What Spectrum can do for you?
Our experience covers all areas of MWDSDVOB, LBE, SBE contract and minority and women workforce compliance in both the building and civil construction industries, and corporate and government procurement. Spectrum is a recognized, long-time advocate for the inclusion and participation of MWBEs in all business segments.
We provide MWDSDVOBE consulting services in the following areas:
• Agency MWBE Goal Setting & Goal Oversight
• Independent Private Sector Inspector General (IPSIG) Contractor Project Monitor
• Building and Civil Construction Projects Contract Compliance & Reporting
• Development of Company and Government MWBE Policies, Manuals, and Training
• MWDSDVOBE Contractor & Supplier Outreach and Tracking
• Good Faith Effort Verification
• MWDSDVOB Program Effectiveness & Resultant Program Corrective Measures
MTA Enhanced Station Initiative
Serves as a sub-consultant to Arup in the role of Program Facilitator for the MTA’s Enhanced Stations Initiative (ESI) Program that is administered under the MTA’s State of Emergency Program. Provided MWBE Program oversight of M/WBE utilization and goal attainment of prime construction contractor teams awarded the nine (9) contracts by MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) to rehabilitate 33 NYCT subway stations throughout the five boroughs by mid-2019. All goals established were met.
Resorts World New York Racino
Contracted by Keating Building Company as the M/W/LBE & EEO Contract Compliance Consultant on the construction of Resorts World New York (RWNY) project (NYC’s first and only racino) located in South Ozone Park, Queens. Developed the reports necessary for the review, monitoring and reporting of all RWNY’s contracts to ensure the 25% combined MWBE and 25% combined Minority & Female workforce goals were met and the information was sent directly to the NYS Division of Lottery. Both goals were exceeded on the project.
Enabled the project to identify and realize approximately $100 million in local business contract participation, although the project did not have a LBE goal. As a result of our intervention, on average, between 9-12% of the workers on the project resided in the local community despite the project’s PLA not having any local workforce goals. All goals established were met.
AirTrain Terminal @ Jamaica Station
Assisted the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) during the construction of the AirTrain Terminal @ Jamaica Station project with Community Relations, MWLBE contract compliance & project participation; the workforce participation of minorities, women and local residents, the production of monthly MWLBE compliance reports, and developed presentations and marketing collateral. All goals established were met.
Conducted and managed monthly meetings of the Community Advisory Council, including: recording meeting minutes, interacting with local political and government officials; and participated in meetings with the local community to find common ground useful in developing problem-solving solutions.
Spectrum received the Community Service Award from the Guy R. Brewer United Democratic Organization, a local Southeast Queens political club for the outstanding work performed on behalf of the project. All goals established were met.
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey | Phoenix Constructors JV
World Trade Center Transportation Hub
Consulted Phoenix Constructors JV and the PANYNJ in the development of monthly M/WBE and EEO Contract Compliance Progress Reports by tracking the participation of MWBEs, minorities and females in the workplace to meet the project’s overall subcontracting and workforce opportunities at the World Trade Center. Tracked and assisted with the review of contractors’ and subcontractors’ performance for all the phases of construction. All goals established were met.
Brooklyn Federal Courthouse & Bankruptcy Court/ Post Office -
Contract Compliance Consultant and Community Benefits Monitor
Served as the U.S. GSA and URS Corp.’s (Project Manager) M/WBE Consultant and Community Monitor on the $450 million courthouse project. All goals established were met.
New Jersey School Construction Corporation -
Local S/M/WBE Monitor and Community Liaison
Served as the local S/M/WBE Monitor and Community Liaison in the building of $2 billion in Newark Public Schools. Our primary efforts were to make sure businesses and residents located in Newark also benefited from both the contracts and jobs on this project. All goals established were met.
Whitestone Bridge –
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Independent Monitor
Served as the independent monitor for the TBTA of Perini OMG/JV’s $260 million contract involving MWDBE contract participation in the rehabilitation of the bridge. All goals established were met.
NY Thruway Authority -
Tappan Zee Bridge Superstructure Repair Project
Served as the NYS Thruway Authority’s Independent Monitor for the Tappan Zee Bridge Superstructure Repair Project. Produced monthly reports of the prime contractor’s activities that included having unfettered access to the contractor’s and D/M/WBE subcontractors’ books, records, files, accounts, computer records, documents and correspondence including electronically stored information relating to the contract in the possession or control of the contractor related to its utilization of D/M/WBE enterprises on the Project. All goals established were met.
In today’s urban environments, substantive changes in the landscape and fabric of communities require a firm that has experience dealing with a myriad of problems and issues that impact upon local businesses and residents’ quality of life and well-being. This is where our services intersect with government agencies; elected officials; local businesses and residents; developers, construction contractors and suppliers; organizations; institutions and other stakeholder participants.
Not only does Spectrum perform these services to engage the community, we also provide the communications necessary to keep all parties informed via newsletters, social media, 24-hour hotlines, street fairs, information centers, meetings, presentations, leaflets, streetscapes, and other direct engagement methods.
MTA Second Avenue Subway Phase II -
96 Street to125th Street East Harlem
Spectrum and Sam Schwartz Engineering are 50/50 Joint Venture partners in an enterprise aka East Harlem Community Collaborators JV (EHCC JV) that is responsible for all of the community outreach for the MTA Second Avenue Subway (SAS) Phase II project from 96th Street to 125th Street in East Harlem. Our staff is bi-lingual and all external communications is disseminated in English and Spanish.
MTA Public Information and Customer Relations Services
Assist the MTA’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department in developing and communicating a wide-range of customer relations information, including operational information during various crises, anticipated and unanticipated service disruptions, service changes, and other special communications initiatives. Assist with copywriting, assorted graphic design work, video production and editing, and with real-time customer communications on both digital platforms, such as media outreach and guerilla marketing.
Former Long Island College Hospital Development Site Community Ombudsperson
Served as the Community Ombudsperson to engage key stakeholders and members of the community in the former LICH service area and acted as a community representative to seek input on sissues and concerns regarding Interim Care Operations, the New Medical Operations, the Cancer Center Services, and the Community Services related to the LICH sale and subsequent development. Facilitated and managed the LICH’s Transformation Advisory and Clinical Advisory Panels and alerted leadership of any significant issues to be addressed on an on-going basis.
Transformation Advisory Panel (TAP)
Provided input to NYUHC and NYU Lutheran Family Health Centers (NYULFHC) via the TAP as to whether the planned new medical operations and related services were responsive to community needs and support the broader goals of delivery system transformation in Brooklyn.
Clinical Advisory Panel (CAP)
Provided input to NYUHC and NYULFHC in the development and expansion of medical operations and related services at the former LICH site. Assisted CAP in exploring ways to develop a more integrated system of care for the community.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge (VN-84) State of Good Repair
Subcontracted by WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) to develop the public messaging for the MTA Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority’s (TBTA) 50-year-old State of Good Repair Verrazzano Narrows Bridge Project.
The messaging engaged and informed various stakeholders including: TBTA President; MTA Chairman; MTA Board; MTA New York City Transit; Governor's office; NYS Department of Transportation; NYC Department of Transportation; NYC Department of City Planning; NYC Parks Department; NYC Economic Development Corporation; National Parks Service for Fort Wadsworth; State Historic Preservation Office; US Army for Fort Hamilton; US Coast Guard; Army Corps of Engineers; NYC Police Department; NYC Fire Department; S.I. & Brooklyn Borough Presidents & their constituent community boards; NYS Assembly and Senate members, NYC Council members; civic and transportation organizations, and the media..
MTA East Side Access (ESA) CQ032 Plaza Substation & Queens Structures
Provided community outreach services as a sub-consultant to Tutor Perini Corporation in Sunnyside Yards, Long Island City - Queens Neighborhoods on behalf of the MTA during the construction of the MTA’s Plaza Substation and Queens Structures and Harold Structures Part III contracts on the MTA East Side Access Project.
Other public outreach activities included the planning and coordination of a Community Appreciation Day, a Queens Worksite Beautification Program, a construction safety program video, new employee orientation video and the placement of two semi-permanent kiosks at the Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station to inform the public about the current work progress on the East Side Access Project.
You need to get your product out or to inform the public about something you want them to know. You have tried advertising and social media; but, in addition, you need a personal touch. In today’s busy environments where choices of what and how to obtain information are limitless, nothing beats face-to-face interaction.
When those other approaches are just not enough, Spectrum can help. Our marketing and outreach teams know how to get your product or message out. See some of our examples below.
MTA’s Anti-Terrorism Communications Public Education
Executed a free public education event for the MTA’s new Counterterrorism Campaign –“New Yorkers Keep NY Safe” campaign. The program was designed to educate the public about reporting suspicious items or behavior on transit, bridges and tunnels to regional and federal law enforcement agencies such as: the MTA, NYPD, Port Authority Police, New York State Police, NJ Transit, CT Department of Homeland Security, and other appropriate law enforcement authorities.
MTA EasyPay Xpress Marketing Outreach Campaign
Promoted a 5-borough public outreach campaign at over 30 college and universities campuses and 60 of NYCT Transit’s busiest of subway stations to inform commuters of the benefits of the annual MTA EasyPay Xpress MetroCard; a card that automatically replenishes itself.
MTA EasyPay Reduce Fare Marketing Outreach Campaign
Executed a 5-borough public outreach campaign at over 30 senior citizen centers and disabled facilities to inform seniors and the disabled of the benefits of the MTA’s EasyPay Metro Card. By signing up for this card, Senior Citizens and the Disabled receive a 25% discounted Metro Card that replenishes itself automatically.
Metro North Railroad Deals & Getaways Marketing Campaign
Implemented an extensive marketing outreach campaign that provides discounted tickets for Metro North partnered events and venues throughout New York’s City 5 boroughs, Westchester County, and Connecticut.
Long Island Railroad Deals & Getaways Marketing Campaign
Performed a marketing outreach campaign to promote Long Island Railroad’s (LIRR’s) Deals & Getaways throughout New York City 5-boroughs and on Long Island.
Actively working with companies specializing in wind and solar energy (including energy storage) in markets where cities and states have mandated renewable energy goals, such as solar to be a part of their commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement (PCA). The PCA calls for the acceleration of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions with a limited global warming to 1.5° C. Assist in the development and marketing of products to increase energy security through the reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible and mostly import-independent resource; as well as, to enhance sustainability, reduce pollution, and to lower the cost of renewable energy across energy, transportation, building, and waste sectors.
NextEra Energy Resources – Eight Point Wind Project
Provide guidance and assist NextEra Energy in the development of its MWSDVOB Good Faith Efforts, contract compliance and produce on-going monthly/quarterly reports to comply with NY State’s 30% M/WBE and SDVOBE requirements during the building of its wind project facilities in Steuben County, NY. NextEra Energy is the largest generator of renewable energy in the world.
NextEra Energy Resources – East Hampton Battery Storage Facility
Provide on-going consulting services for NextEra’s Energy guidance throughout the development of its proposal and selection as the developer and energy solutions provider for the new East Hampton Battery Storage Facility. The battery storage facility will provide LIPA-PSEG with alternative, renewable energy sources for energy emergencies on Long Island. Managed NextEra’s compliance with NYS MWSDVOB quarterly and annual reporting.
NextEra Energy is the largest generator of renewable energy in the world.
NextEra Energy Resources – Montauk Battery Storage Facility
Provide on-going consulting services for NextEra’s Energy guidance throughout the development of its proposal and selection as the developer and energy solutions provider for the new Montauk Battery Storage Facility. The battery storage facility will provide LIPA-PSEG with alternative, renewable energy sources for energy emergencies on Long Island. Managed NextEra’s compliance with NYS MWSDVOB quarterly and annual reporting. NextEra Energy is the largest generator of renewable energy in the world.
We are NYC’s most experienced monitor of community benefits agreements (CBAs) having worked as NY Empire State Development General Project Plan Monitor of Columbia University’s new Manhattanville campus and Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park designated CBA Monitor.
Spectrum oversees the obligations made by developers to a coalition of community organizations that claims to represent the individuals and groups affected by the proposed development. Typically, CBAs would include certain amenities and/or mitigations agreed to by the developer to provide the community or neighborhood with such benefits as assurances of local jobs, affordable housing, environmental improvements, and the building of or rehabilitation of various facilities for public use.
Columbia University New Manhattanville Campus
Served as the General Project Plan (GPP) Monitor for the Empire State Development Corporation, responsible for overseeing Columbia University’s compliance with the terms of all the GPP Obligations associated with the construction of its $6.3 billion, 6.8 million square feet above- and below-grade facilities for its Manhattanville Campus in West Harlem and the comprehensive Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that consisted of 38 community benefit obligations.
Pacific Park a/k/a Atlantic Yards Development
Selected as the Independent Compliance Monitor (ICM) for the Pacific Park a/k/a Atlantic Yards Development project located in Brooklyn, NY. The project includes the development of Barclays Center sports arena and the construction of 16 high-rise spans 22 acres and mixed use commercial and residential towers. A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) between the developer, China Greenland USA, Forest City Ratner Companies and the original eight (8) community organizations who are the signatories of the CBA.
We assist clients by working with government agencies and elected officials to develop meaningful solutions to a myriad of problems, and various needs and concerns that arise as the result of economic development activities; thereby, enabling our clients and governmental bodies to move projects along in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. In the end, clients and the body politic become partners in the strengthening and betterment of communities. Our ability to effectively engage all participants and stakeholders is what leads to solutions and ultimately to success.
AirTrain ULURP - ULURP Consultant
Assisted the Port Authority of NY & NJ as the community outreach consultant to support their efforts to obtain the community’s and NYC’s approval of the AirTrain’s Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP) necessary to move the project forward. In addition, submitted reports and developed the community’s needs assessment as a result of conducting over 30 homeowners’ and business owners’ meetings in Community Boards 10, 11, and 12; the Queens Borough Board and Borough President; the NYC Council; NYC Planning; and State and Federal elected officials.
Often times, clients find themselves with issues or concerns that need problem-solving solutions. These problems are such that they may adversely impact a company’s way of doing business, image or reputation. At Spectrum, we interview, research or study internal/external environments that affect production, systems and processes or flows that impact the company. Together with our clients, we develop and implement company-specific solutions to address impacts to their bottom line.
Our work on Community Economic Development projects incorporates the use of government institutions, elected officials, local businesses and residents, and civic and business organizations with a stake in the economic equation and community development outcomes.
Our approach takes into account what goods, services, and qualified workforce exists within a development area. In consultation with clients and the community, and through proven methodologies, we propose solutions on how best to engage the community throughout the planning, development, and implementation processes with the goal of building stronger, more vibrant and sustainable communities.
For over 25 years, Spectrum’s success has been predicated on providing the highest level of creative services to leading companies and organizations, creating effective, time-tested branding and marketing strategies that generate measurable results for our clients.
Through effective thinking, smart design, persuasive branding strategies, we help engage, inspire and compel your audiences to take action.
Our multidisciplinary expertise include: Visual Identity & Branding, Integrated Marketing, Print & Digital Communications, Motion Graphics & Augmented Reality.
JP Morgan Chase Community Development Group
The JPMorgan Chase Community Development Group was a multifaceted, multilingual marketing program consisting of print and digital communications. It included brochures, presentations kits, product websites, community outreach tools, events related material and marketing collateral.
Unifying JPMorgan separate lines of business, the program we developed effectively engaged and provided solutions to the needs of their multiple audiences including: local consumers, small businesses, real estate agencies, commercial establishments, non-profits and faith-based organizations.
The JPMorgan Chase Community Development Group marketing program was highly successful and soon expanded to other ethnic communities.
MTA Second Avenue Subway Community Information Center
Spectrum Personal Communications and Sam Schwartz Engineering Co. created a 50/50 Joint Venture partnership known as East Harlem Community Collaborators JV (EHCC) for the purpose of providing community outreach for the MTA Second Avenue Subway (SAS) Phase II project from 96th Street to 125th Street in East Harlem.
Together, the JV provides very diverse and extensive community outreach/community engagement throughout East Harlem. In addition, the JV is responsible for all graphics support, announcements, notifications and signage support; conducting “Ask the Experts” sessions, site tours, and community educational sessions; media outreach; the development and placement of display exhibits, and maintaining a SAS participation in street fairs and other community outreach activities.
World Hope International, Haiti 2009 earthquake fund raising event
In the aftermath of Haiti’s 2009 earthquake, we joined multiple businesses and partnered with World Hope International to help with their fund raising event. Our contribution was to brand and help promote “Help Rebuild, Come Celebrate Haiti Cherie.” The event was very successful and the proceeds benefited the victims of this devastating earthquake.
Newark Downtown Park
The Newark Downtown Park branding and marketing effort was a multifaceted, multilingual program produced in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The diverse audience included community leaders, Newark residents, small local businesses, and large corporations based in Newark.
The program included diverse community outreach/community engagement material, announcements, mailers and brochures, display exhibits, out door banners, bus shelters, signage and local promotions.
Under the theme “ A blueprint for Progress,” the program we developed was successful in projecting and positioning the upcoming Newark Downtown Park as a world-class site, filled with beautiful green space, entertainment, arts and fun. And a place where new friends meet and old friends reconnect.
