ODOT conducting disparity study, sets Bend meeting
ODOT is conducting a study that will analyze whether minority- and women-owned businesses have equal access to contracting opportunities within Oregon’s transportation contracting industry and with ODOT’s own contracts.
Keen Independent Research will manage the study, which will include public meetings, interviews, data analysis and more. The study findings will help the department operate the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. ODOT’s last disparity study was conducted in 2011.
“It’s important that we listen for all voices and learn as much as possible about the needs and concerns of Oregon’s minority- and women-owned businesses,” said Matthew Garrett, ODOT director. “This is an opportunity to work with our business community to create a level playing field when contracting with ODOT.”
Garrett invited highway construction and engineering-related businesses, as well as others interested, to attend public meetings to help inform the study; comments are also accepted online at www.ODOTDBEstudy.org or by calling (503) 660-8865.
Bend, Feb. 23, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: ODOT Region 4 HQ/Building M, Crater Lake/Diamond Lake Conference Rooms, 63055 N. Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97701.
Roseburg, Feb. 24, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: ODOT Region 3 HQ, West Conference Room, 3500 NW Stewart Parkway, Roseburg, OR 97470.
Salem, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: ODOT Transportation Building, Gail L Achterman Commission Room 103, 355 Capitol St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. This meeting is also available via live webinar beginning at 2:45 p.m. at http://spamaway.npgco.com/canit/urlproxy.php?_q=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5PRE9UREJFc3R1ZHkub3Jn&_r=YmFzZQ%3D%3D.
Portland, Feb. 26, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, Large Conference Room, 731 N Hayden Meadows Dr., Portland, OR 97217.
All meeting locations are ADA-accessible. Accommodations will be provided to persons with disabilities, and alternate formats of printed material are available upon request. Please call (503) 986-4355 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (statewide relay 7-1-1).
