Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has unveiled its proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal of 8.82% for federally funded highway projects spanning Federal Fiscal Years 2026 through 2028, which runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2028. The department is now inviting public feedback on the proposal as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and regulatory compliance.
The DBE program, guided by Title 49 of the United States Code, is designed to ensure that businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals have meaningful opportunities to compete for and perform on federally assisted transportation contracts. “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,” ARDOT officials stated.
To establish this proposed goal, ARDOT relied on detailed analyses and federal guidance, supplemented by input from stakeholders and public comment. The resulting report is now available for a 30-day review period, which will conclude on September 15, 2025. Interested parties can access the report online at www.ARDOT.gov/civil-rights/dbe/, in person at ARDOT’s Central Office, or by requesting a copy directly from Joanna P. McFadden at (501) 569-2298.
ARDOT encourages individuals, businesses, and advocacy groups to provide written comments on the proposed DBE goal. Feedback can be sent via email 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 further information, the ARDOT Civil Rights Division can be reached at (501) 569-2297. Media inquiries should be directed to Ellen Coulter at [email protected] or by calling 501.765.9117.
This public engagement effort reflects ARDOT’s broader mission to promote transparency and ensure equal access for disadvantaged businesses in state transportation projects. By establishing a clear and measurable DBE goal, the department aims to foster a competitive, fair environment while maintaining compliance with federal requirements.
The proposed 8.82% target highlights ARDOT’s dedication to promoting diversity in contracting opportunities and reinforces its responsibility to eliminate barriers that historically limited participation by minority- and women-owned businesses. Stakeholders and members of the public now have the opportunity to influence the final goal, shaping how ARDOT will approach federal highway projects over the next three years.
