Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, Policy, and Goals

Policy

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The CSPDC has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, the CSPDC has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of the CSPDC to ensure that DBEs, as defined in Part 26, have an opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. It is also CSPDC policy to –

• Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts;
• Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted 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 are permitted to participate as DBEs;
• To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts; and
• To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program.

CSPDC Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (adopted Aug 21, 2023)

DBE Goal

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prescribes its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and requirements for recipients of Federal funds from the Dept. of Transportation in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Part 26. Specific instructions are found in Section 26.45.

As a recipient of DOT financial assistance via the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC), operating BRITE Transit, must establish a recommended overall DBE goal, every three years to span the following three Federal Fiscal Years (FFYs). The current goal was adopted on August 21, 2023 and is in effect for all applicable procurements between October 1, 2023 and September 20, 2026.

DBE Goal & Methodology (FFYs 2024-2026)

If you are a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and would like to be added to the CSPDC's notification list for contracting opportunities, please contact Paula Melester (paula@cspdc.org).