Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, d.b.a. LYNX, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a comprehensive program developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which establishes guidelines for the participation of firms owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged persons in DOT – assisted contracting. As a recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation and as a condition of receiving this assistance, LYNX has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

LYNX’ DBE Program Objectives

It is the policy of LYNX to ensure that DBEs as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT–assisted contracts. It is also our policy:

To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT – assisted contracts;
To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT – assisted contracts;
To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts;
To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.

LYNX has disseminated this policy statement to the LYNX Board of Directors and all of the components of our organization. We have distributed this statement to DBE and non-DBE business communities that perform work for us on DOT assisted contracts.

DBE Program Goals

For fiscal year 2011, LYNX intends to expend at least 14 percent or its total Federally assisted expenditures with qualified DBE firms. Our goal is to encourage and maximize participation for all LYNX contracts.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

A DBE is a for profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged (owned or controlled by one or more minority persons). A minority is generally defined as an individual who is generally defined as an individual who is African-American, Hispanic American, Asian-American, Native American, a woman or a disabled person. The Federal DBE program also includes Alaskan Natives, Pacific Islanders and persons who are not minorities but who are socially and economically disadvantaged in its definition. The socially and economically disadvantaged owners must demonstrate longstanding, chronic and substantial disadvantage since the business is not owned by persons in the cited minority group.

DBE Program Eligibility Requirements

Owner(s) must own 51 percent of the firm and be a member(s) of one of the following groups:

Women (Regardless of race)
Black Americans
Hispanic Americans
Native Americans
Asian-Pacific Americans
Subcontinent Asian Americans

Any additional groups whose members are designated as socially and economically disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and has a personal net worth not to exceed $1.32 million (minus the individual’s ownership interest in the applicant firm and his or her equity in their primary business).

Click here for DBE FAQ