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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

MAX Transit is interested in firms that demonstrate a commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages firms to employ a work force that reflects the region’s diversity and to adhere to non-discrimination provisions. As a federal Grantee, MAX Transit must have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise(DBE) Policy, annual DBE Goals ,and a Civil Rights/Title VI Policy in place. MAX Transit encourages small and women or minority-owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) firms to submit bids or proposals. (DBE) firms to submit bids or proposals. DBE firms are encouraged to afford all potential business partners and equal, non-discriminatory opportunity to compete for business as joint venture partners or subcontractors

Objectives / Policy Statements

The Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority hereafter known as BJCTA has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The BJCTA has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, the BJCTA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26. It is the policy of the BJCTA to ensure that DBEs are defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT–assisted contracts. It is also our policy:

           1. To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT – assisted contracts;
          2. To create a level playing field on which DBEs 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 marketplace outside the DBE Program.
At the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, we foster solid economic growth by diversifying our supplier base - it is one of the many ways we offer value to our customers, stakeholders, employees and the communities we serve.

WE TAP INTO THE POWER OF DIVERSITY - by taking steps to actively participate in encouraging our employees to stimulate the economy by supporting minority-owned, woman-owned and small and diverse businesses when seeking new products and services.

OUR COMMITMENT IS UNWAVERING - as we continue to grow local and diverse business, we also maintain our competitive advantage. Thanks to the Disadvantage Business Enterprises Program, we are able to identify and utilize companies which provide high-quality products and services to benefit our 3 million bus riders.

AT THE BIRMINGHAM JEFFERSON COUNTY TRANSIT AUTHORITY - we believe this gives us an opportunity to positively contribute to our communities. Overall, we encourage certified suppliers to join us in partnering with the Disadvantage Business Enterprise program initiatives.

What is DBE?

The intent of the Program is to eliminate barriers for women and minorities participating in contracting opportunities. The program is not a quota or set aside program; it is goal-based requiring good faith efforts to meet goals.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program(DBE) is a vehicle to make it easier for minorities to compete for procurement opportunities. The DBE Program is applicable to projects that are funded with federal dollars received through grants from the FAA, FHWA, or FTA. The DBE Program is governed by 49 CFR Part 26 & 23. BJCTA adheres to the DBE guidelines for federally and non-federally funded projects.

What Defines a Disadvantaged Business Entity?

Firm must be an existing small business, as defined by Small Business Administration Standards.
Ownership

51% owned by one or more minority individuals

Control

Owner(s) must control the business operations of the firm.

Economically Disadvantaged

Person Net Worth must be below $1.32 Million and business gross less than $23.98 Million

Socially Disadvantaged

African American, Female, Native American, Asian-Pacific and other minority classifications

Certifying Agencies in Alabama

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