ACEC/MN Small Business Forum: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Programs – Status of Legal Challenges, Potential Outcomes, and What A/E Firms Need to Know
Date and Time
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST
January 23, 2025
9am - 10:30 am
This is Member Only Event
If you are not sure if your firm is a member, reach out to kelly@acecmn.org
Location
This is a hybrid Event, please select how you will attend when you register.
In person
Wells Fargo Place - First Floor Conference Room
Board Room
30 East 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Virtual attendees will receive a zoom link after registration
Fees/Admission
This event is free to ACEC/MN Member
Description
ACEC/MN Small Business Forum: Information Session to address recent court challenges to DBE programs and MAMCO DBE Injunction.
Presented by: Matt Reiffer, Vice President, Infrastructure Programs, American Council of Engineering Companies
Meeting Facilitators: Steven Carlton, Rani Engineering & Jennifer Hildebrand, Professional Engineering Services
Please join Matt Reiffer from ACEC National and ACEC/MN Board Members Steven Carlton & Jennifer Hildebrand to learn more about the implications of recent court challenges to the DBE program. Matt will provide an update from ACEC National on this issue, and Jennifer and Steven will facilitate an open discussion amongst impacted ACEC/MN member firms. This event will afford you the opportunity to:
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Gain a basic understanding of constitutional standards for how courts analyze race-based and gender-based contracting preferences and other programs
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Understand how those legal standards may impact current DBE programs and what changes the public agencies might need to consider
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Consider the implications for A/E firm business structures and contracting strategies
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Participate in an open discussion amongst your peers at member firms.
Resources:
U.S. DOT Disadvantage Business Enterprise Program | Mid-America and Its Implications
2024 DBE Preliminary Injunction Implementation Memo to ALL States 11.18.4