On the first two months of the year, FDOT dedicated the time to the BDI program, which stands for Business Development Initiative.
Several companies attended the listening sessions with seven FDOT districts besides Turnpike.
Led by all Secretaries from Districts 1 to 7 and Turnpike, respectively L.K. Nandam, Greg Evans, Phillip Gainer, Gerry O’Reilly, Jared Perdue, Jim Wolfe, David Gwynn, and CEO Nicola Liquori, the listening sessions were for the empowerment of small business and for clarification of the registration process, prequalification, training, type of work, selection process, among others.
The clear message during all those sessions was that FDOT keeps seeking innovation and opportunities for small business growth in Florida.
The BDI program started after the 2008’s recession; however, in 2014 FDOT reviewed their relationship with small businesses by improving, even more, the way of them doing business with the state.
Nowadays, FDOT relies on 185 professional services BDI firms in the program and in FY19-20 there were 122 professional service contracts made in Florida.
According to FDOT, the State of Florida spent $239 Million with BDI firms through the Small Business Funding in the last 5 years.
It is a win-win equation due to mutual benefit involving the special treatment for small business to grow, and to the State that helps develop the local economy.
Secretary David Gwynn from District 7, as a former small business owner, explained to participants he used to wear the same shoes, and he knows how difficult the beginning can be sometimes.
On the other hand, he shared the satisfaction of witnessing BDI firms graduate from the program and keep growing in the industry.
Some of the listening sessions were for getting to know the whole district team, operational staff and procurement besides the way each one of the districts handles the BDI program.
Not only soft questions came from the participants but also some difficult ones to be answered, and the Secretaries and their staff were also available to answer them.
For beginners interested in presenting their capabilities and talents, marketing meetings are available to be scheduled with all Districts.
Also, there are ways to start local experience through the small proportion of the projects and by teaming with primer companies. There are projects open for this category.
FDOT is well represented by its seven districts and Turnpike, and there is room for new companies to participate in the BDI program.
Author: Degoncir Goncalves