Archive for February, 2010
New Change to DBE Goal Setting
Starting March 5, 2010, DOT recipients will be required to change how they submit their goal and methodology. The new rule will allow recipients to submit their overall goals for review every three years instead of annually.
How will this impact your program? Are there significant changes in goals from year to year? Will this reduce the amount of paperwork required?
Read the entire notice at the Federal Register.
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Wisconsin Rail Project Controversy
Recently an $8 billion high-speed rail project came under fire for not requiring the same contracting goals that are used in highway projects.
Why weren’t DBE goals used? The Federal Railroad Administration, which awarded the rail grants, is not authorized by Congress to set DBE goals.
What’s your opinion? Should the rail project be required to use DBE contractors? Does this violate any laws?
Read more about the controversy.
ACDBE "Sunset" Termination
The Department of Transportation is proposing to remove the “sunset” provision from its rule governing the airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise program. The rule would instead provide for periodic program reviews. In addition, in the interest of initiating a program review, the Department is soliciting comments on any changes that should be made in the rule. These comments would assist the Department in reviewing the rule and, if warranted, proposing modifications to it in the future.
Comments are due March 5, 2010.
Learn more about this subject.
DBE Reporting
DOT is seeking comments on:
- Whether reports to DOT on DBE participation in projects — as well as the requirement to maintain a directory of DBE firms — are necessary for the proper performance of DOT’s functions
- Whether DOT’s estimate of the burden of such reporting efforts is accurate
- Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected
- Ways to minimize the burden of such information collection
Comment by April 5, 2010.
Find out more.
