Small business owners looking to compete for state transportation contracts are invited to participate in a virtual workshop on Sept. 25.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is hosting informational meetings aimed at disadvantaged businesses enterprises, which include small businesses and those companies run by minorities or women. Many small businesses may not be familiar with the letting and award process and how to become prequalified as a subcontractor.

The NCDOT is looking for more companies that can perform contract work such as mowing, litter pickup, snow removal, emergency maintenance, traffic control and roadway striping.

The department’s Highway Division 4 staff will lead the workshop and answer questions. Division 4 is based in Wilson and covers Edgecombe, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Wayne and Wilson counties.

The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. and last up to two hours. The online format will be Microsoft Teams.

The Division 4 staff welcomes anyone who would like learn how to do business with NCDOT to RSVP and request a web link to participate in the virtual meeting. People should RSVP Brandon Herring, the Division 4 Deputy Construction Engineer at [email protected] or 252-640-6410.

Division 4 staff members are joining the NCDOT’s Office of Civil Rights and the department’s Chief Engineer’s Office in sponsoring quarterly outreach events for disadvantaged business enterprises. The first outreach event in June attracted statewide more than 180 people representing small and disadvantaged businesses.

To learn more about the disadvantaged business enterprise outreach initiative, visit this NCDOT page.