2020 DBE Disparity Study

2020 DBE Disparity Study

Developing New Overall Goals for DBE Participation

Every three years, ADOT analyzes the availability of DBEs and other firms to perform its contracts. The DBE Disparity Study will provide information for ADOT to adopt new overall DBE goals in 2020. ADOT currently has an overall goal of 9.55% for dollars of Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts going to DBEs

ADOT has finalized the Disparity Study report and the FHWA Overall DBE Goal and Methodology for federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2021 through 2023 pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26, section 26.45.

Based on the results of the Disparity Study, which took into consideration comments and input from the public, ADOT will adopt a 12.89% DBE goal for federal fiscal years 2021 through 2023 for FHWA-funded contracts; 8.17% of which is expected  to be accomplished through race and gender-conscious means (DBE contract goals) and the remaining 4.72 % to be accomplished through race-neutral means (ADOT outreach, training and program efforts). The goal will be submitted to FHWA for approval and implementation on projects advertised beginning October 1, 2020.

ADOT recognizes the uncertainty created by the current health pandemic and the potential impact to the construction industry and its businesses, both DBEs and non-DBEs. However, at this time, there is not enough data to support a notion that any portion of the industry is deferentially impacted that it requires a re-evaluation of the DBE goal at this time. In the future, if there is sufficient data to support a re-evaluation of the DBE goal, ADOT will work with FHWA to determine how and when it can do so in accordance with regulations outlined in 49 CFR Part 26. 

The final Disparity Study documents and Overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal and Methodology for federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2021 through 2023, along with answers to frequently asked questions related to the study submitted during the public comment period by firms, individuals and organizations will be posted on the this website by September 1, 2020.  Industry stakeholders will be notified when the documents will be posted to the website.

Based on the study results, ADOT is proposing the following DBE goals:

Funding Agency

Federal Fiscal Years

Overall Proposed Goal

Race/Gender Conscious %
(Contract Goals)

Race/Gender Neutral %
(Small Business Programs and other Efforts)

FHWA

2021- 2023

12.89%

8.17%

4.72%

FAA

2022 - 2024

10.69%

0%

10.69%

FTA

2022 - 2024

14.64%

0%

14.64%

The public comment period took place April 13, 2020 through June 30, 2020.  As part of the comment period, ADOT held two Webinars as follows:

May 12, 2020
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm MST
Attendance via Webinar

(Ended: Presentation | Recording)

May 21, 2020
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm MST
Attendance via Webinar

(Ended: Presentation | Recording)

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

  • During the webinars;
  • By calling the study telephone hotline at 602-730-0466;
  • Via email at [email protected]; and
  • Through regular mail to:

Keen Independent Research LLC
701 N. 1st St., 2nd Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Informational video by Dave Keen, Principal, with Keen Independent Research who presents ADOT's 2020 Disparity Study Draft results and the proposed ADOT DBE Goal for FHWA based on the disparity study Keen Independent Research conducted.

Video Presentation: ADOT DBE Disparity Study Presentation - March 27, 2020

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact the BECO office at: (602) 712-7761 or at [email protected] Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.

De acuerdo con el título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT por sus siglas en inglés) no discrimina por raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, género o discapacidad.  Personas que requieren asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o por discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto BECO en (602) 712-7761 o en [email protected] Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más pronto posible para asegurar que el equipo encargado del proyecto tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios.