Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Office of Civil Rights – Pathways to Success
Program Management
2023–Present
Minnesota (Statewide)
Overview
Provide support and development of certified small businesses through the Pathways to Success program.
Challenge
Recruit, screen, and conduct business assessments for 20 certified small business firms to participate in the Pathways to Success program.
Program Management for Pathways to Success
DRB provides program management and direct business development support for the MnDOT Office of Civil Rights’ Pathways to Success initiative – designed to strengthen certified small businesses and prepare them for long-term success in public-sector contracting. The program focuses on capacity-building, individualized coaching, and cultivating meaningful industry connections.
- Project Name: Pathways to Success
- Client: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Civil Rights
- Project Budget: $338,342.39
- Location: St. Paul, MN (Services Statewide)
- Start Date: October 11, 2023
- End Date: June 30, 2026
- Service Type: Program Management
Through Pathways to Success, DRB supports certified small business firms as they build capacity, pursue new contracting opportunities, and strengthen their position within the transportation industry. Core components of the program include:
- Firm recruitment and assessment
Recruiting, screening, and assessing up to 30 certified firms and selecting 10–20 participants per program cycle - Business planning and goal setting
Working one-on-one with each participating firm to develop a tailored business plan and establish clear, actionable growth goals - Individualized coaching and support
Providing ongoing, one-to-one support to help firms achieve business plan goals and address specific development needs - Business development counseling
Targeted guidance on bonding, bidding, and procurement, certified payroll, prequalification, and working with the State - Resource coordination
Encouraging and facilitating the use of additional supportive services for small businesses. - Program evaluation and closeout
Conducting final business assessments to measure progress and program impact, followed by a culminating event highlighting participant successes
Program Adaptability + Results
DRB works in close coordination with the MnDOT Office of Civil Rights and the Office of Civil Rights’ Project Manager to guide each participating firm through the program. Engagement is collaborative and customized – tailored to each firm’s strengths, challenges, and growth objectives.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, DRB adapts training, coaching, and resources to meet firms where they are, while maintaining consistent program structure, accountability, and progress tracking.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Transit and Active Transportation Professional & Technical Services
DRB provides professional and technical consulting services to support public transit agencies across Minnesota through a statewide contract with the MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation (OTAT).
Montana Statewide Rural Transit Needs Assessment
DRB led the development of a statewide rural transit needs assessment and implementation framework for the Montana Department of Transportation.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Transit and Active Transportation Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
DRB manages Minnesota’s federally funded Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) on behalf of the MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation.
Start Your Project Today
Whether you’re scoping a new project or need experienced support midstream, DRB is ready to step in. We’ll align quickly, clarify expectations, and help you move forward with confidence. Let’s talk about your project!