AGC Meets with DOT to Discuss DBE Program

A task force of AGC’s Highway and Transportation Division met this week with U.S. DOT Under Secretary Polly Trottenberg, FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez, FHWA Associate Administrator for Civil Rights Warren Whitlock and other DOT officials to discuss the DBE program and steps that could be taken to improve it.  Some of the issues addressed included certification and prequalification of DBEs, assistance from primes to DBEs, mentor-protégé relationships, clarification of good faith efforts and training programs. Several of the issues pointed out in the Inspector General’s report were also discussed. DOT has expressed an interest in improving the program and asked AGC for recommendations. The proposed rule changes were not the subject of the discussion, however, because DOT is prohibited from discussing these while they are under active consideration. However, DOT did note that AGC’s comments and those of our members and chapters were being given close scrutiny. Further meetings are planned.