Specifications include, but are not limited to: Program Elements shall include but are not limited to the following: Needs Assessment: The consultant will provide an assessment for the DBE and contractors to determine the needs of the DBE firms involved and to focus our efforts to address these points. The supportive service program will be based on this assessment. The goal of the assessment is to provide targeted, comprehensive business development assistance for DBE firms. The business development assistance needed by these firms must be targeted, specific, and comprehensive in nature focused on the DBE firms participating on federally funded highway construction contracts. Both construction and professional service DBE firms shall be addressed. A comprehensive approach to business development will address general business practices and the individual needs of the participating firms. Assessments should specifically identify qualified DBEs who are certified but not actively participating on KYTC transportation construction projects and determine what barriers keep them from performing on projects. Also, identifying firms who have limited work and determine the barriers they face in expanding their capability. Procurement Assistance: Provide statewide assistance to DBE firms in identifying bidding opportunities on KYTC federal-aid highway projects Contract Management Assistance: On a statewide basis provide networking opportunities to DBEs to enhance their chances of gaining a contract and improve their contract management abilities and increase confidence by prime contractors that a DBE's performance on federal-aid highway projects will meet the rigorous standards this work requires. These needs may be determined by several methods. Including but not limited to the needs assessment and assistance requests submitted by participants in the supportive services program.