Upcoming Mega Projects in Northern California: What This Means for Your Business

Major construction and development projects are underway across Northern California, with billions of dollars expected to be spent over the next decade. These large-scale projects present significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses across a wide range of industries. Below is a sample of major projects currently in the planning or early development phases, along with resources to help you learn more and begin positioning your business for upcoming opportunities.

Mega Projects Across NorCal:

• Sites Reservoir Project: The Sites Project Authority is beginning the construction procurement process for the Sites Reservoir Project, a $3.9 billion off-stream reservoir in the Sacramento Valley. One of the state’s largest proposed water infrastructure projects, the Sites Reservoir Project, is designed to provide a more reliable water supply for California’s communities, farms, and the environment. We look forward to sharing more as we advance this critical project.
• San Francisco Airport Expansion of Terminal 3: SFO is undergoing a significant transformation with the $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization Project. This project aims to create a modern and efficient terminal that meets the evolving needs of travelers.
• Hillsdale Shopping Center: A proposal in San Mateo to demolish nearly three-quarters of the enclosed mall for 1,600+ homes and 2 million square feet of new commercial space. The project aims to increase parking while keeping the mall connected to Caltrain.
• State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP): The Office of State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) Management has primary responsibility for planning, developing, managing, and reporting the four-year SHOPP portfolio of projects. Here is the link to those projects.

Explore more megaprojects below:

• 19 Bay Area Megaprojects – The Bay Area Is Being Rebuilt, Here’s What’s Actually Happening
•  City Gives Final Approval to Massive Stonestown Redevelopment Project, With 3,500 Housing Units
• New look slated for Hilltop Plaza – Richmond Standard

How to position your company for these subcontracting opportunities

Preparing early is key to successfully participating in these large-scale projects. The following steps can help position your business for subcontracting opportunities:

Build Relationships Early – Engaging with Primes before they even start working on the solicitation gives you an edge against other firms. Remember, relationships are always going to be a key factor in the subcontracting space because Primes need to feel confident in who they subcontract with. The sooner you start building relationships, the easier it will be for them to select your company when they are awarded a mega project.”

Engage with Project Teams – Reach out to estimators and small business representatives to understand whether your products or services will be needed.

Large infrastructure and development projects create long-term opportunities, but success often depends on preparation and relationship-building well in advance of contract awards. By identifying key players, completing required registrations, and actively engaging with prime contractors, your business can be better positioned to compete for subcontracting work.

If you are looking for help with government contracting or want no-cost helpdeveloping your subcontracting plan, please contact your Norcal APEX Accelerator counselor for assistance or apply for services today!

Authored by: Thomas Burns, Norcal APEX Accelerator Procurement Specialist