OahuMPO partner agency, Hawaii Department of Transportation, commissioned NERA to examine the past and current status of minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises (DBEs) in the geographic and product markets for contracting and procurement by the Hawai’i Department of Transportation (HDOT). The purpose of this Study is to assist HDOT in evaluating whether race- and gender-conscious contracting remedies are necessary to ameliorate discrimination, and to narrowly tailor any new measures that may be adopted. The study may be downloaded here (Pdf 4MB).

NOTE: This report sets forth the information required by the terms of NERA’s engagement by the Hawaii Department of Transportation and is prepared in the form expressly required thereby. This report is intended to be read and used as a whole and not in parts. Separation or alteration of any section or page from the main body of this report is expressly forbidden and invalidates this report.

This report is not intended to be used, reproduced, quoted or distributed for any purpose other than those stipulated in the terms of NERA’s engagement by the Hawaii Department of Transportation without the prior written permission of NERA.

Information furnished by others, upon which all or portions of this report are based, is believed to be reliable but has not been verified. No warranty is given as to the accuracy of such information. Public information and industry and statistical data, including contracting, subcontracting, and procurement data are from sources we deem to be reliable; however, we make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such information and have accepted the information without further verification.

The findings contained in this report may contain predictions based on current data and historical trends. Any such predictions are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. In particular, actual results could be impacted by future events which cannot be predicted or controlled, including, without limitation, changes in business strategies, the development of future products and services, changes in market and industry conditions, the outcome of contingencies, changes in management, changes in law or regulations. NERA accepts no responsibility for actual results or future events.

The opinions expressed in this report are valid only for the purpose stated herein and as of the date of this report. No obligation is assumed to revise this report to reflect changes, events or conditions, which occur subsequent to the date hereof.

All decisions in connection with the implementation or use of advice or recommendations contained in this report are the sole responsibility of the Hawai’i Department of Transportation. This report does not represent investment advice nor does it provide an opinion regarding the fairness of any transaction to any and all parties.

This report is for the exclusive use of Hawai’i Department of Transportation. There are no third party beneficiaries with respect to this report, and NERA does not accept any liability to any third party. In particular, NERA shall not have any liability to any third party in respect of the contents of this report or any actions taken or decisions made as a consequence of the results, advice or recommendations set forth herein.