State Involvement to Augment Supportive Services Provisions

The STAs are not required to match FHWA funds allocated to develop, conduct, and administer DBE/SS programs. However, STAs are strongly encouraged to be actively involved in the delivery of supportive services to augment the activities and efforts financed with FHWA funds. This can include staffing (part or full time), funding, and any direct assistance.

STAs may choose to utilize consultants or STA personnel to deliver the DBE/SS. In either case, STAs are ultimately responsible for delivering an effective DBE/SS program.

Principal Elements

Activities that could be funded and carried out by the STAs to supplement DBE/SS efforts:

• Serve as a liaison for stakeholders (i.e. DBEs, program consultants, trainers, STAs, FHWA and others).

• Develop a list of training needs through a survey of certified and potential DBE firms.

• Develop and maintain a list of qualified trainers.

• Identify and develop a list of potential sources of assistance to DBEs.

• Arrange for the use of STA facilities and equipment.

• Track and record the type of training and assistance requested and provided to each DBE.

• Market the program to the DBE community including maintenance of a website that DBEs (and others) could access for on-line training.

• Provide access to construction plans for upcoming projects (to save money, DBEs could review plans and copy only those sheets that they are interested in).

• Provide timely notification (email, telephone, fax, newsletter, etc.) to DBEs concerning upcoming projects, training, and other activities.

• Encourage DBEs to participate in projects and activities as appropriate.

• Secure assistance/expertise from STA project consultant personnel to provide any needed guidance during project construction.

• Provide access to technology of interest to DBEs, contractors, and consultants.

These program elements would reside within the STAs. An individual would have lead responsibility and draw on other resources as needed.

Funding

The STAs could:

• Utilize existing, capable staff and absorb costs into current overhead.
• For the longer term, seek additional funding through the STAs and legislature if necessary.

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