STAR Articles and Information
Articles & Information
New DBE Interim Final Rule – What It Means for You
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has issued a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) that makes significant changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) programs. This rule took effect on October 3, 2025, and it impacts...
Small Business Procurement Opportunities in the Revised “Buy American” Program
The U.S. government is making significant changes to the “Buy American” program, creating new opportunities for small businesses to participate in federal procurement. The goal is to strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains, encouraging government agencies...
Navigating Employee vs. Independent Contractor Classification for Small Businesses
For small businesses, correctly classifying workers as either employees or independent contractors is crucial. Misclassification can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. This article will help you understand the distinction between the two...
2024 DBE Program Rule Updates
Key revisions to DBE and ACDBE programs are effective May 9, 2024. Online STAR Town Hall Join us to discuss these updates and ask questions at 10:00am (NM time) on June 26with NMDOT representatives and Lawrence Moquino, Federal Highway Administration Program and...
2023 Update to DBE/ACDBE Size Standards
The Federal Government has increased the limits and adjusted the ceiling for DBE size, which could mean some larger businesses might now qualify for DBE status. The other possible implication of this change is that your growing business can continue to qualify to be a...
Speed Networking – Getting the most out of 10-15 minutes
Old-fashioned Face-to-Face networking (even virtually) is still a valuable and often under-appreciated art form. Are you ready to get the most out of a 10-15 minute opportunity? Here are a few suggestions: Before you meet Set your goals for networking – Are you...
DBE Certification – Business Benefits
Did you know that NMDOT must meet a DBE utilization goal set by the FHWA? Every year, The FHWA and NMDOT leadership review prior performance and expectations for the future in terms of the percent of NMDOT federally funded work completed by DBEs. The objective is to...
How to Achieve DBE Certification
Should You Apply? You may be eligible to participate in the DBE program if: Your firm is a for-profit business (corporation or LLC) owned by a disadvantaged individual who is a U.S. citizen (or legal resident) and a member of a socially and economically disadvantaged...
NCAIC Advisor on Learning About Tribal & Federal Procurement Opportunities
Meet Adolfo Vasquez, Federal Procurement Technical Advisor for The National Center For American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIEC) . Adolfo gives his expert insight on finding available tribal and federal procurement opportunities: Question: How do I learn more...
Finding Available Government Opportunities from MBDA Director
Meet Gabriela Marques, Minority Business Development Agency Business Center Director in New Mexico. Gabriela gives her expert insight on finding available government opportunities: Question: How do I learn more about available government opportunities for my business?...
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