SCOPE OF WORK
The selected provider will deliver comprehensive business development services designed to strengthen the competitive position of DBE firms.
The scope includes:
- Engagement of a Technical Advisory Committee
- Establish and manage a 4-8 member committee composed of Iowa DOT representatives, DBEs, and industry professionals. This may also include consultants, contractors, or other members that could add value to DBEs
- Conduct bi-annual meetings to assess program effectiveness.
- Creation and Coordination of DBE Conferences and Workshops
- Identify DBE training needs and provide educational workshops and networking events to meet the needs identified.
- Handle logistics, educational content, marketing, registration and event coordination.
- Design should be an effective and feasible metric-based program to increase capacity and improve the overall business practices of DBE’s. The program should consist of two stages; a developmental stage and transitional stage.
- Marketing, Communication, and Outreach
- Communicate with stakeholders (DBEs, industry associations, etc.) through a variety of methods to increase engagement in the programs.
- Stay up-to-date of opportunities and encourage participation networking events among contractors.
- Develop and distribute a quarterly DBE newsletter with a primary focus to educate them on timely topics relating to the DBE program or related matters.
- Conduct annual surveys and targeted outreach to DBEs for a needs assessment and program feedback.
- Contact DBEs directly when specific opportunities could benefit the DBE.
- Maintain a dedicated web page with DBE resources and upcoming events.
- One-on-One Technical Assistance and Support Services
- Assist DBEs with:
- DBE application and certification process.
- Identifying and navigating bid opportunities.
- Preparing and submitting bids on DOT BidX site.
- Marketing strategies for government contracts.
- Program Evaluation, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Monthly notice to Iowa DOT Civil Rights Bureau about number of offerings and details, in addition to number of companies participating, and the company names.
- Track key performance metrics and provide quarterly reports detailing:
- Number of training events, counseling sessions, and DBEs served.
- Progress of DBEs toward business development goals.
- Contract opportunities pursued and awarded.
- Submit a comprehensive final report assessing program outcomes, Return on Investment (ROI), and recommendations for future improvements.
BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS
Eligible bidders must:
- Demonstrate expertise in business development, government contracting, and DBE support programs.
- Have experience in workforce training, consulting, and technical assistance for small businesses.
- Show the ability to manage large-scale training programs, outreach efforts, and data reporting requirements.
- Provide a detailed staffing plan, including resumes and qualifications of key personnel.
- Outline anticipated partnerships and subcontracting plans, if applicable.
BUDGET AND FUNDING
- The total available funding for this program is $123,338.97.
- Proposals must include a detailed budget breakdown of anticipated costs.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals must include the following sections:
- Cover Letter – Brief summary of the proposer’s qualifications and intent to provide services.
- Organizational Background – Description of the applicant’s experience, relevant projects, and expertise.
- Technical Approach – Detailed plan for executing the Scope of Work, including timelines and deliverables.
- Key Personnel and Staffing Plan – Identify team members, their qualifications, and roles.
- Budget Proposal – Itemized breakdown of costs.
- Past Performance and References – Examples of past relevant work and client references.
- Compliance Statement – Assurance of adherence to 49 CFR Part 26 and other federal/state regulations.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Submission Deadline: March 18, 2025 by midnight CST.
Method of Submission: Electronic submissions in
PDF format are preferred. Submissions received after the deadline will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed. Questions can be directed to the Civil Rights Bureau Director.
Submission Address:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Civil Rights Bureau
Attn: Nikita Rainey, Civil Rights Bureau Director
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Email:
nikita.rainey@iowadot.us
Phone: 515-239-1304
EVALUATION CRITERIA & AWARD NOTICE
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Technical Approach & Program Delivery
- Organizational Experience & Past Performance
- Staffing Plan & Key Personnel
- Budget & Cost Effectiveness
- Compliance with RFP Requirements
- Innovation & Added Value
Awards are anticipated by April 1st, 2025 with funds available upon execution of an agreement.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- Iowa DOT reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
- All costs associated with proposal preparation are the responsibility of the bidder.
- Contract award is contingent on funding availability.
All information submitted as part of this application, as well as any additional information requested by the Iowa DOT, will be used to evaluate the application.