ATLANTIC BEACH – Small, women-owned and minority-owned businesses are invited to Atlantic Beach next week to learn how to compete for state transportation contracts.
The N.C. Department of Transportation will be hosting the third of three regional networking events for disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBEs.
“These events are intended to help us engage with an array of potential contractors and subcontractors in one place at one time,” NCDOT’s Chief Engineer Ronnie Keeter said. “We’ve had two successful events, in Asheville and Raleigh, and we hope the third and final this month, also has a great turnout.”
More than 40 people attended the event in Asheville and at least 26 attended in Raleigh.
The next event, which will be held in Atlantic Beach, is from 1:30-5 p.m. March 23 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, 2717 West Fort Macon Road. 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. Department 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.
DBE and SBE firms should contact Vivian Sessoms at vsemmons@ncdot.gov or 919-707-2412 for questions. People can register for the event on NCDOT’s website. It is free to attend any of the regional networking events.
NCDOT’s Office of Civil Rights and chief engineer’s office began organizing outreach events last year for disadvantaged and small business enterprises. Visit NCDOT’s web page to learn more about the outreach initiative.