The Supplier Diversity Office has created and implemented a multi-phase instructional and goal driven program, funded by the Federal Highway Administration, aimed at increasing the number of DBEs that are ready, willing and able to compete successfully for transportation/ highway construction projects. The DBE SS Program consists of classroom components, technical assistance, meet the vendor events, networking opportunities, services matching assistance between subcontractors and primes, and access to trainings on procurement opportunities.

Regulations Governing the Program

The Disadvantage Business Enterprise/Support Services (DBE/SS) program is authorized under the Nondiscrimination statute of Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), §140 (c), which authorizes the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, in cooperation with any other department or agency of the Government, State agency, authority, association, institution, and Indian Tribal government to develop, conduct, and administer training and assistance programs in order that minority business may achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts.

Opportunity Database

The goal of the Opportunity Database is to facilitate the cultivation of new relationships and create the opportunity to expand on existing relationships between Pre-qualified Prime Contractors and DBE certified firms. The database is for the use of Prime Contractors so that they may easily identify DBE firms that perform specific work items for federally-funded highway construction projects. DBE's will use the database as a matching tool to understand where Prime Contractors needs fit into the DBE's specific scope of work in which the DBE is certified in.

Opportunity Database xls format of DBESS_Opportunity_Database.xls

Resource Partners

  • Interise is a well known and established business development organization with a mission focused on job creation, wealth generation and community development. DBE SS Program are enrolled in Interise's "StreetWise MBA" TM program.
  • Turner Construction is one of the largest and most successful construction companies in the world and has a long history of providing services to small and minority owned businesses. As part of its partnership with the SDO, Turner Construction, will delivers its "Turner Construction School of Management" curriculum to participants of the technical assistance element of the DBE SS Program.
  • Royal & Klimczuk Royal & Klimczuk, LLC, a certified WBE, is a law firm that exclusively represents and counsels businesses on all aspects of labor and employment law. They have worked with the SDO to provide business practices assessments, audits and new employee handbooks for DBEs selected for the technical assistance section of the DBE SS Program.

Contact Information

Mary Richmond
DBE Supportive Services
The McCormack Building
One Ashburton Place 1317
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 502-8847
mary.richmond@state.ma.us

Eric Straughter
DBE Supportive Services
The McCormack Building
One Ashburton Place 1317
Boston, MA 02108
(617)502-8810
eric.straughter@state.ma.us