UTCA hosts educational panel focused on helping DBE firms interact with State agencies
Hawk Strategies Vice President John Case moderated a Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) panel discussion on agency interaction for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. Over 60 firms attended virtually or in person and were able to ask questions and have a meaningful dialogue with agency leaders, advocacy groups, and prime contractors. Joining Case on the panel was Vicki Tilghman-Ansley, the Director of Civil Rights at the NJ Department of Transportation; Zenaida Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors; Paola Camargo, Director of Outreach and Support for NJ Transit’s Office of Civil Rights & Diversity Programs; and Greg Paquet from Union Paving.
The attendees and contractors talked about ways to streamline the DBE application process, the possibility of combining some forms that DBEs are required to submit to prime contractors, and the possibility of starting a mentoring program to foster growth within DBE firms. A robust dialogue took place between the agencies and the industry for the benefit of DBE contractors, Prime contractors, and the State.
UTCA, New Jersey’s premier infrastructure construction trade association, has embarked on an ambitious and proactive DBE initiative to support the construction industry. UTCA is utilizing its strong relationships with state agencies, and its unparalleled reach into the construction industry, both Prime and DBE contractors, to improve and enhance their working relationship with the State. Hawk Strategies, New Jersey’s leading infrastructure and transportation consultancy, is proud to be leading the UTCA’s DBE initiative and will be announcing more events in the new year.