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DBE Support Services Program

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Supportive Services (DBE/SS) Program serves as a vital complement to the broader Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, with statutory support enabling its implementation by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Under the leadership of the Business Development Office (BDO), the DBE/SS program is dedicated to fostering the growth and sustainability of minority-, women-, and disadvantaged-owned businesses.

Program Goals:

  • Enhance Participation: Provide targeted training, technical assistance, and resources to increase DBE firms' involvement in federally-assisted highway projects.
  • Promote Development: Equip firms with skills and tools to evolve into viable, independent businesses capable of competing effectively in the open market.
  • Ensure Sustainability: Support the eventual self-sufficiency of DBE firms, enabling them to secure and execute contracts without reliance on DBE-specific support.

Key Features:

  • Skill Development: Workshops, mentorships, and training programs to bolster business acumen and operational capacity.
  • Resource Identification: Guidance in accessing financial, technical, and operational resources critical for growth.
  • Capacity Building: Tailored strategies to help DBE firms compete effectively for prime and subcontractor opportunities.

The program underscores the commitment to leveling the playing field, ensuring DBE firms can thrive in a competitive market while contributing to the diversity and inclusivity of federally-assisted infrastructure projects.

Authority:

50% DBE Reimbursement Program:

The 50% DBE Reimbursement Program is designed to empower and support DBE firms in fostering the growth of their businesses and enhancing competitiveness in the marketplace. This initiative approves reimbursement of 50% of the costs incurred for work-related expenses. The financial assistance is targeted at aiding DBEs in covering expenses associated with bidding or completing work on current projects.

Who qualifies? DBE firms (including employees, owners, or on-site representatives) actively bidding on DOT Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) funded projects or registered on the Bidders Registration are eligible. Only certified DBEs with Alaska as their home base certification can participate in the 50% Reimbursement Program. DBEs certified in states other than Alaska are not eligible, though they can avail of other services provided by the DBE program.

Reimbursement Period for FFY2025: The reimbursement period spans from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Reimbursement submissions after the Federal Fiscal Year period closure (unless otherwise approved) will not be accepted.

Reimbursement Limit: The maximum reimbursement per qualifying DBE firm per benefit year is $2,500.00. An additional $2,500.00 may be submitted at the end of the Federal Fiscal Year (September 1-30) if funds are available, but this is not guaranteed.

Attachments:
Training Opportunities on 50% DBE Reimbursement Form & Instructions in FFY2025:
  • Friday, 3/14/2025 at 9:00 AM – Register via Zoom link Exit Site icon
  • Tuesday, 5/13/2025 at 1:00 PM – Register via Zoom link Exit Site icon
  • Wednesday, 7/23/2025 at 11:00 AM – Register via Zoom link Exit Site icon
  • Tuesday, 9/2/2025 at 10:00 AM – Register via Zoom link Exit Site icon

Govology Webinars:logo of Govology

Alaska APEX Accelerators has a partnership with Govology Exit Site icon to offer their clients access to free virtual training sessions covering a range of topics, including Government Contracting, marketing strategies, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, proposal crafting, and more!

  • Gain expertise in government contracting for both novice and experienced contractors.
  • Acquire essential skills in locating, bidding, securing, and effectively executing government contracts.
  • Unlock access to valuable insights and resources to excel in the competitive realm of government contracts.

To get access to these free webinars email Jody King, Contract Specialist II at jlking8@alaska.edu or call at 907-786-7270.

Creating Capability Statement:

Alaska APEX Accelerator (formerly known as PTAC) have a free 1 hour training on how to "Create Capability Statement." Utilize this free tool to learn how to market your business, learn what a capability statement is, what it accomplishes and more.

logo for AAA

Training Name: Creating Capability Statement
By: Alaska APEX Accelerator Exit Site icon
Link: See training information here Exit Site icon.

Your business Capability Statement is a crucial tool in your marketing toolbox. It is a key document for marketing to government agencies; especially since can you can now attach your Capability Statement to your Dynamic Small Business profile! This webinar is designed to help you review your existing capability statement or to give you the directions needed to create one from scratch.

This webinar will discuss:

  • What is a capability statement, and why do you need one?
  • What is a capability statement supposed to accomplish?
  • What information should it convey?
  • What does a capability statement look like? Are there any mistakes to avoid?

Loan Programs Available for DBEs:

Small Business & Financial Resources:

Quarterly Trainings:

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DBESS classroom presentation with listeners DBESS projection and speaker with listener DBESS dining and drink presentation with listeners