Management of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Issues in Construction Contracting (2005)

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94 From Ohio Department of Transportation website (http://www.dot.state.oh.us) MENTOR–PROTÉGÉ PROGRAM What Is the Mission of the Mentor–Protégé Program? The mission of the program is to ensure the full participation of DBE contractors in the programs and services of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). A primary goal is to deliver management and technical services that would allow DBE firms to more effectively compete in the construction industry. Through mentoring and technical assistance, DBE firms gain access to the best construction management prac- tices and industry innovations. By using the Stempel Plan as the basis for its Mentor– Protégé Program, the Office of Contracts has positioned itself to meet its federal DBE goals, while creating a widely her- alded nation-wide model Mentor–Protégé Program. Who Are the Program Sponsors? The Mentor–Protégé Program operates by authority of the ODOT Office of Contracts and the FHWA in full partnership with the Ohio Contractors Association (OCA). Authority for policymaking, budget appropriation, and administration rest with the Office of Contracts, DBE Supportive Services. The Mentor–Protégé Program is expected to increase the number of DBE contractors who participate in ODOT construction projects. Define Mentor and Protégé Mentors are primarily construction contractors who hold membership in the OCA. They are committed to providing DBE firms with guidance and direction to improve business operations. Mentors voluntarily devote a minimum of 5 to 10 hours per month with select DBE firms. Protégés are certified DBE highway contractors and con- sultants. By working closely with established contractors, DBE firms receive invaluable knowledge and experience to improve their business operations. How Does the Mentoring Relationship Work? The foundation of the mentoring business relationship is com- munication and trust. The mentor and protégé firm work APPENDIX E Details of Ohio Mentor–Protégé Website together to adopt a growth and development strategy that will define the steps the DBE firm should take to compete more effectively in the construction market. As part of the strategy, the mentor will assist the DBE firm to identify management strengths and challenges while rec- ommending best practice solutions. Mentor Role • Sign an agreement with the protégé; • Meet regularly to discuss protégé strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; • Recommend training options; and • Monitor and report on protégé progress. Protégé Role • Be available for meetings with the mentor, • Openly share relevant business information with the mentor, • Follow through with actions identified in the develop- mental action plan, and • Report on program progress and satisfaction. Sponsor Role • Monitor Mentor–Protégé working relationship, • Coordinate DBE support services, • Receive and evaluate progress reports, and • Program publicity. What Is the Selection Process? DBE certification and prequalification status determines par- ticipation in the Mentor–Protégé Program. Interested con- tractors or consultants should submit an application and be available for an interview. Protégés graduate out of the pro- gram in 1 to 2 years. DBE Criteria • Work type (prequalification preferred), • Length of time in business, • ODOT volume, and • Past and current project awards. The OCA recruits mentors from its growing membership of construction contractors. ODOT and OCA then work together

95 to match mentors with protégés based on compatibility and construction services offered. Mentor Criteria • Company size, • Work type, • OCA membership status, • Geographic territory served, and • Past or current experience with DBE/MBE subcon- tractors. What Are the Benefits of the Mentor–Protégé Program? Participation in the Mentor–Protégé Program offers many ben- efits. As a DBE protégé, you will gain access to the resources and expertise of some of the largest and most respected con- struction companies in the state of Ohio. Mentor firms can positively impact your company’s bottom line by assisting you to identify revenue opportunities, and improve profits and productivity. Protégés also have direct access to the consulting, training, and technical resources of ODOT’s Office of Contracts. A team of dedicated and qualified consultants have been retained by the department to support the management and technical needs of protégés. • Accounting services • Bidding/estimating • Advertising/promotion • Marketing plans • Business plans • Management consulting • Bonding • Loan packaging • Information systems • Website development • Fundamentals of small business. How Will the Program Be Evaluated? A Developmental Action Plan establishes the measurable outcomes for each Mentor–Protégé relationship. The stated goals and objectives will be reviewed and evaluated regu- larly by program staff from ODOT and OCA. The evaluation process is a hands-on model designed to maximize program strengths while streamlining challenges. The monitoring pro- gram will give attention to: • The outcomes of the Developmental Action Plan, • Working relationship between the mentor and protégé, • Communication and information sharing, and • Growth and expansion of DBE firm. The ultimate success of the Mentor–Protégé Program will be determined by whether participating DBE firms have improved construction competencies and capabilities. How Do I Contact the Ohio Department of Transportation? 1-800-459-2778 (toll free) Our DBE Supportive Services Staff is available to answer any questions you may have about the Mentor–Protégé Pro- gram. If counseling is needed to establish program eligibility, please e-mail our Columbus office to schedule a consultation. E-mail—Wilbert.Crockett@dot.state.oh.us You may also contact the consulting firm retained by ODOT and OCA to implement, monitor, and evaluate the Mentor–Protégé Program. www.bermultinational.com Dr. P. Bertrand Phillips, President Bermultinational Limited 1403 Northcrest Drive Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301-384-1449 301-384-1249