RALEIGH– Small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses are invited to Raleigh next week to learn how to compete for state transportation contracts.
The N.C. Department of Transportation will be hosting the second of three regional networking events for disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBEs.
“The first regional event this week went well and we're hopeful this second event will be equally successful," said NCDOT's Chief Engineer Ronnie Keeter. “There are endless opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to partner with prime contractors or the NCDOT to meet the state's transportation needs. These events are a great way for these businesses to get started."
The next event will be held from 1:30-5 p.m. March 17 at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills, 3415 Wake Forest Road, in Raleigh. The event is free.
DBEs and small business enterprises, or SBEs, will have the opportunity to meet with multiple prime contractors and learn how to contract with the NCDOT. NCDOT staff and prime contractors will give presentations on filling workforce gaps, projects on the current 12-month let list and the types of transportation work available to subcontractors. The meeting will also include time for DBEs to network with prime contractors and NCDOT staff.
NCDOT has all sorts of contracting opportunities for big and small businesses, including construction and maintenance of roads, mowing, traffic control, snow removal and litter pickup.
More than 43 people from numerous businesses attended the first event on March 9 in Asheville.
A third regional networking event will be held March 23 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, 2717 West Fort Macon Road, in Atlantic Beach.
DBE and SBE firms should contact Vivian Sessoms at vsemmons@ncdot.gov or 919-707-2412 for questions. People can register for the events on NCDOT's website. It is free to attend any of the regional networking events.
NCDOT's Office of Civil Rights and the chief engineer's office began organizing outreach events last year for disadvantaged and small business enterprises. They have been working together to make sure all contractors that wish to do business with NCDOT know about the available opportunities and resources. Visit NCDOT's web page to learn more about the outreach initiative.