AUSTIN, TX — H.W. Lochner, Inc. (Lochner), a provider of transportation infrastructure planning and engineering services, has been selected by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to provide utility engineering and coordination services in the agency's Waco and Bryan Districts, with potential assignments across the state.

The five-year indefinite deliverable contract award represents the first selection for Lochner and subconsultant Simon Engineering and Consulting, Inc., as a part of TxDOT's Diverse Relationships for Informative Value Exchange (DRIVE) Program. The DRIVE Program is an initiative aimed at promoting the involvement of emerging disadvantaged (DBE) firms in professional services contracts through a mentor-mentee relationship. Lochner has been paired with Simon Engineering to provide mentorship and knowledge sharing on business development, industry best practices, and business processes with the goal of building capacity to compete and deliver professional services contracts with TxDOT, other DOTs, or local governments.

"Across our organization, Lochner has championed DBE and historically underutilized firms through the development of partnerships and participation in mentor-protégé programs," said Phil Russell, Senior Vice President and South Central Regional Manager. "We look forward to collaborating with TxDOT and Simon Engineering to make a positive impact on transportation infrastructure in the region."

Lochner has expanded its utility engineering capabilities in Texas under the leadership of Andy Petter, who will serve as Project Manager on this TxDOT contract.