Program allows small businesses to compete as consultants on federal projects

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently unveiled the Small Business Set Aside pilot program that will allow the state’s 413 Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) to work as prime consultants on federally assisted engineering and design agreements on a minimum of six projects.

“We are committed to increasing opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and diverse businesses, and this pilot program is another step forward,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “This program aims to provide opportunities to expand expertise and the pool of potential firms for future department work.”

The program so far has concluded the preliminary engineering and final design on three projects. The first project will replace a bridge over Leaf Creek on Route 2057 in Amity and Douglass townships in Berks County. The second will replace a bridge over Marshall Run on Route 3007 in Conemaugh Township in Indiana County, while the third will replace a bridge over South Witmer Run on Route 3005 in Irvona Borough in Clearfield County.

At least three additional projects are expected to be advertised to the private sector soon.

PennDot will evaluate how many SBEs submit a statement of interest, whether a contract is awarded to an SBE, and work results. Pilot program results will be used to determine whether the program will be expanded.