Specifications include, but are not limited to: 1. Ascertain evidence of discrimination or its effects separately for each group presumed by 49 C.F.R. § 26 to be disadvantaged, as well as any evidence that demonstrates the absence of discrimination. 2. Collect and analyze anecdotal and complaint evidence of discrimination against DBEs, and minority-owned, and women-owned business enterprises, that are ready, willing, and able to participate on USDOT prime contracts and subcontracts. 3. Gather evidence of barriers that may exist for minorities, women, and other socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as compared to their similarly situated white male counterparts, in the formation of a new business, in the ability to qualify for bonding and/or financing, or to become prosperous in their entrepreneurial activities. 4. Conduct DBE availability and utilization analyses in the relevant local geographic market (i.e. statewide as well as by counties) by reviewing prime contracts and subcontracts for both construction projects and consultant services. 5. With respect to statistical evidence, the Study should rigorously determine and analyze the effect of factors, other than discrimination, that may account for statistical disparities between DBE availability and participation. This is likely to require a multivariate/regression analysis, which takes into consideration multiple variables that may impact utilization and participation of DBEs.