DOT Seeks More Comment on Proposed DBE Rule Changes

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it is seeking further comments on its proposed changes to its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program regulations disadvantaged-business-enterprise-program-implementation-modifications, which were initially released on Sept. 6, 2012.  A “listening session” (public hearing) has been scheduled for Oct. 9, 2013, in Washington, D.C. and the opportunity to comment has been reopened until Oct. 30. When the proposed rule changes were released last year, DOT claimed that they were minor in nature and intended to adopt them as quickly as possible.  AGC of America submitted detailed comments, as did 18 AGC chapters and more than 125 individual AGC contractor members. In addition, AGC has had several high level meetings with DOT to discuss the ramifications of the rule change. As a result, DOT decided the rule change was a “significant” rule and, therefore, more input and analysis was necessary. The “listening session” will be held on Oct. 9, 2013, at the U.S. Department of Transportation (1200 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, D.C.).  There will also be an opportunity to participate as a witness by phone. (NOTE: Space and phone lines are limited, so seats/phone lines will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis).  ALL Participants MUST register by Oct. 2, 2013, at www.dot.gov/osdbu. AGC of America will have a spokesperson participate in the listening session. AGC chapters have also been encouraged to have a representative at the hearing, listening in by phone and/or submit comments.