The Iowa DOT has scheduled two meetings this month to seek insights from the local people and discuss the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) goal methodology-setting process. This is regarding the FY 2024-2026 DBE goals for the Federal Highway Administration Funded projects. Interested Iowans are encouraged to attend in-person or via MS Teams meetings. 

The Iowa DOT is looking for public input from minorities, women, general contractor groups, community organizations, and other officials as it sets its three-year DBE objective. The DBE goal must be set following Federal Code 49 CFR 26.45 and go through a public consultation procedure. This is a great initiative by the Iowa government to actively engage the public in making informed decisions and setting goals for the community. 

The in-person meetings are scheduled to be held in the First Floor South Conference Room of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s headquarters at 800 Lincoln Way, Ames. The timings are: 

Monday, May 22, 2023, from 1 to 2 PM: Goal methodology setting process meeting

Monday, June 19, 2023, from 1 to 2 PM: Suggested goal discussion

Anyone planning to attend the meeting remotely needs to email Nikita.Rainey@iowadot.us to have their name added to the email list to receive credentials and information on how to join. 

Keeping inclusivity in mind, the meeting space is wheelchair accessible for persons with disabilities, and further measures are being taken to build a comfortable space. 

This is a great opportunity for small businesses and concerned citizens to have their voices heard in the DBE goal-setting strategy. The goal-setting process is a great way for a DBE company to have foresight into upcoming projects and, creates an opportunity to build relationships with prime contractors.