Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Civil Rights

Ensuring equal opportunity for all businesses and personnel on our projects

Events

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April 2024


Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

USDOT Bonding Education Program

Many small businesses face difficulty in accessing enough bonding and financing to grow their business. The USDOT’s Bonding Education Program provides small and disadvantaged businesses the tools and resources required to compete for transportation projects. Learn more about procurement opportunities on federal and municipal contracts. Network with surety and lending representatives. Also learn about other small business resources to advance your business. This is a two-day, 10-hour program. For this bonding education program, MnDOT is partnering with USDOT and the Surety and Fidelity Association of America. Registration is required

Working with MnDOT: What to expect after selection - for professional/technical firms

No job gets started till the paperwork is signed! We’ll discuss the basic components of executing a standard design contract for professional/technical terms. Learn about the pre-award audit and how to complete it, how to complete progress reports, invoicing, and meeting contract requirements.

Trucking: Job costing and bidding/estimating

This seminar is for companies in Trucking. Understand accounting concepts and budgeting for insurance, bonds, labor, equipment, material, subcontractors, and overhead.  Learn how to find bidding opportunities, review advertisements, thrive in the low bid environment, and submit quotes. Bring in plans and specs you are working on and consultants will walk you through the entire process:

  • make take-offs from the plans
  • successfully read the specs and general conditions
  • understand the various symbols and abbreviations
  • how to get approvals
  • scheduling impacts
  • understanding MnDOT contract specifications
  • how to prepare a bid

Erosion prevention and sediment control installer certification

Training and certification with a focus on DBE contractors - Erosion control services are highly sought after for MnDOT construction projects. Gain the technical skills to successfully pursue construction subcontracts. The University of Minnesota will administer the Erosion Control Certified Installer exam at the end of the course.

May 2024


Developing and improving relationships with other contractors – focus seminar

This session is intended to foster collaboration and trust among firms (both DBE and non-DBE) to help the owners understand that this component is just as important as winning the work and doing the work. We’ll cover these key elements:

  • how to be a good partner
  • creating positive working relationships
  • enhancing communication with your business partners
  • incorporating a culture of accountability and reliability in your firm
  • how to become the partner of choice.

Overhead considerations for professional/technical firms

For professional/technical firms, the overhead computation is an important part of doing business with MnDOT.  In this class, participants will learn about the allowed overhead components and computations, as well as fixed fees and profit allowances. The class will also include information on how to describe the difference between fixed hourly rate and a cost times multiplier. Learn about pre-award and audit materials and how to price time vs. unit price. Ultimately, you will understand the main components of the contract deliverables.

Paving: Job costing and bidding/estimating focus seminar

This seminar is for companies in Paving. Understand accounting concepts and budgeting for insurance, bonds, labor, equipment, material, subcontractors, and overhead. Learn how to find bidding opportunities, review advertisements, thrive in the low bid environment, and submit quotes. Bring in plans and specs you are working on and consultants will walk you through the entire process:

  • make take-offs from the plans
  • successfully read the specs and general conditions
  • understand the various symbols and abbreviations
  • how to get approvals
  • scheduling impacts
  • understanding MnDOT contract specifications
  • how to prepare a bid

Erosion prevention and sediment control installer certification

Training and certification with a focus on DBE contractors - Erosion control services are highly sought after for MnDOT construction projects. Gain the technical skills to successfully pursue construction subcontracts. The University of Minnesota will administer the Erosion Control Certified Installer exam at the end of the course.

Networking event for Metro area large contractors and subcontractors

Meet large and small contractors, members of MEDA, AWC, NAWIC and NAMC and hear from MnDOT and DBE panelists. We’ll have food, free parking, and an opportunity to find new friends and potential partners.

Potential growth areas - prime contracts focus seminar

We all want to see our businesses flourish and grow. But growth needs to be managed so that quick growth does not harm the success of the company. Our team will provide suggestions on natural growth areas for your firm and how to successfully compete as a prime contractor.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting

The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

Finding capital for your business

As your business grows, you may need to find money to fund facilities, people or new initiatives. Learn about sources for capital such as loans, grants, investors, or partnerships. Understand a basic overview of financial management and managing cash flow.

Change orders focus seminar

Sometimes things come up on a project that were unexpected. Learn about the necessary paperwork to get paid for the work that wasn’t part of the original contract. The topic will be covered from the subcontractor’s perspective as well as the prime contractors’ perspective.

Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting

The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.

Networking event for professional/technical firms

Meet large and small contractors, members of MEDA, AWC, NAWIC and NAMC and hear from MnDOT and DBE panelists. We’ll have food, free parking, and an opportunity to find new friends and potential partners.

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • May 22, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

June 2024


Networking event for southern Minnesota large contractors and subcontractors

Meet large and small contractors, members of MEDA, AWC, NAWIC and NAMC and hear from MnDOT and DBE panelists. We’ll have food, free parking, and an opportunity to find new friends and potential partners.

Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting

This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • June 13, 2024
  • 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Meet online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • June 26, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

Youth Outreach Committee meeting

This Collaborative subcommittee identifies recruitment strategies and educational opportunities. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • June 27, 2024
  • 9 – 10 a.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: bbjorklund@zanassoc.com

July 2024


Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting

The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting

The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • July 24, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

August 2024


Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting

This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Aug. 8, 2024
  • 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Meet online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Aug. 28, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

September 2024


Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting

The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting

The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Sept. 25, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

October 2024


Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting

This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Oct. 10, 2024
  • 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Meet online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Oct. 23, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

November 2024


Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Committee meeting

The DBE committee identifies issues and recommendations related to building capacity, utilization, and sustainability of DBE firms. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

Full DBE and Workforce Collaborative meeting

The DBE and Workforce Collaborative is an advisory group of stakeholders from various industry groups interested in DBE and workforce diversity. The Collaborative’s goal is to increase the diversity of firms and people of color and women participation in the construction industry to reflect the demographics of the State of Minnesota by: Building the future workforce, expanding existing business and workforce skills, ensuring transparency, and connecting people and firms with each other. It is an open group that welcomes the participation of all who support the goal. Any organization or individual committed to the goal may participate by attending a Collaborative meeting.

December 2024

Results and Transparency Committee meeting

The Results and Transparency workgroup reviews and monitors the projects, workforce goals, and progress in hiring women and people of color on highway construction projects. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Dec. 4, 2024
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  • Attend online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Contact: robbkent@comcast.net

Worksite Cooperation Committee meeting

This Collaborative subcommittee identifies worksite issues related to workforce diversity. It develops recommendations to ensure construction worksites are respectful and welcoming to all. This committee is a subgroup of the Minnesota DBE and Workforce Collaborative.

  • Dec. 12, 2024
  • 9 – 10:30 a.m.
  • Meet online: Link will be provided closer to the meeting date
  • Questions: nmiller@ultcmn.org