The heads of six state DOTs have signed on to the Equity in Infrastructure Project's pledge to increase the share of prime contracts that go to disadvantaged businesses.

The proposals would loosen some requirements for disadvantaged business enterprises, and expand reporting requirements for prime contractors.

A  Tennessee road and bridge builder has agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle a whistle-blower lawsuit that accused the firm of fraud by putting its own employees on the payroll of a dis­advantaged business enterprise it used to get contracts for 12 projects in Tennessee.