DBE Supportive Services

The DBE Supportive Services Program is operated in conjunction with the DBE program and is implemented by the Iowa Department of Transportation Civil Rights Bureau.

The Iowa DOT offers supportive services to assist Iowa certified DBE companies, including certified public accountant financial assistance.

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Video Resources

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Free Services Provided

Contact Mary Zimmerman, DBE Support Services Program Manager, for her no-charge assistance. She will set up a time to meet with you, learn about your company, and collaborate on how to help your company thrive! Regardless of what you are seeking, Mary will strive to find the resource/solution to best meets your company’s needs.

Becoming a successful DBE takes: Persistence, Patience, and Perseverance.

The DBE certification enhances a company’s exposure to prime contractors, procurement officers, and the business community; however, a DBE must still market their products and services in finding opportunities. To assist these small businesses, the Iowa Department of Transportation Civil Rights Bureau has partnered with ISU CIRAS in providing a DBE Support Services Program Manager, Mary Zimmerman. She can assist each company with their unique requirements. Some of the services she provides include:

  • Educational/training, matchmaking and networking events
  • Finding Opportunities, including a customized bid match for bids
  • Accounting Information
  • Marketing Research
  • Preparing and submitting bids
  • Relationship Building
  • Bonding Information
  • Customer Service Training
  • Identification of other procurement preference programs such as:
    • Federal
      • Small Disadvantaged Business
      • HUBZone Program
      • Veteran-Owned
      • Service Disabled Veteran-Owned
      • Women-Owned Small Business
      • 8(a) Business Development Program
    • State
      • Targeted Small Business
      • Iowa DOT Small Business Development Contracts

There are other bid opportunities for small businesses within the Iowa DOT aside from the Contracts Bureau located in the Purchasing Section. This is a totally different and separate bidding process; participation of DBE’s is not required. The Purchasing Section procures millions of dollars in goods and services annually. Mary can guide companies through registration, locate the appropriate purchasing agent, find opportunities, and navigate companies through the bidding process.

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Quarterly Newsletter

2024

DBE Quarterly 2024 Newsletter

2023

DBE Quarterly 2023 Newsletter

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Upcoming Events

Iowa DOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other nondiscrimination statutes. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Iowa DOT Civil Rights at 515-239-1111 or by email at civil.rights@iowadot.us. 

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