DBE Supportive Services

BOWD Center

VDOT Business Opportunity and Workforce Development Center 

The Virginia Department of Transportation Business Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD) Center receives funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to implement the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services Program. 

The primary purpose of the DBE/SS program is to provide training, assistance and services to disadvantaged business enterprises to help these businesses grow, become self-sufficient, more competitive in pursuing federally funded contract opportunities, move into non-traditional areas of work and compete in the marketplace beyond the DBE program.    

Program Benefits

The BOWD Center is committed to helping DBE firms become more sustainable through an in depth comprehensive business assessment. 

Program participants work with BOWD Center staff, business consultants and industry partners to complete/update business plans and develop work plans designed to improve key business functions leading to lower costs, higher profits and increased highway related contracts. 

Additional BOWD Center resources include access to computers, conference room, library and other business-related amenities.  

DBE firms that receive supportive services from the BOWD Center better position themselves to respond to solicitations competitively, win awards and successfully execute construction contracts.

Requirements for Receiving Supportive Services

The VDOT BOWD Center is committed to developing the skills of DBE firms to compete for and perform on federally assisted highway projects. DBE firms interested in receiving business assistance to help develop and grow their companies must meet the following criteria:

  • DBE certification through the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity or Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
  • DBE firm’s work must be highway-related
  • Firms must complete DBE Readiness Tool
  • Firms must submit a current business plan or work with BOWD Center Staff to develop a business plan through the BOWD Center’s financial reimbursement component.

“In order to meet the needs of each DBE firm, a BOWD Center representative will review the completed Readiness Tool and the work plan generated from the Development Portal for the development and growth of the firm. 

The Readiness Tool provides basic company information and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the firm.

The DBE Development Portal 

The work plan generated by completing the business readiness tool will identify goals and objectives to be accomplished by the firm to develop and strengthen the company and supportive services will be made available based upon the needs of the firm. 

To access the DBE Development Portal and complete a business readiness tool, click here.  

Supportive Services

The BOWD Center provides a variety of supportive services to DBE firms to help strengthen their infrastructure, increase capacity and profitability and the ability to move to the next level. Supportive services are available to DBE firms in the following areas:

  • Project management
  • Proposal writing
  • Risk management
  • Human resources
  • Safety
  • Short-term lending
  • Bonding
  • Business plan preparation
  • Construction management
  • Marketing
  • Financial Audit/Review 
  • Accounting – Accountant services, cash flow review, income statement review
  • Legal Services – services related to contract documents or the understanding of procurement requirements/regulations


NOTE: Tax, travel, meals and or parking expenses are NON-REIMBURSABLE. 

Financial Assistance

The BOWD Center DBE/SS Program has a financial reimbursement component that provides DBE firms the opportunity to be reimbursed for pre-approved goods and services.  

Reimbursements may include, but are not limited to, software purchases, industry related university or technical college courses, workshops, certification training and conference registration.

Financial Assistance Guidelines

Financial Assistance Request Form adobe reader


BOWD Center Educational Opportunities

The BOWD Center provides group workshops and training focused on providing the skills necessary to compete on federally assisted transportation contracts. Educational opportunities are generally provided at no cost.  

Event Calendar

BOWD Center Tools

BOWD Center Recorded Training Sessions

Resources 

 
Questions or comments

BOWD Center
6000 Elko Tract Road
Sandston, Virginia  23150
Phone: (804) 328-3001

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Page last modified: Nov. 30, 2023