ADOT&PF to Operate Race-Neutral DBE Program

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) has received approval from the Federal Highway Administration to operate a race-neutral Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to be achieved without affirmative actions. Specifically, prime contractors are no longer required to use DBE's as a condition of award.

ADOT&PF was granted the change because Alaska’s contractors know the value of using smaller businesses as subcontractors and support the establishment and growth of minority owned and operated business.

ADOT&PF Civil Rights Office staff has worked to educate small businesses to the advantages of being a certified DBE. The department developed a web based self-registration process where prime contractors can quickly and easily identify DBEs interested and available for work on a project. These tools and education opportunities will continue to be developed in order to keep the department’s race neutral status with FHWA.