TxDOT Offers Collaboration to the A/E/C Industry

TxDOT offers creative communication for firms that wish to work on state transportation projects

By Autumn Harrison

Harrison works with small and minority business owners interested in doing business with TxDOT.

Texas Department of Transportation offers many services to the construction industry so that design and construction professionals, including small, minority and disadvantaged firms, are given the opportunity to expand their business. The TxDOT Business Outreach and Program Supportive Services group, located within the General Services Division, was specifically created to provide developmental support to contractors and help them to successfully compete for state transportation construction-related projects.

Here are some ways that TxDOT’s BOP programs are intended to serve and support vendor companies:

The One-on-One Vendor Appointment ProgramThe BOP staff coordinates and arranges appointments between businesses interested in working with TxDOT and the appropriate agency purchasers and/or contract management employees. In 2005, for exam-ple, the BOP set 260 appointments and awarded $1.9 million in contracts to vendors that participated in the One-on-One Vendor Appointment Program.

Technical Assistance ProgramTxDOT’s Technical Assistance Program, or TAP, provides free business development and technical industry training to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, or DBEs. This helps the small firms better understand how TxDOT functions and enhances the skills necessary to bid and perform on TxDOT contracts. Individualized, hands-on technical assistance training is offered in the following areas: construction, bonding, bidding, accounting/financial management, business law/Equal Employment Opportunity, business management/marketing, computer, safety requirements, environmental and prequalification. Such comprehensive training provides businesses with a competitive edge when proposing and/or performing TxDOT projects.

Learning, Information, Networking, Collaboration Mentor/Protégé Program LINC is a unique mentor/protégé program in which TxDOT staff acts as the mentor to small and minority businesses interested in doing business with TxDOT. There are four industry LINC programs: Construction, Goods and Services, Information Technology and Professional Services. Another similar initiative is the Building Maintenance Industry LINC program. Its objectives are to: increase the number of small busnesses bidding and performing on TxDOT contracts; prepare DBEs, historically underutilized businesses, and small business enterprises to bid and perform on TxDOT contracts through technical assistance training; introduce protégés to TxDOT purchasing department personnel, key TxDOT staff and other public and private organizations; and to provide program participants with business development assistance needed to grow and expand their business.

Small Business Briefings TxDOT is also seeing great benefit from orchestrating networking opportunities around the state in which A/E/C firms are encouraged to come and communicate in an informal environment. These sessions provide information about BOP programs and contracting opportunities and allow contractors and small businesses to gain access to key information and personnel.

Specialized WorkshopsAnother value-added service BOP offered for small business partners is a series of in-depth workshops that provide free training on business development and technical industry topics. Some of the popular programs are Bonding, Construction Management, Developing a Website, Developing a Business Plan, Construction Safety Training & Certification and Business Financial Management. These workshops are announced throughout the year and registration is required.

Quarterly Road Lines NewsletterTxDOT offers vendors and consultant partners with access to quarterly newsletters that provide key information about TxDOT contracting opportunities. Features include news stories, a list of newly certified DBEs, meeting information, an upcoming calendar of events and a list of frequently asked questions relating to contracting opportunities.

TxDOT’s desire is to serve its constituents in ways that help them succeed. If you are interested in doing business with TxDOT or would like assistance or further information, contact BOP at 866-480-2518.