FAA's disparity study of Washington airport projects

OLYMPIA – Transportation contractors, subcontractors and consultants, along with minority, women and small-business owners, are invited to learn about the Federal Aviation Administration’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise disparity study just getting under way. 

The new disparity study, which WSDOT is managing for the FAA, will evaluate if disadvantaged businesses have equal access to contracting opportunities. It will examine race- and gender-based barriers to prime contractors or subcontractors when competing for FAA-funded contracts. The study also will compare the number of socially and economically disadvantaged firms to non-disadvantaged firms available to work on FAA contracts. Information gathered will provide airports with data to enhance their DBE program in a way that is consistent with regulatory standards. 

WSDOT has hired consultant Colette Holt & Associates to conduct the study, and members of both organizations will host informational meetings in Seattle and Spokane. The meetings are free, but registration is required for planning purposes. More details about the study and registration are available on the study website wsdot-faa.disparity-study.com. 

Participants will meet the study team and learn about the legal and regulatory standards applicable to the study. The team will provide information about the study process and timeline, as well as how businesses and individuals can participate. Those unable to attend a meeting in person can learn about the study during an online webinar Thursday, March 29.

In Spokane, the meeting is Tuesday, March 27, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at WSDOT’s Eastern Region headquarters, 2714 N. Mayfair St. The conference will take place in the conference room. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wsdot-faa-disparity-study-public-information-meeting-tickets-43419772709.

The webinar takes place Thursday, March 29, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration is online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wsdot-faa-disparity-study-public-information-webinar-tickets-43419817844.