OLYMPIA — The state has invited contractors, trade and labor organizations, small and disadvantaged businesses and others who might be interested in working with the Department of Transportation to comment on the agency’s proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal for contracts funded by the Federal Highway Administration.
Transportation projects that receive federal funds include a goal that represents a percentage of the contract value in which minority- and women-owned businesses should participate, given their availability in the market place.
Transportation proposes continuing its current 19 percent overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal on Federal Highway Administration funded projects for federal fiscal years 2019 through 2021.
Transportation will consider all written comments received through July 19 and submit a final document to the Federal Highway Administration on Aug. 1. The goal will be effective through Sept. 30, 2021.
The purpose of the DBE program is to create a level playing field for firms owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals wanting to participate in federally assisted highway, transit and aviation programs.
Documents detailing the methodology used for determining the goal are available for review online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/equal opportunity/.
To provide written comment, write to Jackie Bayne, Policy Manager; Washington State Department of Transportation Office of Equal Opportunity; P.O. Box 47314; Olympia, WA 98504-7314 or email DisparityStudy@wsdot.wa.gov
