ART - NIGP Innovation in Public Procurement Award submission document 2009

The document describes the Small Business Briefings conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) through its Business Outreach and Program Services Branch. These two-day conferences aim to assist women, small, and minority-owned businesses by providing them with contract opportunities, training, and education on how to do business with TxDOT and the State of Texas. The briefings include general industry sessions, technical assistance breakout sessions, industry breakout sessions, contracting opportunities showcase, and networking sessions. The purpose of these briefings is to connect small and minority-owned businesses with TxDOT procurement staff, facilitate one-on-one marketing, and build relationships. The document highlights the importance of these briefings in helping TxDOT meet its Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) goals and in providing information and knowledge of public sector procurement to businesses that may not have otherwise sought contract opportunities. TxDOT collaborates with other state, federal, county, and city agencies, as well as procurement staff from the corporate community, to organize these events. The document emphasizes the significance of mentoring and supporting HUBs and the value of involving industry partners and community leaders in the briefings. It also acknowledges the challenge of breaking down stereotypical viewpoints among small businesses regarding doing business with state government and highlights the breakthroughs achieved through the Small Business Briefings. Overall, the briefings contribute to redefining TxDOT's procurement operations by providing a new supply of potential vendors for purchasers and procurement staff.