2024-2026 DBE Disparity Study

2024-2026 DBE Disparity Study

ADOT Disparity Study 2024-2026

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has begun the process of updating its overall goal for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in ADOT's federally funded contracts. DBEs include minority-owned, woman-owned and other small businesses that experience social and economic disadvantages.  

ADOT retained Keen Independent Research to determine the availability of DBEs and other businesses for these contracts. ADOT will use the results to develop new overall goals for DBE participation on US DOT funded contracts.

Identifying businesses that are qualified and interested in working on ADOT transportation contracts is key to this research. In Summer 2025, Keen Independent and its survey firm, Customer Research International (CRI), will be contacting businesses by phone to ask about their availability for ADOT and local government work. 

This list of interested businesses will also increase ADOT's awareness of potential contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants for future work. 

2024-2026 ADOT Disparity Study Letter

Study Schedule

The study launched in December of 2024 and will be completed in June 2026. ADOT will publish the draft Disparity Study report and its proposed overall FHWA DBE goals for public comment in the Spring of 2026. Anyone can provide input by attending a public meeting or providing written comments. Two public meetings regarding the proposed goal will be held in the Spring of 2026.

ADOT will submit a new DBE goal to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the Spring of 2026, which will go into effect on October 1, 2026. 

ADOT will submit new DBE goals to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the Spring of 2027, which will go into effect on October 1, 2027.

Study Progress

ADOT will provide regular progress updates from Keen Independent Research on the Disparity Study throughout the study. Please check back periodically for those updates on the website.

Study Team

Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm with its primary office in Phoenix. David Keen and Blanca Monter are leading the Disparity Study.

The study team also includes Holland & Knight, Customer Research International, Donaldson Consulting, and the Gordley Group in Tucson.

How to Get Involved

Two public meetings will be held regarding the proposed FHWA goal will be held in the Spring of 2026, with a public comment period following. Registration information will be provided at a later date.

One public meeting regarding the proposed FTA goal and FAA goal will be held in the Spring of 2027, with a public comment period following.  Registration information will be provided at a later date.

To learn more about the 2024-2026 ADOT Disparity Study, please call Gabe Demarbiex, Contract Compliance and Training Officer at ADOT, at 480-268-0073 or [email protected]. 

You can also contact keen Independent Research with any questions regarding the ongoing study utilizing the dedicated contact information below:

Keen Independent Research
2929 E. Camelback Road, Suite 155, Phoenix AZ 85016

Title VI Accommodations

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Blanca Monter 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, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) en inglés) y otras leyes y reglamentos contra la discriminación, el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT) no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad. Las personas que requieren asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por idioma o discapacidad debe comunicarse con Blanca Monter al [email protected]. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más pronto posible para asegurar que el Estado tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios.