DRIVE mentor-mentee program

TxDOT is committed to increasing the participation of emerging HUB/DBE firms in the procurement of professional services contracts through the implementation of the DRIVE Program. This program is a part of division director, Martin Rodin's emerging firms’ participation goal. It is designed to encourage and support HUB/DBE firms through voluntary partnerships with mentoring firms. The mentor-mentee pairings work together to evaluate the mentee’s business needs, identify mutually beneficial goals, and to create a progress plan based on them. The goal is to build the mentee’s capacity to compete on professional services contract opportunities whether it is with TxDOT, other DOT’s or local governments.

Why DRIVE?

DRIVE is a business-to-business connection that allows firms to share their experiences, expertise and resources. Participating firms help create a stronger networking environment and cultivate relationships between larger and smaller firms. This collaboration allows them to learn, evolve, and compete in the marketplace for professional services contracts.

What does the process look like?

Mentor	Mentee
Notify DRIVE Program of your firm’s willingness to mentor.	Ensure HUB/DBE certification is up-to-date and identify all active pre-certifications.
After pairing, meet with assigned mentee to determine program criteria.	Notify DRIVE Program of your firm’s interest.
Complete and submit a draft mentor-mentee agreement outlining agreed upon program criteria.	After pairing, meet with assigned mentor to determine your draft program criteria.
Schedule mentoring sessions with the mentee.	Attend the scheduled mentoring sessions.

Both - mentor and mentee

Mentor and mentee will meet with the DRIVE program staff.
A draft mentor-mentee agreement is forwarded to the program director.
The agreement will be reviewed to provide concurrence/comment and returned for participant signatures.
Submit periodic progress reports and participate in quarterly group events to include all program participants.

Applications

Applications for the FY25 cohort closed, March 14, 2025. They will open again January 2026.

Awards

Journey to Excellence

Spotlight – news and events

Questions?

Submit all questions to PEPS_DRIVE@txdot.gov.