Freese and Nichols Selected as TxDOT DRIVE Program Mentor
Because our work is devoted to improving communities, Freese and Nichols is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our business. For over 30 years, Freese and Nichols has mentored small and disadvantaged business firms and has recently been selected as a mentor to SE3, a disadvantaged consulting firm specializing in transportation and municipal engineering for the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) DRIVE Program. Through this mentor-protégé relationship, Freese and Nichols will help SE3 develop business practices, including business management, organization, and professional skills, and provide guidance to expand SE3’s technical and industry best practices.
What is the DRIVE Program?
The Diverse Relationships for Informative Value Exchange (DRIVE) program is a 24-month program focused on increasing the participation of disadvantaged (DBE) firms in procuring professional services contracts. Participating firms help create a stronger networking environment and cultivate relationships between larger and smaller firms. It is designed to encourage and support DBE firms through voluntary partnerships with mentoring firms and is intended to enhance the capabilities and participation of DBEs interested in working on transportation-related projects.
What is a DBE?
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a small, for-profit business that is at least 51% owned by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, as defined by the federal government.
Our commitment to recognizing individual worth and promoting fairness and equality differentiates Freese and Nichols as an organization. Visit our Diversity and Inclusion page on our website, which presents many great things about our inclusive work environment, policies and business practices.