T2976 Disadvantaged Business Supportive Services Consultant

This state and local contracting opportunity is for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to procure the services of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services Consultant. The selected consultant will be responsible for fully developing and implementing a comprehensive Supportive Services Program (SSP) to support the growth and self-sufficiency of DBE firms in New Jersey. The scope of work includes providing a wide range of services such as business skills development, marketing assistance, bonding support, outreach, training, and one-on-one technical assistance to DBE firms. The goal is to increase the total number of DBE firms actively participating on NJDOT's federally funded highway, street, and bridge construction projects. The contract will be awarded as a Master Blanket Purchase Order, with a proposed term of three years and an optional two-year extension. Vendors must submit quotes by October 14, 2021, which will be evaluated based on the consultant's qualifications, methodology, and pricing.

This procurement has designated Mercer County and the City of Trenton as the key jurisdictions. It includes set-aside requirements for small businesses and disabled veteran-owned businesses. NJDOT has set an overall 13.23% DBE goal for federal fiscal years 2020-2022, with 9.32% to be achieved through race and gender conscious means. The current DBE Supportive Services Program is managed by an outside consultant, and this new contract will replace the expiring program in March 2022. Funding for this contract will be provided by NJDOT, but the specific award value or budget range is not disclosed.