ADOT seeks input on its overall preliminary DBE goal for federally-funded contracts

PHOENIX – Nearly every month, the Arizona Department of Transportation goes through the process to award contracts to construction companies for transportation projects. ADOT is currently seeking public input on the total value of federally-funded contracts that should be awarded to disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) firms.

ADOT is proposing a preliminary goal of 9.38 percent of the total dollars of Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts awarded to DBE firms over the next three fiscal years, with 5.44 percent to be achieved through race-neutral means (ADOT small business programs and other efforts) and 3.94 percent to be achieved through race-conscious means (contract goals).  ADOT’s current goal for FHWA-funded contracts is 7.76 percent. 

ADOT is seeking public input on this goal and wants to hear from women and minority business owners and organizations, contractors, engineering consultants and other interested stakeholders.   The public is encouraged to comment on the size of the goal, the methodology used to calculate the goal, their experience competing for or working on ADOT projects, their suggestions on how to improve contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses and what ADOT can do to enhance its support of the DBE and small business community.

The public comment period runs from Aug. 4 through Sept. 17.  As part of the comment period, ADOT will be holding public hearings on the following dates at locations around the state:

All public hearings will be held from 3 – 6 p.m. with ADOT presentations at 3:15 and 5:15 p.m.

All documents related to the proposed goal and methodology will be available for review from Aug. 4 through Sept. 17 online and during normal business hours at the following locations:

At any time during the 45-day public comment period, comments can be provided in the following ways:

• Verbal testimony at public hearings
• Online
• Email
• By Mail: Keen Independent Research, 172 N. Washington Street, Wickenburg, AZ 85390

The public comment period will close on Sept.17.  All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits the preliminary DBE goal to FHWA at the end of September.