2022 ODOT Disparity Study



2022 Oregon Department of Transportation Disparity Study



The Oregon Department of Transportation engaged Keen Independent Research to analyze whether there is a level playing field for minority- and woman-owned businesses in the Oregon transportation contracting industry. The disparity study will help ODOT operate the Federal Disadvantaged Business Program for its federally funded contracts and set its overall three-year FHWA DBE goals.

This research supports ODOT’s broader efforts to assess equity in its operations.

  • Keen Independent Research (Keen Independent) will compare the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms for construction, engineering and other transportation contracts and subcontracts.
  • Customer Research International (CRI) will conduct a survey of firms to identify companies available for transportation contracts and subcontracts in Oregon.
  • The study team will conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups with businesses, trade associations and other groups.

Study Team

Keen Independent is a national economic consulting firm. David Keen and Annette Humm Keen are leading this assignment. Mr. Keen has led more than 100 disparity studies including the previous ODOT Disparity Study in 2016 and the disparity study update in 2019.

The study team includes local subconsultants HDR and Donaldson Consulting, LLC. The law firm Holland and Knight is also assisting in the study.

Schedule

The study launched in September 2021. ODOT will publish a draft disparity study report and proposed overall FHWA DBE goals for public comment by June 2022.

How to Get Involved

Postings