NJDOT Supportive Services Program  

r6catalyst was selected by and has, since 2016, partnered with New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to design, develop and manage the Division of Civil Rights’ Supportive Services Program (SSP) for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The Program objective is to increase the number of DBEs that are active on federally funded highway, street, and bridge construction projects while contributing to their growth and self-sufficiency in successfully competing on contracts and subcontracts with NJDOT.  

With each year and each graduating cohort, the r6catalyst team continues to deliver on this goal. By 2023, a total of 115 DBEs completed a rigorous instructor-led training program comprising over 20 advanced business and technical topics including business strategy, program management, technology, marketing, HR, leadership, contract law, financial management and accounting. At r6catalyst, we listen to feedback and innovate, continually raising the bar higher.

Aptly titled the “Bridge to Success”^SM, the SSP offers much more than an opportunity for Learning and Development. The r6catalyst team designed a unique assessment tool, adapted from advanced management concepts such as the Balanced Scorecard to determine and analyze KPIs of participating DBEs and craft bespoke solutions for these firms. The program provides one-on-one tailored assistance and coaching by SMEs, interactive case studies, assignments, group discussions, special events, networking opportunities and other activities to increase engagement and to encourage learning and growth by “doing”.

Leveraging our expertise in DEI, marketing, and technology, r6catalyst used purposeful outreach and engagement methods that resulted in overwhelming success with over 70 program applications each year from certified businesses for 20 designated spots in the Program.  

A prominent feature of the SSP is the annual “Contractor Venture Forum” (CVF) which has now become one of the most sought industry events in New Jersey.  The CVF attracts capacity audiences every year. Senior leadership from various NJDOT Divisions and Departments present on updated processes and plans, capital programs and projects and key inclusivity efforts the Department is engaged in.  Large firms which are active on NJDOT projects are invited to showcase their services and subcontracting opportunities.  NJDOT Partner Agencies and other government entities involved in Transportation and Infrastructure are also present at the CVF. The ensuing networking opportunities have sprung fruitful relationships and delivered real results for the DBEs.  

Driven by the objective to bridge racial inequities, and to increase access to opportunities for smaller firms, our team engaged with the Department’s Construction Bureau and Prequalification Unit to organize panel discussions and guidance on getting prequalified by NJDOT.  

The success of the program is evidenced by numbers - the number of newly certified DBEs,   number of firms that have become prequalified, number of firms that now have access to capital and bonding, and by the number of firms that have won contracts with NJDOT alone.

These results do not include the exceptional soft skills and qualitative results the program has produced for the small business owners.  With new marketing collateral, growth plans and strategies, HR policies, manuals and performance evaluation guidelines, bidding and project management skills, these firms have developed the leadership abilities and confidence to effectively communicate, network and perform to successfully cross the bridge to success.

From our proven track record in organizing successful events and forums as part of the Supportive Services Program, the NJDOT Commissioner’s Office engaged r6catalyst to coordinate and manage its first “Commitment to Communities” Forum in July 2019.  The purpose of this large-scale event was to convey the Department’s dedication to communities, responsiveness and its role as a customer service organization working towards the economic development of New Jersey.

With a short time frame to plan, coordinate and organize a high-profile event of such large scale, our team surpassed expectations and seamlessly performed multiple activities.    

The r6catalyst program management and marketing teams worked together in creating compelling marketing collateral and digital marketing campaigns for effective outreach to intended audiences. All marketing and communication was coordinated with NJDOT’s Community Relations and Communications groups, and under close supervision of the Chief of Staff.  

We led all the efforts for outreach and engagement with key external stakeholders including NJDOT partner agencies, county and municipal government authorities, and industry groups to ensure their support and involvement.

The half-day event featured presentations by the NJDOT Commissioner Ms. Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioners and Directors of NJDOT’s various Divisions. Our team assisted with developing presentations to conform with new branding guidelines and provided coaching to NJDOT presenters.  

Over 450 representatives from the industry, business communities and local government attended the Forum, demonstrating its success and impact.