relatively more difficult to gain participation requiring a contractor and crew to travel a considerable distance for work if ample opportunities are available without a travel requirement. Mobility restrictions associated with the on-going pandemic also contribute to these concerns. Accordingly, the airport is not inclined to add significantly to its base figure but is confident that a modest addition of 0.7% to an overall goal of 8.0% is achievable.

Breakout of Estimated “Race and Gender Neutral” (RN) and “Race and Gender Conscious” (RC) Participation

Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority will meet the maximum feasible portion of the overall goal by using race neutral means of facilitating DBE participation.

1. Arranging solicitations, times for the presentation of bids, quantities, specifications, and delivery schedules in ways that facilitates DBE, and other small businesses, participation;
2. Providing assistance in overcoming limitations such as inability to obtain bonding or financing;
3. Providing technical assistance and other services;
4. Carrying out information and communications programs on contracting procedures and specific contract opportunities;
5. Implementing a supportive services program to develop and improve immediate and long-term business management, record keeping, and financial and accounting capability for DBEs and other small businesses;
6. Providing services to help DBEs and other small businesses improve long-term development, increase opportunities to participate in a variety of kinds of work, handle increasingly significant projects, and achieve eventual self-sufficiency;
7. Establishing a program to assist new, start-up firms, particularly in fields in which DBE participation has historically been low;
8. Ensuring distribution of DBE directory, through print and electronic means, to the widest feasible universe of potential prime contractors;
9. Assist DBEs and other small businesses, to develop their capability to utilize emerging technology and conduct business through electronic media.

Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority estimates that in meeting the established overall goal of 8.0%, it will obtain 1.5% from race neutral participation and 6.5% through race conscious measures.

This breakout is based on the Authority's expectation, based on recent experience, that it will award at least one contract to a DBE prime contractor through competitive bid procedures. This contract is expected to represent at least 1.5% of the FAA-funded work during this goal-setting period. Therefore, 1.5% of the 8.0% goal is expected from race-neutral means, and the remaining 6.5% is expected to be race-conscious participation.

Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority will adjust the estimated breakout of race neutral and race conscious DBE participation as needed to reflect actual DBE participation (see §26.51(f)) and