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ICTD 2025

Social Equity & Ethics

POSTER RECEPTION (View list of posters here)

Equity in Infrastructure Procurement: A Framework for Equity-Weighted Benefit-Cost Analysis

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
4:45 PM – 6:00 PM MT

    Primary Author(s)

  • DZ

    Dongyang Zhen, n/a

    Graduate Student
    University of Maryland, College Park
    Greenbelt, Maryland, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Qadri H. Shaheen, n/a

    Clark Doctoral Fellow
    University of Maryland
    College Park, Maryland, United States

    • Presenter(s)

  • Qadri H. Shaheen, n/a

    Clark Doctoral Fellow
    University of Maryland
    College Park, Maryland, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • ND

    Niping Duan, n/a

    Graduate Fellow
    University of Maryland, College Park
    College Park, Maryland, United States

    • Presenter(s)

  • ND

    Niping Duan, n/a

    Graduate Fellow
    University of Maryland, College Park
    College Park, Maryland, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Qingbin Cui, n/a

    Professor
    University of Maryland, College Park
    College Park, Maryland, United States

    • Presenter(s)

  • Qingbin Cui, n/a

    Professor
    University of Maryland, College Park
    College Park, Maryland, United States

    • Submitter(s)

  • DZ

    Dongyang Zhen, n/a

    Graduate Student
    University of Maryland, College Park
    Greenbelt, Maryland, United States

Abstract: Infrastructure equity has gained increasing importance, particularly with the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which prioritizes equity in project evaluation. However, there is no universally accepted definition of infrastructure equity, and traditional benefit-cost analysis (BCA) typically lacks equity considerations, making it challenging to consistently assess equity impacts. This paper first explores both qualitative and quantitative aspects of infrastructure equity, focusing on key areas such as climate resilience, transportation, energy access, health, and workforce development. To address the limitations of traditional BCA, which often overlooks equity, this paper introduces an equity-weighted benefit-cost analysis (ewBCA) model. The ewBCA model not only evaluates financial feasibility but also places greater emphasis on the benefits received by disadvantaged populations, ensuring equity is fully integrated into procurement evaluation. By quantifying the benefits to marginalized communities, the model helps identify projects that can effectively address long-standing disparities in access to critical services and resources. A case study from BIL discretionary grant applications demonstrate that the ewBCA approach yields enhanced benefits for disadvantaged communities compared to traditional BCA. However, while the ewBCA model offers a more equitable approach to infrastructure procurement, challenges related to data accuracy and long-term geographical population shifts persist and require further attention.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to learn the new trend in transportation development
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to connect with locality and academic people
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to learn the cutting edge technology