MDOT holds DBE Small Business Development Conference March 25, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports that interest is high in its 29th Annual Small Business Development Conference, which is taking place March 30-31, at the Marriott Hotel in Pontiac. This annual two-day conference is aimed at helping and strengthening companies headed by women and minorities to successfully compete for bids on contracts with MDOT. Breakout sessions are scheduled to cover a wide range of topics including multi-modal contracting opportunities, bid preparation techniques, and contractor performance ratings.