANGELES – Airport officials joined Mayor Karen Bass and Councilwoman Traci Park Thursday to celebrate the latest round of investments at LAX, which they say will bring more job opportunities for small businesses.
In February, the City Council signed off on $5 billion as part of the Los Angeles World Airports’ latest Multiple Award Task Order Contract, also known as MATOC. Funds will cover 51 contractual agreements for pre-qualified contractors that will aid the airport with forthcoming projects under LAWA’s Capital Improvement Program.
Airport officials said they have 31 prime contractors, 13 of which are first-time prime contractors with LAWA. Through MATOC, the pool of 31 contractors will be in a better position to pursue some of the 51 contracts identified by LAWA.
The five-year initiative aims to expand opportunities for diverse, small and local businesses while streamlining the procurement process for upcoming projects.
On Thursday, city officials highlighted the importance of MATOC and how it will expedite improvements for the airport ahead of the World Cup in 2026 and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This will ensure that small, local and minority-owned businesses like Lucas Builders Inc., a local, veteran and family-owned business, will benefit as we prepare the city to welcome the world in the coming years,” Bass said in a statement. “Los Angeles continues leading the way and demonstrating how investment in infrastructure means investing in people, too.”
Park, who represents Westside neighborhoods and LAX, added that they are “building smarter and creating real economic opportunities along the way.”
This will also give small businesses a chance to expand their footprint, and it could lead to potential recognition and other business opportunities, according to LAWA officials.
