Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services 

The University of West Alabama DBE Supportive Services (UWA DBESS) provides resources, individual business counseling, group training and technical assistance to Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)-certified DBE’s, minority, disadvantaged and women firms to contribute to the firm’s growth and self-sufficiency. 

The UWA DBE Supportive Services is administered by the ALDOT. Three major USDOT operating administrations are involved in the DBE program: Federal Highway Administration, The Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The DOT DBE program is carried out by the state and local transportation agencies under the rules and guidelines in the Code of Federal Regulations. 

Coverage Areas 

The UWA DBE Supportive Services is responsible for serving ALDOT’ Southwest, South Central, and Southeast which encompass the following counties: Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Dallas, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Marengo, Mobile, Monroe, Pike, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox. 

Services Available to Certified DBEs 

  • Information on upcoming contracting opportunities. 
  • Development of business plans. 
  • Guidance on expansion of firm work types and diversifying. 
  • Individual review of DBE operations to improve business practices. 
  • Utilizing technology 
  • Marketing/networking assistance. 
  • Technical skills (ie., reading plans, estimating,…) 

Trainings 

  • Bid Estimating for Subcontractors 
  • Quickbooks 
  • Bond readiness 
  • Estimating Roadwork and Paving 
  • Government Contracting 
  • Social Media Marketing 
  • Landscaping 
  • OSHA Certification 

Contacts: 

Donald Mills  
Director 
Phone: (205) 652-3814 
Fax: (205) 652-3516 
Email: dmills@uwa.edu 

Shari Stoudemire  
Assistant Director 
Phone: (205) 652-3557
Email: sstoudemire@uwa.edu 

Linda DeLaine 
Support Services Administrator 
Phone: (205) 652-3857
Email: Idelaine@uwa.edu