The Illinois Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business (DBE) Conference was held at the Crown Plaza hotel in Springfield, Illinois on April 18, 2006.  "Today's Challenge Tomorrow's Reward."

During the last year the DBE Program has met with countless challenges and trials. The major reconstruction projects such as the Dan Ryan and Kingery expressways in District 1, the I-74 project in District 4 and McKinley Bridge in District 8, IDOT has faced such issues as minority contracting, local hiring preferences and context-sensitive policy development amongst others.  Despite these challenges, the program has enjoyed its most successful year thus far in terms of DBE goals set and attained.

The Conference was designed to help bridge the gaps that prevent businesses from successfully doing work with IDOT.  It is also designed to help firms already doing business with IDOT, the Toll Highway Authority and other agencies to better understand the system and potentially increase their market share.  Training included areas such as bonding and financing, using technology to access IDOT work, prequalification in engineering and design, the Small Business Initiative program and upcoming lettings on statewide projects.  Networking and learning opportunities were provided as prime contractors shared their thoughts regarding the criteria used in selecting sub contractors. 

This page is designed to be user friendly with important information and forms for all DBE participants. Just move your cusor across any subject title and click on link to access the information.