Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is seeking proposals from individuals or firms to collaborate and create a detailed public involvement/public engagement plan to increase our diverse workforce, disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), diverse emerging small businesses, and community involvement in Iowa DOT projects and planning. With many transportation professionals soon reaching retirement age, the industry is facing challenges. A key component to the success of the profession is recruiting new employees with the technical and managerial skills to take on future challenges. This proposal outlines how the Iowa DOT will address the challenge of increasing diversity in the workforce by working cooperatively with Iowas diverse residents and business owners to meet three objectives: 1) Increase the visibility of employment opportunities in areas like engineering, highway operations, drivers license issuance, commercial vehicle management, planning and business administration, 2) Expand coordination of the development of emerging small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises with diverse employers, and 3) Enhance recruitment of students from diverse backgrounds. The goal of this proposal is to hire a consultant to develop a plan related to the following: Develop an engagement plan Create an engagement model that increases community interaction and involvement in Iowa DOT projects and planning. Determine the objectives of the engagement plan Determine who we want/need to engage and where the gaps are in our current engagement process Develop engagement strategies for those groups you already know Develop engagement strategies for those groups that you do not know but desire to have a relationship with Identify existing events in the state for participation Prioritize those activities Develop initiatives or events that 1) highlight the mission of the Iowa DOT, 2) emphasize opportunities within the Iowa DOT, and 3) promote the Iowa DOT as a culturally inclusive and accountable partner Identify other departments, agencies, or organizations to invite or include for participation Create an implementation plan Monitor our progress Maintain those relationships
