DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (DBE)

This program is regulated and administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as authorized by CFR 49, Part 26 for the purpose of contracts that are funded in whole or in part with federal funds.  A concessions plan also falls under this program.  The purpose of this program is to:

• Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts in the Department's highway, transit and airport financial assistance programs
• To create a level playing field on which DBE's can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts
• To ensure that the Department's DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law
• To ensure that only firms that fully meet this part's eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBE's
• To help remove barriers to the participation of DBE's in DOT assisted contracts
• To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program
• And to provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal Financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBE's.

DBE GOALS

An overall DBE goal is established annually.  Appropriate project goals will be established throughout the year as they occur to meet and support the annual goal.  DBE goals are assigned to requests for proposals and bids, when appropriate.

When a DBE goal has been assigned, the writer must submit with the proposal or bid a DBE Assurance Statement or the Good Faith Efforts Statement for the proposal or bid to be considered.  The Assurance Statement Requires:

1. Listing the DBE companies to be used.

2. The work or service they are to provide.

3. The dollar value of the work or service.

The apparent successful writer must submit by the end of the next business day following notification of award of contract a Letter of Intent to perform as a DBE Subcontractor or Joint Venture.  The Letter of Intent:

1. Requires a detailed description of the work items to be performed.

2. The total cost of the work to be performed.

3. Signatures of the DBE and prime contractor.