DBE Policy

In accordance with the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) 49 CFR, Part 26, dated March 4, 1999, the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) is committed to the development and implementation of an effective and Federally-compliant Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program applies to all USDOT-assisted RGRTA procurement activities where reasonably feasible.  This will include all USDOT-assisted capital, construction and professional service contracts.

The primary objective for establishing a DBE Program is to facilitate the participation of firms owned and controlled by known socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in obtaining procurement contracts.  To this end, RGRTA's goals include the following:

1. To assist firms owned and/or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals so they may equitably compete for contracts and subcontracts;
2. To assure that all contracts and procurements are administered without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or gender; and
3. To assist firms owned and/or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in overcoming barriers to program participation.

The RGRTA has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and, as a condition of receiving this assistance, the RGRTA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR, Part 26.

It is the policy of the RGRTA to ensure that DBEs, as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts.  The Authority's DBE Program was established to meet the following objectives:

1. To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts;
2. To create a "level playing field" on which DBE's 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 market place outside the DBE Program.

The RGRTA goal for DBE participation for Federal Fiscal Year 2012-2013 is 10%.

Obtaining Certification as a USDOT-certified DBE

The New York Unified Certification Process (UCP) provides "one stop shopping" to applicants for DBE certification within New York State.  This DBE certification will be honored by all participating New York State UCP agencies.

To obtain information on DBE Certification, please contact the New York State Department of Transportation at www.nysdot.gov or 518-457-3180.

Please direct questions or comments related to RGRTA's DBE Program and Policies to our DBE Liaison Officer at the Procurement and Grants Administration Department.