From the KY DBE Program Manager...

When we participate in public meetings and events, we are often asked about the progress of the Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project. While we can't report that construction activities have begun, we try to communicate the "behind-the-scenes" activities that are moving the project forward.

The KY DBE Program stresses the need for small business owners to develop goals and implement a strategic plan to meet those goals. The Entrepreneurial Development Institute (EDI) provides full scholarships to certified businesses for its business development programs. Many DBEs have taken advantage of this opportunity to participate. They understand that now is the time to prepare for future opportunities.

I also want to stress that with all the contracting opportunities available, the level of competition has increased. It is important that business owners focus on their particular area of expertise. Contractors are interested in sub-contractors who are experts in their fields. Acquire the KYTC Certificate of Eligibility to become prequalified for the types of work you do.

Seeking work now with established contracting firms will help you establish a reputation for quality and to build allegiances with firms that can build the connections you will need for the larger projects.

The old adage holds true, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." When contracting opportunities become available, the firms that are prepared for the competition will do best; whether they are Bridges-related opportunities or other projects in Kentuckiana.

The time is now to plan for future success.

Tierra Kavanaugh Turner

Instructions to Apply for Certificate of Eligibility - Prequalification

Begin the prequalification process by going to the KYTC web page: http://transportation.ky.gov/contract/prequal

Go to the Instructional Fact Sheet for Certificate of Eligibility or Renewal at: http://transportation.ky.gov/contract/PreQual/Instructions.pdf

This link will provide you with the necessary instructions to prepare for the application process.

If you have any questions about the instructions found in this link, please call Steve Waddle, KYTC Division of Construction Procurement at 502-564-3500 or email Waddle at steve.waddle@ky.gov.

To access the Application for the Certificate of Eligibility, go back to http://transportation.ky.gov/contract/prequal and look for RESOURCES on the left side of the screen and click on the E-Forms Library tab which will take you to the Central Forms Library Page.

You MUST download the "E-Form Software" to access the application. The software lets you fill out the form online, save it, print it and send it on to Contract Procurement.

Once the software is loaded, scroll down to "Construction Procurement TC 14". Click on the TC 14-1 Application for Certificate of Eligibility.

You will be able to choose to either "run", which will open the application on your computer screen or "save" the document on your computer so that you can complete the information at any time.

It is important for you to go to Page 2 of the application to review the types of work for which the Certificate of Eligibility is required.

For Consulting Engineer & Related Services prequalification (TC-40-1), please see page 2 on the application for the work for which prequalification is required.

You will need to save and print the completed application for your records. The printed application must be signed by an authorized officer of your company and notarized by a notary public. You must send the original, signed application to:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Construction Procurement
200 Mero Street, 3rd Floor West
Frankfort, KY 40622

If you have any questions about prequalification, please call Steve Waddle, KYTC Division of Construction Procurement at 502-564-3500 or email Waddle at steve.waddle@ky.gov.

Bridges Project Update
Right-of-Way

As the project prepares to enter the right-of-way and utility phases, some properties will need to be acquired in preparation for construction.

Read more...