The 2015 Disparity Study is now complete and available for review. It analyzes the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms by race, ethnic and gender group to determine whether there are disparities in the past utilization of those firms in ADOT contracts. Keen Independent conducted disparity analyses for FHWA-, state-, FAA- and FTA-funded contracts. The Disparity Study also includes analysis of in-depth interviews with business owners, trade associations and others. Keen Independent included information in the Disparity Study for ADOT to use to develop overall DBE goals for FAA- and FTA-funded contracts and a refined goal for its FHWA-funded contracts.

In June, ADOT released a Draft Disparity Study and conducted a 45-day public comment period from June 8 to July 20. ADOT held public hearings in mid-July in four locations around the state on the Draft Disparity Study and Final Proposed Goal.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Game & Fish Department and the Arizona State Parks Board are required to conduct a study every three years on watercraft fuel consumption and recreational watercraft usage. The fuel consumption data is collected to determine the allocation of motor vehicle fuel tax to the State Lake Improvement Fund. The information on recreational watercraft usage patterns on Arizona’s lakes and rivers is necessary, in part, to determine the distribution of SLIF funds to applicants.

MGT of America, Inc. was retained to conduct a study for the Arizona Department of Transportation to determine whether there was a compelling interest to justify a disadvantaged business enterprise program for ADOT. MGT found that minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises were substantially underutilized as prime contractors in construction and construction-related professional services. African American, Hispanic American, and Asian-owned firms were under-utilized as construction subcontractors. The study provides factual predicate evidence for the selective use of project goals for African American, Hispanic American, and Asian American construction subcontractors.