EEO Networking Solutions of Florida has developed software that makes it easier for DBEs to locate contracting opportunities on highway projects, and for prime contractors to solicit subcontractors for a project. The company has worked with the states of Alabama and Michigan to help DBEs connect with prime contractors seeking the services they provide, and to identify upcoming opportunities in their service or market area. EEO Networking Solutions’ application uses GPS technology to map the location of all upcoming projects on a state’s monthly letting list and identifies the specific line items included in the project. This information informs DBEs of the types of contracts coming up for bid and the prime contractors likely to bid on the project. The software also has an email solicitation capability allowing prime contractors to send bid solicitations directly to firms matching the location and line items they are seeking DBEs to fulfill in their bid package. “Our application sort of works like Constant Contact on steroids,” EEO Networking CEO Michael Self said. “It allows primes to see who received and opened their emails and allows DBEs to express an interest in providing a quote.”
What’s Next? The interesting thing about innovative technologies is that it’s difficult to know what’s coming next, what will catch on, or what will appeal to the masses. However, just as online education programs utilizing video or streaming content are growing across the educational landscape, technologies that allow DBEs to receive higher levels of training and assistance from their desktops or mobile devices are definitely positioned for increased growth. And while some of these tools may be costly to develop on the front end, they may be more cost-effective and efficient for years to come.
High-Quality, High-Impact Training for DBE/ACDBE/UCP Professionals
Essentials of DBE/ACDBE Program Management Training Sept. 18-19, 2019: Salt Lake City, Utah
3-DAY CLASS
Nov. 18-20, 2019: Las Vegas, Nevada
42
What You Will Learn: DBE/ACDBE Program History, Background, Purpose and Trends Duties/responsibilities of the DBELO/ACDBELO DBE/ACDBE Reporting The Airport Concession DBE Program Review of Joint Ventures for Concessions Counting DBE Participation/Commercially Useful Function (CUF) Compliance Monitoring & Reporting Goal Setting & Good Faith Efforts The Latest “Final Rule” (49 CFR Part 26, Nov. 3, 2014)
Register at www.natdbe-ti.com/registration/
National DBE Training Institute, P.O. Box 3113, Wilmington, NC 28406 Phone: 910.762.6297 | Fax: 910.762.5963 | Email: kwa-office@kwaplanning.com | Web: www.natdbe-ti.com // spring 2019
