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Natalie LeFlore

Developing a Compliant DBE Program



Is your agency in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s DBE Program regulations and standards for this year’s annual reports?


The Department's DBE program is designed to remedy ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in federally-assisted highway, transit, airport, and highway safety financial assistance transportation contracting markets nationwide.


The DBE program's primary remedial goal and objective is to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.


Recipients of funds awarded by The Department of Transportation must develop and implement a DBE program that conforms to DOT standards. EPA’s DBE program and its requirements are contained within 40 CFR Part 33 as modified by various memorandums and exceptions issued over time.


The core components of EPA’s DBE program include:



*Entities that meet the certification criteria under at least one of the following authorizing statutes are qualified for EPA’s DBE program:



*Recipients are required to make six good faith efforts whenever procuring construction, equipment, services, and supplies under an EPA financial assistance agreement.



*Recipients must adhere to a number of contract administration requirements related to subcontractor payments, procurement contracts, and more.



*Recipients must complete EPA Form 5700-52A (fillable) (pdf) to report MBE/WBE utilization under EPA assistance agreements when the combined total of funds budgeted for procuring supplies, equipment, construction or services exceeds the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. (Currently $250,000)



*Recipients must maintain all records documenting its compliance with the requirements of this program in accordance with applicable record retention requirements for the recipient's financial assistance agreement.


Final annual reports must be submitted by October 30th of each year or 90 days after the end of the project period, whichever comes first. Visit the DOT’s Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about DBE regulations and requirements.


 

The LeFlore Group was established in 2002 as a full-service support group with the purpose of helping the transit industry navigate government compliance, project and program management, and organizational improvement.


We recently introduced an innovative new tool to revolutionize how Transit Agencies connect with Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), DBEmatchmaking.com!


Our Match Making website provides an easy-to-use platform your agency can use to list all of your bid opportunities, allowing DBEs to register their interest and enabling agencies to receive their contact information. This tool will help fulfill outreach requirements for your DBE Plan and streamline the DBE vendor list. It's the perfect one-stop access for DBEs and effortless outreach for agencies.


A DBE program can take on a life of its own, especially if your agency is short-staffed. TLG can assist your team in developing a compliant DBE program that meets all FTA requirements. TLG also has the unique experience of navigating the nuances of developing plans for municipalities. Last, as a certified DBE, The LeFlore Group can help you meet your DBE goals. 


Feel free to contact Rudy LeFlore for more information.

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