DATE: November 8, 2016
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE POLICY STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS PART 26, FOR CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES PAID FOR IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITH FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AS APPLICABLE
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The District, as part of being fiscally responsible, pursues grant opportunities as a potential source of funds, which then becomes part of our balanced budget. Grants can be conditioned upon certain assurances which must be met in order for funds to be awarded and/or distributed.
Some of those grant assurances are related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts. More specifically, it may include outreach efforts to ensure nondiscrimination and inclusion of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or other criteria or characteristics such as disabled veterans.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is committed to serving communities in transportation markets and distributes substantial funding each year to assist with financing construction projects of state and local governments. In providing financial assistance, the DOT takes steps to ensure nondiscrimination in DOT-assisted contracts. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a tool used by the DOT to remedy any ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in federally-assisted contracting nationwide. The DBE program seeks to level the playing field for all contractors competing for DOT-assisted contracts by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded contracts. Individuals rebuttably presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged include minorities, women, and any groups designated by the Sma...
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