Illinois e-News Release

November 21, 2023

Maria Castaneda  312.447.1919

Paul Wappel         217.685.0082

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting free virtual workshops in December as part of its continuing Building Blocks of Success series for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms interested in strengthening their skills, growing their business and bidding on state projects. New and existing DBEs, as well as firms interested in becoming certified in the program, are invited.

December workshop dates and topics are:

• Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to noon: The Prime Contractor's Perspective

• Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to noon: IDOT's Multi-Year Program

• Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract – IDOT Standard Specifications, Division 100

• Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract – IDOT Specs, Plans and Conducting a Site Review Q & A Session

• Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract – Estimating and Bidding Spreadsheet

• Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to noon: Construction: Before Contract – Subcontractor Awareness

Building Blocks of Success will continue through April. Workshop information, including dates and times, is available through Eventbrite at bit.ly/DBEworkshops. Advance registration is required.

Questions can be directed to IDOT’s Bureau of Small Business Enterprises at (217) 785-4611.

Through Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois, IDOT is helping to deliver the largest capital program in state history while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Administered by IDOT, the DBE program provides minorities, women and eligible small businesses with opportunities to participate in federally and state funded highway, transit and airport contracts. For more information on becoming a certified DBE and learning more about available IDOT resources, visit www.idot.illinois.gov/dbe.