Institute for Transportation

About the research

Since 1963, the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) has been a leader in meeting the changing needs of Iowa businesses. CIRAS’ mission and values serve as a foundation for our behavior, strategy, and business model to elevate Iowa industry. CIRAS is positioned as the key integrator of solutions for small-to medium-sized businesses in Iowa assisting them with Growth, Technology, Workforce, and Operational Excellence. To be successful in this position, we leverage established and emerging relationships across the spectrum of the state ecosystem. CIRAS has hosted the DBE Support Services program since 2021 and is the host of other federal and state programs, including the APEX Accelerator program, which educates and assists businesses on the government contracting process.

Iowa State University’s CIRAS will provide support services to disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) businesses in Iowa with the goal of increasing their overall participation in Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) led projects. CIRAS will leverage existing partnerships and programs to increase awareness of the DBE/SS program and leverage other federal programs such as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide needed services to DBEs.

The DBE Support Services program is led by personnel at Iowa State University, renewed on an annual basis.