DBE Program

Welcome to PSTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Title 49 CFR Part 26. The DBE Program applies to federally assisted contracts issued by the (DOT) to recipients of federal financial assistance, particularly those related to highway, transit, and aviation projects. It ensures that these contracts are made available to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. PSTA’s DBE goal for FFY 2025 – 2027 is 5.00%. A copy of PSTA’s DBE Program Plan FY25 – FY27 Goal Setting Methodology is available upon request.

Program Goals and Objectives

PSTA will implement its DBE Program in good faith and shall not permit the use of race or gender conscious quotas or set asides in its administration. All federally funded contracts and procurements are administered without discrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin.

The Program’s goal is to provide DBEs with an equal opportunity to participate in all federally funded agreements, contracts, and subcontracts awarded by:

· Creating a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly.

· Ensuring the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law.

· Contracting firms that only meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards as DBEs.

· Assisting in the development of DBEs to successfully compete in the marketplace outside the DBE Program.

Eligibility Requirements

A DBE is a small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

DBE status is determined by the following criteria:

· The existing business must be "for-profit" and currently operational.

· Meet the federal definition of a small business concern.

· Be an independent business that does not depend on its relationships with another firm or firms; if they are a subsidiary of a corporation, the business must still operate in a self-sufficient manner.

· The qualifying owner(s) must meet the federal definition of "socially and economically disadvantaged" individuals.

· The qualifying owner(s) cannot have a net worth that exceeds $2.047 million and have day-to-day control of operations. They must possess an expertise in their work specialty.

Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. Social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control. Evidence of individual social disadvantage must include one of these elements:

· At least one objective distinguishing feature that has contributed to social disadvantage, such as race, ethnic origin, gender, disability, long-term residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society, or other similar causes not common to individuals who are not socially disadvantaged.

· Personal experiences of substantial and chronic social disadvantage in American society, not in other countries; and

· Negative impact on entry into or advancement in the business world because of the disadvantage.

Economically disadvantaged individuals are socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same or similar line of business who are not socially disadvantaged. Each individual claiming economic disadvantage must describe the conditions which are the basis for the claim in a narrative statement and must submit personal financial information.

Advantages of DBE Certification

DBE Certification helps contractors and consultants identify DBE’s eligible to participate on federally funded contracts. Only certified DBEs count towards fulfilling a solicitation with a DBE goal. In addition, certification also provides a greater exposure for work opportunities on PSTA projects, plus education, training, access to loans, and bonding, provided by other agencies.

Certification is available by contacting the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or Tampa International Airport Office Business Diversity Management System.

Once certified, a firm is listed in the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP). The UCP is used by state departments, local governments, contractors, and the public. PSTA is a non-certifying member of the UCP and uses the UCP to confirm DBE Certification.

DBE Program Office Hours

Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.