In a step to bolster involvement of disadvantaged businesses in transportation projects, PennDOT is hosting three construction diversity forums around Pennsylvania. Highway and bridge construction contractors, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Diverse Business (DB) construction firms and DBE/DB suppliers interested in doing business with PennDOT are encouraged to attend.

The sessions are planned for Oct. 11 at Cheyney University, Delaware County; Oct. 17 at the Farm Show in Harrisburg, Dauphin County; and Oct. 25 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana County.

“Our goal is to draw the rich diversity already present in our business community into the contracting work we perform to deliver transportation benefits," said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “These three forums will highlight the steps disadvantaged businesses can take to participate in our important mission.”

Hosted by PennDOT, in cooperation with the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) and Cheyney University Supportive Services, the forums will outline upcoming construction projects and provide technical details on searching for and bidding on those projects. Other topics include navigating PennDOT's Engineering and Construction Management System (ECMS), the vendor registration process, as well as marketing and relationship building strategies relevant to DBE and DB firms. The three events will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Registration closes on Sept. 22, and space is limited. Attendees must register to attend at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PennDOT constructionForum.

For more information, call 717/787-5891.