Public Information Center
DBE Policy Statement
In accordance with requirements of 49 CFR Part 26, entitled, “Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Department of Transportation Programs”, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), is committed to the development and implementation of an effective Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
The Term “disadvantaged business enterprise” as used in this program means a small business that is both owned and controlled by disadvantaged persons. Disadvantaged would include persons who are citizens of the U.S. or lawful permanent residents and who are Blacks (not of Hispanic origin); Hispanics (persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race); Asian Americans; American Indians or Alaskan Natives; groups of individuals who the SBA considers economically and socially disadvantaged under section 8 (a) of the Small Business Act; and women regardless of race or ethnicity.
The phrase “owned and controlled” as used in this definition means that disadvantaged persons must own 51% of the business and that they must control the management and daily operations of the business.
The Executive Director under the direction of the Chairman has the responsibility and is accountable for the implementation of the DBE Program. The Chief Diversity Officer will serve as the DBE Liaison Officer and shall report directly to the Executive Director.
This DBE program is designed to ensure that DBEs shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in NFTA business activities including concessions, professional service contracts, purchase of equipment and supplies, construction and non-construction contracts.
To this end, the document delineates the following objectives:
- The appointment of DBE Liaison Officer and support staff to administer this program citing the authority, responsibility and duties of the Liaison officer and support staff.
- Development of percentage goals and timetables for the dollar value of contracts to be awarded to DBEs.
- Procedures by which NFTA will seek Affirmative Action on DBE participation from major suppliers or contractors to the Authority.
- Procedures by which NFTA will assist DBEs to participate in this program in a meaningful manner.
- The implementation of communications and information programs to make DB Es aware of opportunities with NFTA.
- The establishment of monitoring, record keeping and reposting system for assessing the accomplishments of the DBE program and program revision procedures, if necessary.
- The utilization of minority-owned banks where feasible.
NFTA requires all contractors and subcontractors to comply with the appropriate federal and state laws, rules and regulations pertaining to non-discrimination. Managers and supervisors at every level of NFTA shall be responsible for progressive leadership and imaginative action in implementing this program.