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ODOT’s Office of Civil Rights’ newsletter, Equity Line, brings to you the newest content relevant to your business and business needs. Whether you work in transportation-related fields, construction, or just drive Oregon’s roads and have an interest in what ODOT is doing for the Oregon economy, OCR’s Equity Line is a newsletter you will want to read.
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ODOT Proposes Increased DBE Goal for 2023-2025
The 2022 Oregon Department of Transportation Disparity Study analyzed whether there is a level playing field for minority- and women-owned businesses in the Oregon transportation contracting industry. The disparity study is designed to assist ODOT in operating the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for its federally funded contracts and guides the setting of its overall three-year Federal Highway DBE goals. This study supports ODOT’s broader efforts to assess equity in its operations. The study:
- Compared the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms for construction, engineering and other transportation contracts and subcontracts
- Included a survey of 4,834 Oregon businesses to identify companies available for transportation contracts and subcontracts in Oregon.
- Included in-depth interviews and focus groups with business, trade associations and other groups.
The Draft 2022 DBE Disparity Study Report and ODOT’s Proposed FHWA Overall DBE Goal FFY 2023-2025 are now available. It calculates the relative availability and participation of minority- and women-owned firms in ODOT's contracts. It also provides recommendations and specific steps to foster the utilization of all small businesses in ODOT contracting and programs specific to DBEs.
Learn more:
Review Disparity Study stakeholder meetings, reports and town halls.
Read Draft Summary Report.
Review Proposed DBE Goal for 2023 - 2025.
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 DBE Advisory Committee
In September 2020, the ODOT’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) received funding for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services to be used to identify and address barriers that DBE certified firms face when competing for work with ODOT.
The objective of this new work is to convene DBE firms and others with a stake in DBE firms accessing work with ODOT to inform potential modifications to ODOT contracting and procurement processes. ODOT’s Strategic Acton Plan, the BIPOC Barriers Analysis, the Minority Contracting Task Force and 2022 Disparity Study will be used to help guide this effort. The committee will made up of DBE firms, firms that prime on large contracts, and organizations that represent DBE firms’ interests.
The first cohort of the DBE Advisory Committee will serve until June 30, 2023. Committee members will explore and recommend potential solutions to overcome the barriers in the current process and create recommendations for solutions.
When we think of the types of work available through ODOT, we generally think of businesses that provide construction services for roads and bridges. In reality, ODOT opportunities represent a much wider range of types of work available. One such example is solar installations.
When ODOT decided to install 54 solar panels on the roof of their maintenance facility in Hermiston (photo on right) they sought to hire an Emerging Small Business (ESB).
Sunthurst Energy was the successful bidder for the contract. Owner Daniel Hale enjoyed working with ODOT, saying, "there was good communication, the project moved quickly, we worked well together and completed the project ahead of schedule."
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Meet Jeremy Tjaden, ODOT's Small Business Spotlight
Jeremy Tjaden, owner and president of Evergreen Developers, LLC has been an ODOT contractor through the Emerging Small Business Program (ESB) since 2020. His projects have included hazard tree removal, landscape planting, and installation of a 1000 ft electrical conduit for the Webber Street on ramp in The Dalles. He is currently enrolled in the Port of Portland Mentor Protégé Program through a sponsorship with ODOT to support small business development for DBE and ESB certified firms.
Company: Evergreen Developers, LLC
President: Jeremy Tjaden (pronounced "jay-den")
Title: Owner/President
Phone: 503-732-6119
Website: evdv.net
Certifications: ESB, MBE, DBE in Oregon; DBE in Washington
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We interviewed Jeremy Tjaden while he was in the seat of a 25-ton excavator digging new stream channels to restore a creek. Jeremy, a lifelong hunter and fisherman, is personally invested in his work to restore and enhance natural habitats and protect endangered species. “The work we do creates sustainable fisheries, and preserves our natural resources in a sustainable way,” he said.
Jeremy recently completed his second year of the 3-year the Mentor-Protégé program at the Port of Portland and credits the program and his mentors with accelerating his business’ success. Before starting the program, he admits,
“I was concerned that the mentors and advisors wouldn’t know my business.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
- Jeremy Tjaden on the Mentor-Protege program
One of Jeremy’s mentors, James Faison, owner of 20+ year-old construction firm Faison Construction, helped Jeremy set up his back office to make sure what is happening in the field is consistent with what is being charged to the client. Jeremy learned knowing what data to collect, what to charge for his services, and other necessary skills for running a successful small business. Jeremy, now backed by four full-time employees, works in the field and the office and enjoys both sides of the business.
Heritage Bank commercial lending officer and mentor Kyle Gibson offered his expertise with loan applications. Acquiring loans is vital to growing a business that requires expensive heavy equipment.
Jeremy would recommend that other small business owners participate in the Mentor-Protégé Program, provided they are ready for the time commitment. “There’s a ton of value, but you have to be ready for the long-term commitment. You are leveraging other people’s volunteer time, so you need to be very engaged.”
The Port of Portland is currently accepting applications for the 2023 - 2025 Mentor-Protégé Program. More in the article below.
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One of ODOT's small business development partners is Port of Portland, through their Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP).
This three-year program pairs each participating small business with two mentors who work with the small business to develop a strategic plan specific to the needs of the small business and overcome obstacles the firm is facing. The Port facilitates monthly team meetings and provides a wide array of free technical assistance during the firm’s participation in the program.
The Port is accepting applications for their 2023-2025 MPP cohort now.
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What do we do?
The Oregon Department of Transportation began in 1913 when the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Highway Commission to "get Oregon out of the mud." Today, we develop programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads, and bridges; railways; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and vehicle licensing; and motor carrier regulation.
The Office of Civil Rights has various equitable programs that small business owners can engage in to build their companies. Our team helps businesses find more work, connect with workforce, and provides access to ODOT’s nondiscrimination programs. Our work includes the Mentor-Protégé, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) & Emerging Small Business programs, along with providing many other small business resources. To learn more about the office of civil rights, visit our website.
 COBID Certification: Is it a Good Fit for Your Business?
Becoming COBID certified can give your business an advantage when pursuing work with ODOT.
Learn more about getting COBID certified on the website or click the video to learn more.
Not sure if your business is COBID certified or looking for a vendor, supplier or partner? Search the database to find out.
Four Key Things to Know about OregonBuys,
the State's eProcurement System
ODOT uses OregonBuys for public advertisement of contracting opportunities (except for Highway and Bridge Construction projects, which are advertised on the eBids system). OregonBuys is also used by other state agencies and some local agencies in Oregon.
Four key things you should know about OregonBuys are:
1. A free OregonBuys supplier account is required to do business with state agencies. (Click below to register!)
2. Suppliers/vendors must be registered in OregonBuys to bid or propose on advertised contracting opportunities.
3. Current and closed solicitations may be searched, even if you're not registered. (Use "search" or "advanced search" at the top of this page.)
4. OregonBuys is integrated with the state's COBID system. When you register with OregonBuys, your account will automatically update to reflect your COBID certifications.
For questions about OregonBuys registration, call 1-855-800-5046 or email.
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State of Oregon: OregonBuys project information - OregonBuys project information
About the OregonBuys eProcurement System
Interested in learning more about OregonBuys? Supplier registration, FAQs and other information about is available here or use the reference guides below for common questions from vendors.
Vendor Support from ODOT
For additional support, contact Melissa Lovejoy, 1-503-986-2997 or by email, or Kayla VanHoose by email.
Projects Open for Bids
BID: S-73000-00004201 Opening* Date: 09/26/2022 3:00PM
Title: Oregon Modeling Statewide Collaborative Planning
BID: S-73000-00004254 Opening* Date: 09/28/2022 10:00AM
Title: ESB La Grande Maintenance Station Breakroom Remodel
BID: S-73000-00004169 Opening* Date: 09/29/2022 2:00PM
Title: ITB - DMV HQ HVAC Upgrade Phase 2
BID: S-73000-00004014 Opening* Date: 09/29/2022 3:00PM
Title: 3rd Party Coating Inspection
BID: S-73000-00004318 Opening* Date: 10/10/2022 2:00PM
Title: Toll RFQ - Investment Grade Traffic & Revenue Study Analysis
BID: S-73000-00004329 Opening* Date: 10/20/2022 2:00PM
Title: Innovative Mobility Program RFI
* Opening date refers to the date that bids are due for each project. All of these projects and more are accepting bids.
Projects in Progress
Major ODOT projects create opportunities for small businesses in Oregon. Click to learn more about current projects.
Keep Oregon Moving (HB2017) Projects
1-205 Improvements Project
OR 217 Auxiliary Lanes Project
October 12, 2022
Westside Open House
City of Hillsboro
October 19, 2022
OPPA Reverse Vendor Trade Show
Oregon Public Purchasing Association
October 19-21, 2022
CADE Business Xcelerator
Business Xcelerator Workshop > Lane Transit District
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