The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has announced its proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal of 8.82% for federally assisted highway projects for Federal Fiscal Years 2026 through 2028 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2028).
The intent of ARDOT’s DBE Program is to comply with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance, and to provide reasonable opportunities for DBEs to compete for and perform on contracts financed in whole or part with federal financial assistance, in an effort to achieve the level of DBE participation that would be achieved absent discrimination. The authority for this program is Title 49 United States Code.
The report used to establish the proposed goal will be available for a 30-day public review period, which concludes on September 15, 2025. The report may be accessed online at www.ARDOT.gov/civil-rights/dbe/, in-person at the ARDOT Central Office, or copies may be requested by contacting Joanna P. McFadden at (501) 569-2298.
ARDOT sets its DBE goal based on federal guidance and input from stakeholders and the public.
ARDOT encourages all interested parties to submit written comments on the proposed goal. Comments should be emailed to Rex Vines at [email protected] or mailed to:
Rex Vines
Chief Engineer–Operations / DBE Liaison Officer
Arkansas Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 2261
Little Rock, AR 72203
For more information, please contact ARDOT’s Civil Rights Division at (501) 569-2297.
