NJDOT Supportive Services Program
challenge
r6catalyst has, since 2016, partnered with New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to design, develop and manage the Division of Civil Rights’ Supportive Services Program (SSP) for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The Program objective is to increase the number of DBEs that are active on federally funded highway, street, and bridge construction projects while contributing to their growth and self-sufficiency in successfully competing on contracts and subcontracts with NJDOT.
solution
Leveraging our expertise in DEI, marketing, technology, and business strategy, r6catalyst used purposeful outreach and engagement methods to develop and establish an engaging, results-oriented program for NJDOT. Aptly titled the “Bridge to SuccessSM”, the SSP offers much more than an opportunity for Learning and Development. The r6catalyst team designed a unique assessment tool, adapted from advanced management concepts such as the Balanced Scorecard, to determine and analyze KPIs of participating DBEs and craft bespoke solutions for these firms. The program provides one-on-one tailored assistance and coaching by SMEs, interactive case studies, assignments, group discussions, special events, networking opportunities and other activities to increase engagement and to encourage learning and growth by “doing”. Driven by the objective to bridge racial inequities, and to increase access to opportunities for smaller firms, our team engaged with the Department’s Construction Bureau and Prequalification Unit to organize panel discussions and guidance on getting prequalified by NJDOT.
impact
With each year and each graduating cohort, the r6catalyst team continues to deliver on this goal. By 2023, a total of 115 DBEs completed a rigorous instructor-led training program comprising over 20 advanced business and technical topics including business strategy, program management, technology, marketing, HR, leadership, contract law, financial management and accounting. At r6catalyst, we listen to feedback and innovate, continually raising the bar higher. The success of the program is evidenced by numbers – the number of newly certified DBEs, number of firms that have become prequalified, number of firms that now have access to capital and bonding, and by the number of firms that have won contracts with NJDOT alone.
