PUBLIC NOTICE:
The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) is conducting a study of its contracting in Southern California. This disparity study includes experiences of business owners and whether or not there is evidence of discrimination based on race, gender or ethnicity in the transportation contracting industry.
Metrolink will review this information as it considers future implementation of the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program on Federal Transit Administration-funded contracts. Metrolink is conducting this study as a result of recent court decisions and guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
As part of a regional approach, four additional Southern California agencies also participated in the Study: the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
You and others at your organization have the opportunity to review a draft of the disparity study report for each agency and provide additional information as part of the study process.
Draft Disparity Study Reports
Drafts of the disparity studies for the participating agencies will be available on agency websites by September 25, 2009. The Metrolink disparity study can be found at www.metrolinktrains.com/disparitystudy.
Give Us Your Input
Two Southern California Regional Disparity Study Public Forums are scheduled as follows:
· Tuesday, October 20, 2009 from 3:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles: Metro Headquarters, Board Room on 3rd floor, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ($6 fee for parking)
· Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 3:00 – 7:30 p.m.
San Diego: SANDAG, Board Room on 7th floor, 401 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101-4231
Vendors, contractors, industry representatives and others are invited to attend a Public Forum to share personal experiences and other information relevant to Metrolink future implementation of the Federal DBE Program. This may include whether or not there is evidence of discrimination affecting the transportation contracting industry; starting and expanding businesses; obtaining financing, insurance and bonding; obtaining work with the above agencies and other local establishments; subcontracting opportunities; and the need for any assistance programs. Testimony will become part of the public record for the disparity study.
Participants in the Public Forums will have the opportunity to testify in person and/or give written testimony. Written testimony and related information will be received electronically via e-mail at DSComment@scrra.net and by U.S. mail to: Metrolink Contracts Administration Dept., Attn: DS Public Comment, 700 S. Flower St. STE 2600, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The deadline for submitting written testimony is 5 p.m. on November 10, 2009.
DS Comment – Metrolink
Disparity Study Draft Report
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
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