Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Metro has established a DBE Program in accordance with the regulations of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26, as a condition of receiving federal assistance.
It is the policy of Metro, as defined in Part 26, to:
- Ensure that DBEs have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT assisted contracts.
- 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.
- Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts.
- Assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program.
Agency’s Goal
In response to the Western States Paving vs. Washington State DOT decision, Metro implemented a race neutral DBE program. Metro’s Annual DBE Participation Goal for Federal Fiscal Year 2008 (October 1 through September 30) is 6%.