Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is organizing a series of free virtual workshops in March for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. This initiative, part of the Building Blocks of Success series, aims to help these businesses enhance their skills and compete for state projects. Both new and existing DBEs, as well as those interested in certification, are encouraged to participate.

The workshop schedule includes:

- March 2: Landscaping - Section 200 of the Spec Book & Traffic Control

- March 7: Avoiding Pitfalls

- March 9: Overhead Rate Calculation, Construction & Professional Services

- March 14: Daily Documentation

- March 16: Force Account (T&M) Work

- March 21: Getting Paid

- March 23: Construction Materials Requirements (IDOT)

Workshops will continue through April. Interested participants can find more information and register via Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Registration is required in advance.

For inquiries, IDOT's DBE Resource Center can be contacted at (312) 939-1100.

This program is part of Governor Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois initiative, which IDOT describes as "historic and bipartisan." The goal is to deliver the largest capital program in Illinois history while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in contracting and workforce participation.

Administered by IDOT, the DBE program offers opportunities for minorities, women, and other eligible small businesses to engage in federally and state-funded highway, transit, and airport contracts. More information on becoming a certified DBE can be found at www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.