Sec. 201.702. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PROGRAM. (a) The department shall:
(1) set annual goals for the awarding of state or federally funded contracts, including construction, maintenance, supply, and service contracts, to disadvantaged businesses and shall attempt to meet the goals;
(2) assess the availability of disadvantaged businesses in this state;
(3) attempt to identify disadvantaged businesses in this state that provide or have the potential to provide supplies, materials, equipment, or services to the department;
(4) give disadvantaged businesses full access to the department's contract bidding process, inform the businesses about the process, offer the businesses assistance concerning the process, and identify barriers to the businesses' participation in the process; and
(5) allocate the responsibility for performing the duties prescribed by this section among persons in the department's headquarters and regional offices.
(b) The goals under Subsection (a)(1) must approximate the federal requirement for federal money used for highway construction and maintenance consistent with other applicable state and federal law.
(c) The department's equal opportunity office shall participate in the development of requests for proposals and other departmental documents relating to the bidding process.
(d) This section does not exempt the department from competitive bidding requirements provided by other law.
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subtitle A - Texas Department of Transportation
Chapter 201 - General Provisions and Administration
Subchapter I. Funds and Expenditures
Section 201.701. Funds for Emergency Medical Services
Section 201.702. Disadvantaged Business Program
Section 201.703. Expenditures for Roads Not on the Highway System
Section 201.704. Contract for Repair or Maintenance of Equipment
Section 201.705. Aesthetic Entrances and Ornamental Decorations
Section 201.706. Local Government Assistance
Section 201.707. Agreements for Services on Regional Tollway Authority Projects