CapMetro has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. CapMetro’s overall DBE goal for FY2020-22 is 19% of the Federal financial assistance expended in DOT-assisted contracts, exclusive of FTA funds to be used for the purchase of transit vehicles. It will obtain 10% from Race Neutral participation and 9% from Race Conscious measures.
The DBE Program
- Ensures equal opportunity in transportation contracting markets.
- Addresses the effects of discrimination in transportation contracting.
- Promotes increased participation in federally funded contracts by small, socially, and economically disadvantaged businesses, including minority- and women-owned enterprises.
The statute requires that at least 10 percent of the amounts made available for any Federal-aid highway, mass transit, and transportation research and technology program be expended with certified DBEs.
It is CapMetro’s Policy to:
- Ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted and locally funded contracts.
- Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted and locally funded contracts.
- Ensure that the DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law.
- Ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR part 26 eligibility standards can participate as DBEs.
- Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted and locally funded contracts.
- Assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program.
Federal Regulation, 49 CFR, Part 26, Subpart E, section 26.81 states that each state must implement a “one-stop” certification process for DBEs. Each entity receiving DOT funds is required to enter into and sign an agreement establishing and supporting a Unified Certification Program (UCP) within the state.
In response to this mandate, 6 agencies have agreed to perform the certification of DBEs within the state of Texas under the Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP). The agencies are:
- Texas Department of Transportation
- North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency
- City of Houston
- City of Austin
- Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
For more information, please visit www.capmetro.org or email dbe_cmta@capmetro.org.
Source: CapMetro
