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Accessing DBE Services
Sam Updike, DBE Supportive Services Specialist
If you are already DBE certified, and capable to contract and/or subcontract for MaineDOT work, then you are probably aware that there are supportive services available through EMDC for your business. But, do you recall what these services are? In the paragraphs below I will summarize the DBE Supportive Services available for businesses that qualify.
The first service to focus on is Contract Identification. In order to be competitive in government contracting you need to be aware of the available opportunities. It seems simple, but identifying potential work, and evaluating an opportunity is imperative to your success. To assist with contract identification, DBE Supportive Services can work with you to build a Bid Match search profile. This profile is created using the capabilities, location, and key words associated with your services and/or products. Bid Match sends a daily notification when it finds a government bid opportunity that fits the description of your business. Bid Match is also a useful market research tool, allowing you to see who is winning the type of work you provide, and for how much. This can be incredibly powerful insight allowing you to gauge your business’ preparedness and competitiveness.
There are a lot more basic Supportive Services available for transportation related DBEs. The Website Development Program will assist with the creation of a basic website. EMDC contracts with a third-party who will assist you to create the basic framework for a website. You provide the content, and they provide the direction and guidance. This service is valued at $1,500 and can be awarded to qualifying certified DBE businesses. Transportation DBEs should also take advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement program. Once a year, you are eligible for $1,000 in reimbursement for higher education, courses, or events that can help your business grow. This increases to $1,500 if you participate in the Business Development Program. We also provide technical assistance for invoicing, CADD, and identification of educational resources.
All these services can be tied together with the Business Development Program. This program assists businesses to manage multiple services offered by DBESS, and EMDC. First, a business needs assessment is conducted to identify the business topics that require assistance. Next, a two-year plan is created where the business is given deadlines for the topics they had indicated. As mentioned above, this increases the yearly tuition reimbursement to $1,500. The DBESS Specialist will continually provide resources and assist participating businesses with challenges they identify.
If you are a transportation related DBE who is interested in taking advantage of these services, please contact me by email supdike@emdc.org.
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