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:
1. Federal
- Small Disadvantaged Business
- HUBZone Program
- Veteran-Owned
- Service Disabled Veteran-Owned
- Women-Owned Small Business
- 8(a) Business Development Program
2. 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.