Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
MAX Transit is interested in firms that demonstrate a commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages firms to employ a work force that reflects the region’s diversity and to adhere to non-discrimination provisions. As a federal Grantee, MAX Transit must have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise(DBE) Policy, annual DBE Goals ,and a Civil Rights/Title VI Policy in place. MAX Transit encourages small and women or minority-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) firms to submit bids or proposals. (DBE) firms to submit bids or proposals. DBE firms are encouraged to afford all potential business partners and equal, non-discriminatory opportunity to compete for business as joint venture partners or subcontractors
Objectives / Policy Statements
The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority hereafter known as BJCTA has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The BJCTA has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, the BJCTA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26. It is the policy of the BJCTA to ensure that DBEs are defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT–assisted contracts. It is also our policy:
1. To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT – assisted contracts;
2. To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;
3. To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
4.To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
5. To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts; and
6. To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program.
What is DBE?
The intent of the Program is to eliminate barriers for women and minorities participating in contracting opportunities. The program is not a quota or set aside program; it is goal-based requiring good faith efforts to meet goals.
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program(DBE) is a vehicle to make it easier for minorities to compete for procurement opportunities. The DBE Program is applicable to projects that are funded with federal dollars received through grants from the FAA, FHWA, or FTA. The DBE Program is governed by 49 CFR Part 26 & 23. BJCTA adheres to the DBE guidelines for federally and non-federally funded projects.
What Defines a Disadvantaged Business Entity?
Ownership
51% owned by one or more minority individuals
Control
Owner(s) must control the business operations of the firm.
Economically Disadvantaged
Person Net Worth must be below $1.32 Million and business gross less than $23.98 Million
Socially Disadvantaged
African American, Female, Native American, Asian-Pacific and other minority classifications
