Every month, the Civil Rights Bureau hosts a virtual goal-setting meeting to set the DBE subcontracting goals for the following month’s letting listed on the Iowa DOT Contracts Bureau website.
This is done in compliance with 49 CFR Part 26.45; the details can be found in the 2021-2023 Iowa DOT Civil Rights Bureau DBE Methodology Document on their website.
Goal Setting Process. Your Participation Matters.
The attendees at the monthly DBE goal-setting meeting are typically comprised of Iowa DOT personnel, prime contractors, and subcontractors. A person attending does not have to be a potential bidder, though usually most attendees have a keen interest in the outcome of the goal-setting as it may affect how they conduct business in the upcoming bid(s).
Interested parties who want to attend the DBE goal-setting meeting must notify the Iowa DOT to be added to the calendar. This can be done by emailing Nikita Rainey, Civil Rights Bureau Interim Director:
Project Reviews
Prior to each goal-setting meeting, the Iowa DOT Civil Rights Bureau reviews the upcoming projects from the Iowa DOT Contracts and Specifications Bureau when determining the opportunity for a DBE goal. They research such factors including race-neutral/race-conscious breakdown (spelled out in the methodology); opportunities for DBE companies that are ready, willing, and responsible; project requirements; as well as the qualified, certified DBE companies located in or near the project site(s).
Meeting Process
During these monthly goal-setting meetings, a representative from the Iowa DOT Civil Rights Bureau gives the recommended DBE goal and those attending give feedback which may either substantiate or differ with the proposed goal. If a company sees a viable project, they need to take the time to attend and provide thoughtful input. Participants need to understand that this is their chance to be a voice at the DBE goal-setting strategy. If capable companies do not respond, the opportunity to discuss the DBE goal may be lost. Regardless of the dialogue in the meeting, the Iowa DOT Civil Rights Bureau, who has insight into the requirements, makes the final determination on all the DBE goals.
Overall, the goal-setting process is a great way for a DBE company have foresight into upcoming projects and in addition, creates an opportunity to build relationships with primes who show interest in the same bids.