The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is in the process of establishing its overall goal for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for the participation of minority and woman-owned businesses in highway, transit, and airport construction projects for Federal Fiscal Year 2005 (FFY ’05).

As a part of the goal setting process, IDOT is required to have public input. We have scheduled three round table meetings around the state to gather information and individual testimonials to help IDOT in establishing the DBE goal for FFY ’05.

The type of information sought from participants at these round table meetings will include: 1) individual experiences regarding past and current discriminatory practices that place racial and ethnic minorities and women in a position of social and economic disadvantage in successfully participating in IDOT contracts, and 2) input on IDOT’s DBE goal process.

The meetings will be held from 8:00 a.m. to Noon and a court reporter will be available to take individual statements.

Your input is critically needed. We are seeking individuals who are willing to testify or provide a sworn affidavit of past and current discriminatory practices and the continuing effect of such discrimination in the construction industry (examples include insurance, bonding, bidding, financing and solicitations on private jobs). You are encouraged to bring written statements. Please contact Linda Bumgarner at (217)782-0692 to let her know which meeting you will attend. You may also contact her by e-mail bumgarnerll@dot.il.gov or fax, (217) 524-0198. If you have time constraints, please advise Ms. Bumgarner and we will try to schedule your testimony.