THE ACTION APPROVES AN AWARD FOR $246,400 TO SUPPORT THE USDOT SMALL BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION RESOURCE CENTER UNDER THE MINORITY RESOURCE CENTER (MRC) PROGRAM. THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD IS TO CREATE REGIONAL CENTERS TO SERVE SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED TRANSPORTATION BUSINESSES AND INCREASE SMALL BUSINESS UTILIZATION ON FEDERAL AND STATE CONTRACTS BY WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTING COMMUNITY AND OTHER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS. THE ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED INCLUDE BUSINESS COUNSELING, BONDING EDUCATION PROGRAM, WOMEN AND GIRLS IN TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE, ACCESS TO CAPITAL WORKSHOPS, AND OTHER USDOT PROGRAMMING AND INITIATIVES. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES WILL BE SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES IN THE NORTHEAST SBTRC REGION. THERE ARE NO SUB-AWARD ACTIVITIES IN THE PROJECT.