April 2019 EOD Newsletter

Economic Opportunity Header

April 2019


April

Facebook

Like Us on Facebook!

EOD now has its own Facebook page, which will be used to enhance our communication efforts with our DBE community and INDOT stakeholders.  Our Facebook page can be accessed with the following link:  http://bit.ly/1Sx2pwH


New Ribbon

Newly Certified Indiana DBEs

 

Beryllus Consulting & Staffing, LLC, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Barnes Concepts LLC, Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

Bixler Interiors LLC, Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings

BlueRose Supply LLC, Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

CMK Real Estate Services LLC, Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Calumet Lumber, Inc., Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Diversified Concessions Group. Gift, Novelty and Souvenir Stores

Great Lakes Contractor Services, Inc., Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Hamilton Designs LLC, Engineering Services

In The Best Hands Inc., Roofing Contractors

Indy Fiber and Surface Cleaning LLC, Janitorial Services

JQOL LLC, Engineering Services

JVB Group, Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors

LaGrange Crane Services, Crane Rental Service with Operator

M.A.C. Trucking Inc., Dump Trucking

Meja Group LLC, Marketing Consulting Services

Mendenhall and Associates LLC, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

MET Construction, Residential Remodelers/Industrial Building Construction

My Next Career Path Staffing LLC, Employment Placement Agencies

Scruggs Construction, Inc., Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors

Shrewsberry & Associates, LLC, Engineering Services

Steele and Raine, LLC, Residential Remodelers

Terrazzo USA and Associates, Tile and Terrazzo Contractors

TransSmart Technologies, Inc. Engineering Services & Inspection

True Inspection Services LLC, Engineering Services

Williams Distribution LLC, Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers

WINJIMAN, Truck, Utility Trailer and RV Rental and Leasing


Wed

Check Out Our Website!

As you may have noticed, the INDOT website has been redesigned. The design offers a different layout that should make navigating our site more convenient for users.Read more


CONTACT US! INDOT Economic Opportunity Division

100 N Senate Avenue, N750

Indianapolis, IN  46204-2249

Fax: 317-233-0891

Website: www.in.gov/indot

EOD webpage: http://www.in.gov/indot/2752.htm

Email: DBECertification@indot.IN.gov

Libby

Libby Crawford
Director ekiefner1@indot.in.gov 317-650-1689

Derrick

Derrick Casson
DBE Certification Manager dcasson@indot.in.gov 317-605-8433

Mary

Mary Brouillette
EEO Manager mkonig@indot.in.gov 812-895-7349

Kent

Kent Borggren
Contract Compliance Manager kborggren@indot.in.gov 317-518-9288

Kim

Kimberly Sons
DBE Certification Specialist ksons@indot.in.gov 317-416-6190

Joy

Joy Bozone
DBE Certification Specialist jfranklin@indot.in.gov 317-416-0651

Michael

Michael Rowe
DBE Certification Specialist mrowe@indot.in.gov 317-416-1188

Sean

Sean Howard
Supportive Services Coordinator Lead showard1@indot.in.gov 317-416-5470

Sissy

Taryn (Sissy) Guynn
Supportive Services tguynn@indot.in.gov  317-416-5390

Donna

Donna Poole
Contract Compliance Specialist dpoole@indot.in.gov 317-232-5088

Deneane

Deneane Goodson
Contract Compliance Specialist dgoodson@indot.in.gov 317-233-6511

Katie

Katie Daniels
Contract Compliance Specialist kdaniels2@indot.in.gov 317-233-2412

Dell

Dell Ballard
EEO Officer-Seymour District dballard@indot.in.gov 812-569-7456

Diane

Diane Keefer
EEO Officer-Fort Wayne District dkeefer@indot.in.gov 260-494-2706

Sarah

Sarah Reese
EEO Officer-Greenfield District sreese@indot.in.gov 317-273-3621

Jennifer

Jennifer Hicks
EEO Officer-Crawfordsville District jhicks2@indot.in.gov  317-308-8227

Carla

Carla Irvin
EEO Officer-Vincennes District cirvin@indot.in.gov 812-881-5071

MIchelle

Michelle Hoos
EEO Officer - LaPorte District mhoos@indot.in.gov 219-363-9438


Website

Website Change

The INDOT website has recently changed and the DBE Directory is harder to locate. Please save https://entapps.indot.in.gov/DBELocator to your favorites so you can always have access to the directory. Instructions on how to locate the EOD information on the INDOT website will be forthcoming. Please excuse this inconvenience.


Sylvester

Remembering Mr. Sylvester Powell, Sylvester Powell Landscaping January 17, 1953 - January 19, 2019

Mr. Sylvester Powell owner of Sylvester Powell landscaping was a long time DBE here in Indiana. He was always ready with an infectious smile and a hilarious story to tell. His work and work ethics spoke for themselves. Mr. Sylvester Powell will be sorely missed. Blessings and sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Sylvester Powell.


Kingdom Steel

Kingdom Steel

Certified Indiana DBE

Kingdom Steel is an Indianapolis-based rebar installation company that installs wire mesh, PT cables, metal decking and studs, as well as setting pre-cast and steel beams. Founded by James Elzy and his business partner, Jon Harrold, in 2013, Kingdom Steel has shown steady growth, becoming INDOT prequalified in 2018.

Prior to founding Kingdom Steel, James worked for Harmon Steel, a former DBE. Harmon eventually outgrew the program and is now a successful full-service steel erection company. Armed with a business degree from Grace College, James decided he wanted to manage and grow his own company to provide a better life for his family and those who would work for him. He also had met Jon Harrold while working at Harmon and discovered they had a similar work ethic, goals, and ideas of how to run a company. Read more


Business Networking

Why It Is Important To Network

DBEs should use networking as a means of building relationships with others, in like or related fields, to help expand their ability to find new customers and grow.

The most important part of networking is to make you and your business known.  The more people you meet, the more people there will be to get to know and remember both you and your business. You should use every professional and social opportunity to meet and connect with new people.

Networking is a great way to find new business leads.  Using the contacts you make when you meet people can open doors for business opportunities. Read more


Prompt

Prompt Payment

Per federal regulations and INDOT contract specifications, prime contractors must pay all subcontractors — including lessors and materials suppliers — within 10 business days after being paid by the Department. Prompt and full payment of any retainage held by prime contractors must be paid to subcontractors within 30 calendar days after satisfactory completion of their work. Satisfactory completion shall be interpreted as when the subcontractor has completed all physical work, and completed other contract requirements including the submission of all submittals required by the Department. Read more


Check Yourself

DBEs: Check Yourself!

Take time and look at your directory entry to make sure your NAICS codes and work type descriptions are accurate and up-to-date.

 Your work types should relate to INDOT contract bid items as close as possible. If your scopes of work have expanded, request an expansion via an amendment application. Contact the Certification or Supportive Services Team for further questions or technical assistance.


CDL

Training & Recruiting Opportunities for CDL Drivers

Looking for drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? Vincennes University Logistics Training and Education Center (VU LTEC) in Plainfield welcomes companies to visit its facility and speak with graduates-to-be about available career opportunities.

In 2017, the Indiana Department of Transportation awarded VU LTEC an On-the-Job Training/Supportive Services grant through the Federal Highway Administration, aimed at providing six-week CDL Class A training to women, minorities and economically disadvantaged individuals. The purpose of this grant is to increase the number of individuals who receive training, and ultimately obtain their CDL license, to enter jobs within the transportation/heavy highway industry. Read more


OJT

New OJT Program Requirement for INDOT Prime Contractors

Beginning with the January 2019 enrollment process, INDOT will require all OJT program participants to submit an executed copy of their United States Department of Labor (USDOL) or Federal Highway (FHWA) approved OJT training program concurrent with their OJT partnership agreement. The submission of this document will assist INDOT by providing evidence that the trainee hours claimed are part of an approved program and decrease the potential for misrepresentation or fraud in the OJT program. Should your firm not have an approved training program in place, please contact David Gray with USDOL at gray.david@dol.gov or 317-226-7005 to determine if an approved training program is available for your line of work. Read more.


Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Emerging Business Enterprise Program

Fort Wayne has recently had some exciting changes to its Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) program. If you don’t know, the EBE program is the city’s registry of disadvantaged minority- and women-owned businesses. The city uses the program to encourage the growth of small minority- and women-owned businesses by setting goals on city projects.

As of Jan. 1, the city will take over the maintenance of all non-INDOT bridges in Allen County . In response to the concerns of prime contractors and their ability to meet the EBE goals, the Mayor’s Opportunity and Advisory Council recommended a couple of changes. The first was to double the amount of gross receipts from $5 million to $10 million allowable for participation in the program, and the second Read more


INDOT

Revised Consultant Prequalification Manual

On November 1, 2018, the INDOT Prequalification Committee adopted a revised Consultant Prequalification Manual. Revised work types will be effective on Request for Proposals (RFPs) closing after January 1, 2019. You are able to obtain these revised work types through PSCS now. Please submit modification requests ASAP; do not wait until the minimum ten (10) days prior to an RFP close to submit your request. You need only request the revised work types in the modification, it will not impact the work types you are already prequalified for. We will work to approve these modification as quickly as possible. Read more


butterfly

Welcome to the DBE Program!

The Supportive Services Section of the Indiana Department of Transportation has devised a new program to help newly certified Indiana-based DBEs understand the DBE Program and services available to certified DBEs in the state of Indiana. Starting in January, the Supportive Services team and the EEO officer from each district will be visiting one-on-one with new DBEs. We hope that these visits will help alleviate any questions or concerns the new DBE may have concerning the DBE Program, its advantages and available services.


LOGO

THE INDIANA – KENTUCKY DBE EXCHANGE

DBE’s please continue to use the opportunity for additional work through the Indiana/Kentucky DBE Exchange.  The attached marketing flyer has gone out to all prime contractors in Indiana and Kentucky.  DBE’s certified in Indiana can work on Kentucky projects as DBE’s without seeking DBE certification with this agreement through June 30, 2019.  If you have questions, click here: https://www.in.gov/indot/2674.htm.  Please note, that prequalification is a separate requirement in each State. Read more


Forget

Gentle Reminders

  1. Be sure to submit timely bids to primes. 
  2. Be mindful to submit timely prequalification information.

As both of these effect your reputation and work.


ICI

How Can Association Membership Impact Your Business?

Indiana Constructors, Inc. introduces special DBE rates to help you find out how.  

Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI), the state’s highway, heavy and utility construction trade association, is offering a special membership incentive for all certified INDOT DBEs. DBEs may join at half the regular member rate. The second-year rates increase by 25 percent, and during the third year, the organization asks DBEs to pay the full membership rate. These rates vary by business type.

In return for this investment, ICI membership can open industry doors for DBEs. Read more


Hello

Consultants/Pre-Construction

  Are you doing research to identify all areas of opportunity to do business with INDOT? Consider checking out the 12-Month INDOT Request For Proposals Item Listing at: https://pscs.indot.in.gov/rfppublicwebsite/F01/S007.aspx.  

The 12-Month INDOT RFP Listing includes proposed future RFP items INDOT intends to advertise. The Listing is intended for use by INDOT and by the consultant community as a tentative planning tool. This information is preliminary and subject to change. Currently planned items with RFP dates are included and additional items will be incorporated as they are determined. Read more.


Marketing

 

Target Marketing & Brand Awareness Using the INDOT Website

 

 How can a small company, built on hard work and inspiration, compete against the giants in the construction industry? Is there a path that leads to success and prosperity? Yes, and now is the time to jump on the INDOT E-Wagon and get rolling.

Did you know that you can use the INDOT website to reach your target audience and create brand awareness? There is a wealth of information online that your company can start utilizing immediately. Read more.


Contracts

Contracts and Construction

Are you interested in participating on the heavy highway constructions jobs at INDOT, but you don't know where to find the opportunities? Just click below and find the construction opportunities coming up within the next 18 months. 

18 Month Letting Reports

18-Month Construction Letting List (All Projects)


Procurement

INDOT Bid Opportunities

Did you know that INDOT has bid opportunities separately from the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA)? INDOT has a need for items that are unique and exclusive to INDOT and we are proud to be able to list these items separate from the IDOA listing. To see INDOT's, listing please visit INDOT's Procurement webpage. Good luck in finding new opportunities for your business.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Diana Poturalski