Best Practices for Identifying and Utilizing DBE’s USDOT/FTA “DOORS” Program, Minneapolis, MN Roberto Cornelio, Great Lakes Region OSDBU/SBTRC

Why work with DBE’s? Yes, it’s an obligation for it’s also a great opportunity Yes, it’s an obligation for it’s also a great opportunity Represents an opportunity to invest taxpayer dollars to generate local economic development and job creation Represents an opportunity to invest taxpayer dollars to generate local economic development and job creation Represents an opportunity to invest in and help local firms grow and develop the ability to compete for opportunities in other areas, creating additional jobs in your community Represents an opportunity to invest in and help local firms grow and develop the ability to compete for opportunities in other areas, creating additional jobs in your community

How can you help DBE’s…get to the next level? Identify talented DBE’s who’ve performed at a high level and groom them to access larger opportunities Identify talented DBE’s who’ve performed at a high level and groom them to access larger opportunities Consider establishing programs, including a Mentor/Protégé program that pairs up DBE’s with larger firms committed to supporting their growth Consider establishing programs, including a Mentor/Protégé program that pairs up DBE’s with larger firms committed to supporting their growth Consider programs to reward larger firms who commit to helping DBE’s grow i.e. extra points Consider programs to reward larger firms who commit to helping DBE’s grow i.e. extra points

How can you help DBE’s? Know who they are and know their Know who they are and know their Capacity Capacity Challenges Challenges Opportunities Opportunities Examine your internal process to identify opportunities that match DBE’s capacity…are the same companies always winning the bids? Examine your internal process to identify opportunities that match DBE’s capacity…are the same companies always winning the bids? Ensure that DBE’s fully understand your procurement process Ensure that DBE’s fully understand your procurement process Ensure that there are services and assistance designed to provide DBE’s with the right technical assistance and support…services that truly meet their needs Ensure that there are services and assistance designed to provide DBE’s with the right technical assistance and support…services that truly meet their needs

How can you help DBE’s? Ensure that DBE’s understand precisely what it will take for them to perform and be successful. Ask the questions: Ensure that DBE’s understand precisely what it will take for them to perform and be successful. Ask the questions: Does the DBE have access to financing to carry the cost of materials? Does the DBE have access to financing to carry the cost of materials? Does the DBE have access to financing to cover payroll until it receives payment? Does the DBE have access to financing to cover payroll until it receives payment?

How can you help DBE’s? Conduct targeted outreach to ensure you’re reaching the DBE’s with greatest potential for success Conduct targeted outreach to ensure you’re reaching the DBE’s with greatest potential for success Host “one-on-one” matchmaking sessions with promising DBE’s to ensure they have all of the information they need and that all of their questions are answered Host “one-on-one” matchmaking sessions with promising DBE’s to ensure they have all of the information they need and that all of their questions are answered Identify opportunities for DBE’s to pair up with others, including other DBE’s to increase their competitiveness Identify opportunities for DBE’s to pair up with others, including other DBE’s to increase their competitiveness

How can you help DBE’s? Monitor Prime/DBE Subcontractor relationships to ensure that: Monitor Prime/DBE Subcontractor relationships to ensure that: DBE’s are performing as agreed DBE’s are performing as agreed DBE’s are being paid as agreed DBE’s are being paid as agreed Partner with credible assist agencies that can help you identify vetted DBE’s receiving the strategic advice and consulting services that will make them successful. Let them help you find the right DBE’s Partner with credible assist agencies that can help you identify vetted DBE’s receiving the strategic advice and consulting services that will make them successful. Let them help you find the right DBE’s