Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Business Development Program - providing targeted skills training to primarily construction and related industry DBEs that have been identified through previous skills assessment. Through DEPARTMENT staff, consultants and community partners, provide or arrange for targeted skills training to DBEs including bid strategy, assessing business opportunities, estimating and bidding, bonding education and assistance, finance and accounting training, and other training needed to close identified skills gaps. 2. DBE Empowerment Connections - Continuation and extension of relationship-building program that connects primarily construction and related industry DBEs with Prime contractors and other large firms and helps create and foster productive working relationships within the industry. DEC program is a prerequisite to the Mentor/Protégé program. 3. Mentor/Protégé Program - Match primarily construction and related industry DBEs with prime contractors to provide business and technical expertise and insight to the DBE. The Mentor/Protégé partnership should last no less than a year to get full opportunity and value from the program. 4. Outreach and Networking - Hosting outreach and networking events that inform DBEs and non-DBEs of the services available and how to participate in them. 5. Provide and staff a small/disadvantaged business resource center for highway construction related firms in Nevada.