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DBE Supportive Services DBE Success; Where Preparation Meets One
of the most important goals of the LSIORBP KY DBE Program is to
assist Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) with the process
of becoming KYTC certified and prequalified. The KY DBE Program
Manager and other DBEs working on the project strive to provide
the business community with essential information about the progress
of the project as well as the steps necessary to meet strategic
goals and find success. Initially,
information meant to support DBE participation had not provided
a clear and consistent “how
to” message. Many small businesses seeking work on the project
believed that KY DBE certification and prequalification was the
ticket to ride the Pot of
Gold express. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. Many
factors contributed to the unrealistic expectations that were communicated
to the business community and it is the responsibility of the KY
DBE Program to better address the opportunities available within
the LSIORBP. KY
DBE certification is a small part of the first big step toward building
business through KYTC. However, prequalification is critical because
a DBE cannot win contracts on KYTC projects without it. Preparing
for the responsibility and accepting accountability for moving beyond
that first step is up to the DBE owners and managers to capitalize
on the opportunities available. TO DO LIST üGet informed - Every KY DBE interested
in working on the LSIORBP should do their research. Review the application
process; take advantage of the resources available to answer your
questions. Business owners should make strategic decisions about
certification and prequalification carefully. üAssess your business – Is your business
setting realistic goals for the project? Do you have the staff,
equipment, experience and financing to acquire the contracts on
which you’ll be competing? Do you have sufficient liability insurance
and bonding? üSet realistic goals – Will you compete
as a prime contractor or is your business more suited for 2nd
or 3rd tier sub-contracting status? *
Very small businesses have limited opportunities
on a mega project. Should you be bidding on smaller projects to
gain experience and build relationships with larger contractors? üBuild and nurture relationships – Have
you identified and/or worked with enough prime contractors to have
established positive work experience and referrals? Have you pursued
mentor/protégé relationships with other DBEs that have found success
on the project? üCommit to a strategy – Do you regularly
monitor the bid lettings posted by KYTC or other transportation
or construction projects? Hometown and regional projects? üFollow Up and Follow Through – Only
you have the power to organize your business and take the steps
necessary to make the most of the opportunities provided. üGet answers - Do you know who to contact
to get the most up-to-date information about the KY DBE Program
of the LSIORBP? Hint: The KY DBE Program Manager! üSpread the Knowledge – If you have
had success with projects as a DBE; have a hand ready to help a
2nd or 3rd tier sub-contractor. Are you setting
aside time to attend meetings with peers in your industry? Are you
a mentor? THE DON’T LIST In
the event that you had a bad initial experience with the KY DBE
program, DON’T write off the program, ask for help! DON’T expect the KY DBE Program to bring
business to you. Contact the KY DBE Program, the LSIORBP and/or
KYTC to learn about the opportunities available. DON’T underestimate the importance of your
company’s records and the information requested of you through the
certification and prequalification process. DON’T expect to be able to bite off more
than you can chew. Your success and reputation depends on it! DON’T compromise your standards. While the
road may have obstacles along the way, your business and personal
integrity will always see you through. |
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