The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) manages the following programs to ensure that all beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries of MDT programs are offered an equal participation opportunity:

Contractor Compliance Program

The Contractor Compliance Program ensures that contractors comply with EEO and Non-Discrimination requirements.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Programs ensure that federally assisted contracts for highway, transit and aviation projects are made available for small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals by:

• Ensuring nondiscrimination in the award and administration of Federally-assisted contracts;
• Helping remove barriers to the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in Federally-assisted contracts, and
• Assisting the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.

External ADA Program

The External ADA Program ensures that people with disabilities have equitable opportunities to use the public rights-of-way system.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program

The Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program ensures MDT conducts business in an environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, parental/marital status, disability (physical or mental), religion/creed/culture, political belief, genetic material, veteran status, or social origin/ancestry by its employees or anyone with whom MDT chooses to do business.

On-The-Job Training (OJT) and OJT Supportive Service Programs

The On-The-Job Training (OJT) and OJT Supportive Service Programs establish apprenticeship and training programs targeted to move women, minorities, and disadvantaged individuals into journey-level positions to ensure that a competent workforce is available to meet highway construction hiring needs, and to address the historical under-representation of these groups in highway construction skilled crafts.