Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

April 3, 2023

In-person event helps small firms learn about contracting opportunities

MESA – The Arizona Department of Transportation and partner agencies will hold a free event from 7 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 3, at Mesa Convention Center (Building C) to help small businesses and those owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation contracts that receive federal funding. 

Offered through ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, the DBE and Small Business Transportation EXPO helps attendees learn about project opportunities, visit exhibit booths, and network with industry professionals and business owners. 

Participants will also hear from transportation leaders, including ADOT Director Jennifer Toth. Partner agencies include Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), City of Phoenix Street Transportation, City of Phoenix Public Transit, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Valley Metro.

The event will include major project updates and panel discussions with leaders of local government agencies, owners and prime contractors.

Although the event is geared toward Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in the transportation industry. 

For more information and to register, please visit adotdbeexpo.com. For more information on ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, please visit azdot.gov/dbe. 

ADOT seeks public input on overall DBE goals for federally-funded contracts and 2022 DBE availability study

ADOT seeks public input on overall DBE goals for federally-funded contracts and 2022 DBE availability study

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT seeks public input on overall DBE goals for federally-funded contracts and 2022 DBE availability study

ADOT seeks public input on overall DBE goals for federally-funded contracts and 2022 DBE availability study

November 15, 2022

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program as it updates its overall goals for this effort.

ADOT and agencies receiving funds through ADOT award contracts each month for transportation projects throughout the state. As a requirement of receiving U.S. Department of Transportation funds, ADOT must operate the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. 

ADOT is required. to set three-year overall goals for DBE participation in USDOT-funded contracts. ADOT has developed new overall DBE goals and is seeking public input. 

FHWA-funded contracts. ADOT is proposing an overall DBE goal for Federal Highway Administration funded contracts of 12.55 percent for fiscal year 2024 through 2026, which updates its current goal of 12.89 percent. In recent years, ADOT has achieved DBE participation very close to this goal.

Based on relative availability of DBEs for these contracts and other factors, ADOT also projects that it will not be able to achieve all of this goal solely through race-and gender-neutral means (ADOT small business programs and other efforts) and that a portion will need to be achieved through continued use of DBE contract goals. ADOT proposes to achieve the overall DBE goal of 12.55 percent with 7.65 percent to be achieved through race- and gender-conscious means and 4.90 percent to be achieved through race- and gender-neutral means. A new overall DBE goal must go into effect on Oct. 1, 2023. 

FAA-funded contracts. ADOT is proposing an overall DBE goal for Federal Aviation Administration funded contracts of 9.72 percent for fiscal year 2025 through 2027, which updates its current goal of 10.69 percent. ADOT proposes to continue to meet all of this overall DBE goal through race- and gender-neutral means and does not plan to use  DBE contract goals for these contracts. A new overall DBE goal must go into effect on Oct. 1, 2024.

FTA-funded contracts. ADOT is  proposing an overall DBE goal for Federal Transit Administration funded contracts  of 9.85 percent for fiscal year 2025 through 2027, which updates its current goal of 14.51 percent. ADOT proposes to  continue to meet all of this overall DBE goal through race- and gender-neutral means and does not plan to use DBE contract goals for any of these contracts. A new overall DBE goal must go into effect on Oct. 1, 2024.

Public comments. ADOT is seeking comments on its proposed overall DBE goals and the recently completed draft 2022 Availability Study Report that provides information regarding these goals. Keen Independent Research, which conducted ADOT’s 2020 Disparity Study, prepared the 2022 Availability Study. The public is encouraged to comment on the size of the proposed overall DBE goals, the methodology used to develop the goals, the results of the 2022 Availability Study, as well as suggestions on how to improve contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses, including what ADOT and the industry can do to enhance support of the Federal DBE Program.  

The public comment period opens Nov. 15, and runs through Dec. 30, 2022. As part of the comment period, ADOT will be holding virtual public meetings on the following dates:

Nov. 30, from noon to 1 p.m. Zoom link:
https://tinyurl.com/ADOTNov30

Dec. 1, 2022, from 5 p.m.  to 6 p.m. Zoom link:
https://tinyurl.com/ADOTDec1

All documents related to the proposed goal and methodology and draft availability study will be available for review at /business/business-engagement-and-compliance/2022-dbe-availability-study-0. At any time during the public comment period, comments can also be provided in the following ways:

Verbal testimony: At public meetings.

Email: [email protected]

Mail: ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance, 1801 W. Jefferson Ave., MD 154A, Phoenix, AZ 85007. 

Fax: 602.712.8429

The public comment period will close on Dec. 30, 2022. All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits final DBE goal requests to FHWA, FTA and FAA.

 

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation EXPO

August 10, 2021

 

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation and partner agencies will hold a free, virtual two-day event in August to offer tips and tools for owners of small businesses and companies qualifying for the agency’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

The ADOT DBE and Small Business Transportation EXPO, which will be held virtually August 18th & 19th from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., will allow attendees to learn about project opportunities, visit virtual exhibit booths featuring a live video/chat function, and network with industry professionals and business owners.

Participants can also hear from transportation leaders, including ADOT Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Director Steve Boschen. Other partnering agencies include the Phoenix Public Transit and Street Transportation departments, Valley Metro and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The goal of the EXPO is to help small businesses and those owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation contracts that receive federal funding. 

With a theme of “Navigating the Path Ahead,” the virtual event will focus on maximizing project leads and networking opportunities. The EXPO will include updates on two major transportation projects: The Interstate 17 flex lanes project between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point, along with the I-10 Broadway Curve expansion project.

Although the EXPO is geared toward Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in the transportation industry.

For more information and to register, please visit http://adotdbeexpo.com. For more information on ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, please visit azdot.gov/dbe.


 

ADOT switches to virtual meetings to help small businesses

ADOT switches to virtual meetings to help small businesses

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT switches to virtual meetings to help small businesses

ADOT switches to virtual meetings to help small businesses

June 5, 2020

PHOENIX – The current public health situation has transformed how the Arizona Department of Transportation educates and supports disadvantaged and small businesses seeking federally assisted contracts, with virtual sessions replacing traditional meetings.

“We continue in creative ways to serve our customers relentlessly,” said Kent Lane, small business and workforce development officer with ADOT’s Business and Compliance Office. 

Companies participating in ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program must be owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups, such as women and minorities.

Regular ADOT offerings for disadvantaged business enterprises, such as a 21-week Business Development Program and counseling for individual businesses, are now being done virtually for all. Previously, online participation was available only for businesses outside Maricopa County.

The online format also holds promise for educational conferences, project opportunity expos, panel discussions and other gatherings. For example, a recent virtual Small Business Town Hall had Arizona Commerce Authority staff educating 31 disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses about current and upcoming funding along with other resources available due to COVID-19.

The DBE Supportive Services team also frequently sends e-newsletters and emails about available resources, webinars and networking opportunities offered by ADOT and community partners.

For more information about ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, please visit azdot.gov/dbe

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

February 14, 2020

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation and partner agencies will hold an event Thursday, March 12, highlighting project opportunities to owners of small businesses and companies qualifying for the agency’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

The 2020 DBE & Small Business Transportation Expo, scheduled for 7 a.m. to noon at Glendale Civic Center, also will allow attendees to network with industry professionals and business owners and hear from transportation leaders including featured speaker ADOT Director John Halikowski. Also participating are the Phoenix Public Transit and Street Transportation departments, Valley Metro, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program helps qualifying small businesses compete for federally assisted contracts. The companies must be owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups, including women and minorities.

To register for this free event, please visit adotdbeexpo.com.

Although the expo is geared toward Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in the transportation industry.

For more on this event or ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, please contact the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office at 602.712.7761 or visit azdot.gov/dbe.

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

September 13, 2019

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in October will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program to become more competitive within the highway industry.

The ADOT DBE and Small Business Conference, to be held Oct. 22-23 at the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, will include an orientation for new and prospective DBE firms, 15-minute “speed” appointments with agencies and prime contractors, and an opportunity to learn about ADOT programs designed to help you build your business. 

The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation projects that receive federal funding.

With a theme of “The Spotlight Is On You,” workshops at the conference will focus on People Power, Smart Transportation and Finding Projects.

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

For more information and to register, please visit the ADOT’s DBE Supportive Services Program page at azdot.gov/DBESupportiveServices.

ADOT developing updated disadvantaged business enterprise goals

ADOT developing updated disadvantaged business enterprise goals

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT developing updated disadvantaged business enterprise goals

ADOT developing updated disadvantaged business enterprise goals

March 29, 2019

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is launching a process that will lead to a required update of goals for including disadvantaged business enterprises as contractors on projects that receive federal funding.

The first step, developing a DBE Disparity Study, will examine ways ADOT can encourage participation by firms owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups, including women and minorities.

Every three years, ADOT must set an overall annual goal for participation by disadvantaged business enterprises specializing in design, construction, transit and other components of transportation throughout the state. For federal fiscal years 2018 through 2020, ADOT has an overall goal of 9.55 percent of Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts going to firms with federal certification as disadvantaged business enterprises.

In spring 2020, ADOT will publish the draft DBE Disparity Study and propose overall disadvantaged business enterprise goals. To identify any disparities, the draft study will include analysis and results involving the agency’s use of disadvantaged business enterprises and the availability of such firms. The study will include analysis of in-depth interviews with business owners, trade associations and others about their experiences related to transportation contracting in Arizona.

Once the draft study is published, ADOT will schedule public meetings and announce other ways for stakeholders to provide feedback on the study and proposed goals.

A contractor conducting research for the draft DBE Disparity Study will contact businesses by phone this summer to collect information about their availability for different types of ADOT contracts. In addition, business owners, trade associations and others throughout the state are welcome to provide insights about Arizona’s transportation contracting industry and offer suggestions for creating a level playing field for disadvantaged business enterprises and other small businesses.

For more information on this process and to provide insights, please visit azdot.gov/DBEDisparityStudy or send an email to [email protected].

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program levels playing field

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program levels playing field

SR24-1

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program levels playing field

ADOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program levels playing field

September 25, 2018

2018 ADOT DBE and Small Business Conference: Road to the Future

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications

ADOT awards a great number of contracts annually through competitive bidding. Many of the firms receiving these contracts are qualified through our Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

Offered in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program aims, among other goals, to create a level playing field on which firms owned by minorities, women and others who qualify to compete fairly for projects receiving federal assistance.

One way ADOT helps owners of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, along with small businesses, is through conferences such as the 2018 ADOT DBE and Small Business Conference, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday of this week in Scottsdale.

This year’s keynote speaker is Arizona’s own Mary Peters, a former U.S. transportation secretary and ADOT director. Peters has also held the posts of Federal Highway Administration administrator for the U.S. Department of Transportation and senior vice president and national director for transportation policy and consulting with HDR Inc., a major engineering company.

ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office (BECO), which is putting on the conference, also offers workshops and individualized help at ADOT’s offices near the State Capitol in Phoenix. These are open to all small businesses seeking or performing work on ADOT projects.

For more information about all of these programs, please visit azdot.gov/BECO.

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

August 22, 2018

PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in late September will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program learn how to bid for projects and contracts.

The Statewide DBE & Small Business Conference, to be held Sept. 26-27 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort, will feature workshops, networking opportunities and one-on-one time with experts in areas such as banking, insurance and bonding, marketing and consulting. The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation projects that receive federal funding.

With a theme of “Road to the Future,” most tracks at this year’s conference will focus on technology, innovation and ideas to help small businesses compete.

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

For more information visit ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

ADOT to host Small & Disadvantaged Business Transportation Expo

February 15, 2018

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation and partner agencies will hold an event Thursday, March 1, offering tips and tools to owners of small businesses and companies qualifying for the agency’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

The DBE & Small Business Transportation Expo, scheduled for 7 a.m. to noon at Glendale Civic Center, will allow attendees to learn about project opportunities, network with industry professionals and business owners and hear from transportation leaders including featured speaker ADOT Director John Halikowski. Also participating are the Phoenix Public Transit and Street Transportation departments, Valley Metro and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program helps qualifying small businesses compete for contracts. The companies must be owned by individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups, including women and minorities.

“ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program is critical to helping to reduce barriers to entry and teaching DBEs and small businesses how to fish, thrive and survive in the transportation industry,” said Dr. Vivien Lattibeaudiere, ADOT’S Employee and Business Development Administrator. “With access to project opportunities, they can become a meaningful part of building the transportation infrastructure in our state.”

To register for this free event, visit adotdbeexpo.com.

Although the expo is geared toward Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in the transportation industry.

For more on the Expo or ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, contact the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office at 602.712.7761 or visit azdot.gov/dbe.