WisDOT MAPSS - Accountability - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program - The continuous effort to use public dollars in the most efficient and cost-effective way.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program - The continuous effort to use public dollars in the most efficient and cost-effective way.The department aims to ensure that the transportation program operates equitably for everyone who utilizes it throughout the state. The purpose of WisDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is to remove barriers and provide access for small, minority- and women-owned firms in an effort to increase the talent pool of contractors performing high-quality work throughout the state highway system. DBE goals are reevaluated on a triennial basis. The current goal covers fiscal years 2024-2026 and aims to ensure that at least 12.42% of federal funds authorized for highway financial assistance support the work of DBEs.
The department aims to ensure that the transportation program operates equitably for everyone who utilizes it throughout the state. That goes beyond everyone behind the wheel and includes the workers who build, repair and maintain all of Wisconsin’s roads and bridges. The purpose of WisDOT’s DBE program is to remove barriers and provide access for small, minority- and women-owned firms in an effort to increase the talent pool of contractors who are prepared for and interested in performing high-quality work throughout the state highway system.
Some of the most common issues in pairing DBE firms with prime contractors are similar to what’s seen throughout the workforce, such as worker readiness and capacity to take on the work. Communication and marketing can also be difficult for some of the smaller, emerging firms when simply trying to make meaningful connections with prime contractors. As smaller businesses, DBEs also may have a harder time weathering challenges such as project delays, material cost increases, and significant changes in project scope. WisDOT's DBE Support Services Office provides many resources to assist DBEs in becoming successful at facing such challenges.
WisDOT continues to focus on supportive programs that help DBE firms build connections, leverage resources and increase industry knowledge to compete for highway and bridge contracts. The Mentor-Protégé Program is a valuable source of training and inspiration where larger, more established firms assist smaller firms with business development and understanding of complex processes. The Mobilization Loan Guarantee Program assists highly skilled firms in gaining the resources they need to manage overhead while awaiting contractual compensation for their work. Fostering productive working relationships remains an important dynamic, with hundreds of stakeholders joining WisDOT staff for the annual networking event in January 2024 and a focus on trucking and DBE policy hosted in September 2024.