Education and Outreach

Learning, Information, Networking, Collaboration (LINC) Mentor- Protégé Program
In this program, TxDOT mentors small and minority-owned businesses interested in doing business with TxDOT. The program focuses on construction, goods and services, information technology and professional services.

The program goal is to increase business opportunities and the number of small and minority businesses bidding and performing on TxDOT contracts.

Technical Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP provides free business development and technical industry training to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the highway construction industry to enhance the skills necessary to bid and perform on TxDOT contracts.

One-on-one Business Appointment Program
TxDOT coordinates and arranges appointments between businesses interested in working with TxDOT and the appropriate agency purchasers and/or contract management employees.

DBE/HUB/SBE Industry Liaison Meetings
The DBE/HUB/SBE Industry Liaison Meetings provide a vital two-way communication link between the DBE/HUB/SBE community and TxDOT. These quarterly meetings provide an opportunity for the small and minority businesses development community to provide input and recommendations to TxDOT DBE/HUB/SBE Programs.

Economic Opportunity Forums
Economic Opportunity Forums (EOFs), held in different cities throughout the state, seek to attract businesses interested in finding contracting and procurement opportunities. Business Outreach and Program Services sponsors and attends many of these functions to provide information on TxDOT contracting and procurement opportunities.

Small Business Briefings
TxDOT conducts small business briefings around the state for small and minority-owned businesses providing contract opportunities and information on how to do business with TxDOT and the state in construction, goods and services, information technology and professional engineering.

Texas Business Opportunity Development Program (TBOD)
The Texas Business Opportunity Development (TBOD) Program works to increase minority business participation in the highway construction industry.

TxDOT Specialized Workshops
These in-depth workshops provide an opportunity for small and minority-owned businesses to receive training on various business development and technical industry topics including:

  • Bonding
  • Construction Management
  • Developing a Web Site and/or a Business Plan
  • Construction Safety Training and Certification
  • Business Financial Management