JIREH Construction Files Federal Lawsuit Alleging Racial Bias by VDOT

JIREH Construction Co., Inc. has filed an amended federal lawsuit against the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), accusing the agency of racial discrimination during the procurement process. The contractor alleges that VDOT rejected its bid under regulatory standards that the agency did not enforce against other, non-Black-owned firms.

The lawsuit centers on claims that VDOT applied a specific project rule to JIREH Construction that was waived for other companies, preventing the firm from securing the contract. Court filings suggest that the contractor was told by a VDOT representative that the company could aspire to smaller contracts, citing a specific analogy about boat size, rather than larger opportunities.

Legal counsel for JIREH Construction argues that internal VDOT records indicate inconsistent application of bidding requirements. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding diversity and equitable access within state-funded construction projects in Virginia.

The proceedings are currently active in federal court as the plaintiff seeks damages and a review of the state agency’s procurement practices.