VIA Metropolitan Transit has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT). VIA receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. DOT, and as a condition of this assistance, VIA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26. VIA’s DBE program is applicable to contracts funded with federal assistance. The DBE program is part of the Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance/DBELO Division. VIA has committed to:
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Ensuring nondiscrimination in the award and administration of U.S. DOT-assisted contracts;
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Creating a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for U.S. DOT-assisted contracts;
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Ensuring that the DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
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Ensuring that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
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Helping remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in U.S. DOT-assisted contracts; and
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Assisting the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE program.
It is VIA’s policy to never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.
In administering its DBE program, VIA will not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, use criteria or methods of administration that have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of its federal DBE program with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, sex, or national origin.
Purpose
VIA’s DBE Program is designed to create a level playing field on which disadvantaged/minority/woman-and veteran-owned/small business enterprises can compete fairly in all facets of VIA’s contracting, professional services, and purchasing activities. VIA’s DBE program will not be used to discriminate against any company or group of companies. VIA’s DBE program does not utilize quotas for contracts or permit the use of set-asides. However, VIA accepts the premise that special efforts must be made to remove barriers to include small businesses in the local economic mainstream, thereby promoting economic competition within the free enterprise system. To this end, VIA is committed to providing small businesses fair opportunities to participate in VIA’s business supplier diversity programs as well as assisting the development of small businesses that can successfully compete outside of VIA’s program.