Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a series of free virtual workshops in December as part of its Building Blocks of Success initiative. These workshops are aimed at Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms looking to enhance their skills, expand their businesses, and bid on state projects. Both new and existing DBEs, along with firms interested in certification, are encouraged to participate.

The scheduled workshops include various topics: "The Prime Contractor's Perspective" on December 5, "IDOT's Multi-Year Program" on December 7, "Construction: Before Contract - IDOT Standard Specifications, Division 100" on December 12, "Construction: Before Contract - IDOT Specs, Plans and Conducting a Site Review Q & A Session" on December 14, "Construction: Before Contract - Estimating and Bidding Spreadsheet" on December 19, and "Construction: Before Contract - Subcontractor Awareness" on December 21. All sessions will run from 10 a.m. to noon.

This educational series will continue through April. Interested participants can find more information about the workshops and register via Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Advance registration is necessary.

Inquiries regarding the program can be directed to IDOT's Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at (217) 785-4611.

Under Governor JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois initiative, IDOT is facilitating the largest capital program in the state's history while emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The DBE program administered by IDOT offers minorities, women, and eligible small businesses opportunities to engage in federally and state-funded highway, transit, and airport contracts. More details about becoming a certified DBE can be found at www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.