Disadvantaged & Small Business Enterprise Program
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise regulations (49 CFR Parts 23 & 26, as amended effective October 3, 2025), all DBEs certified under the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP) are undergoing statewide reevaluation. Until this process is complete, LYNX will not count DBE participation toward its overall goal. DBE data may continue to be collected for informational purposes only. This approach will remain in effect until the Florida UCP completes the reevaluation process required under 49 CFR § 26.111 and USDOT issues further guidance.
LYNX’ DBE Program and Objectives
The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, d.b.a. LYNX, administers a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 to ensure that all small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in DOT-assisted contracting. Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, LYNX will not establish contract-specific DBE goals implementing a DBE-neutral program, without regard to race or sex, in compliance with federal law and the U.S. Constitution.
LYNX will submit a new overall DBE goal methodology for the next triennial period as required under 49CFR§ 26.45. The use of any contract-specific DBE goals will be determined based on applicable federal regulations in effect at that time.
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.
As such, LYNX's DBE program objectives are to:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT – assisted contracts;
- Promote a level playing field on which small businesses, including DBEs can compete fairly for DOT – assisted contracts;
- Administer the DBE Program in compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements;
- Ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
- Help remove barriers to participation for eligible firms, consistent with federal law; and Assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.
- Assist in 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, internal departments and the business community that perform work for us on DOT-assisted contracts.
DBE Program Goals & Administration
LYNX has established an overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal of 3% for Fiscal Years 2026–2028, in accordance with 49 CFR § 26.45. Consistent with 49 CFR §§ 26.51(h), 26.55(l), and 26.111, DBE participation is not counted toward the overall goal during the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP) reevaluation period.
LYNX currently administers its DBE Program on a DBE-neutral basis and does not establish contract-specific DBE participation goals.
uture Updates: LYNX will review and update its DBE goal methodology and program administration, as required, following completion of the Florida UCP reevaluation process and/or the issuance of any additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
DBE Program Historical Goals
Previous DBE goals and participation data for triennial periods before October 3, 2025 are available for public reference here: Historical Goals.
Important Links
To search for DBE firms, please click the link below to access Florida's DBE Directory. Be sure to check the status of the firms listed in the directory as the directory also contains MBEs and OBEs. Example: UCP Cert. DBE.
Certified DBE firms State of Florida Directory FDOT
DBE archived program goals public notice
North American Industry Classification System NAICS
United States Code of Federal Regulations-DBE 49 CFR Part 26
Florida Department of Transportation DBE Supportive Services
Florida Reserve Minority Owned Banks
Federal Minority Bank Deposit Program
DBE Certification
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) serves as the local certifying agency for the Central Florida region under the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP). A list of Florida certifying agencies can be referenced here: Florida’s Unified DBE Certification Program (UCP) Certifying Members.
Small Business Participation
LYNX's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program includes an element to foster small business participation by structuring contracting requirements to facilitate competition by small business concerns and by taking reasonable steps to eliminate obstacles to their participation as prime contractors and subcontractors. Consistent with 49 CFR § 26.39, DBE certification is not required for small business participation, and LYNX administers these efforts on a DBE-neutral basis, without regard to race or sex, and implements them as part of its good-faith administration of the DBE Program.
Small Business Participation Strategies (49 CFR § 26.39(a-c))
To support small business participation in LYNX procurements, the following DBE-neutral strategies may be used, where appropriate:
- Structuring contracts, where feasible, to allow small businesses to compete.
- Avoiding unnecessary or unjustified bundling of work.
- Using DBE-neutral small business set-asides, when appropriate.
- Breaking out work on large or multi-year contracts.
- Encouraging subcontracting opportunities on contracts without DBE goals.
- Considering teaming or joint venture arrangements.
- Sizing certain prime contracts, where feasible, for small business performance.
How to Participate
Small businesses interested in doing business with LYNX are encouraged to monitor current and upcoming procurement opportunities and to respond to solicitations in accordance with the requirements outlined in each solicitation. Participation is governed by applicable federal, state, and local procurement requirements.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Staff
The DBE Liaison Officer is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE Program. Implementation of the DBE Program is afforded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by LYNX in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.
Maurice A. Jones
DBE Liaison Officer
Phone: (407) 254.6057
majones@golynx.com
Yesenia "Jessie" Munoz
DBE Compliance Administrator
Phone: (407) 254.6186
ymunoz@golynx.com