Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

All DBE questions related to current open bids identified on the Procurement Services Open Bids and RFPs website are to be submitted through Bids and Tenders as identified in the project's contract documents. Do not submit these questions to the DBE Liaison listed.

About

As recipients of federal transportation funds, Placer County must comply with all federal regulations, and make every effort to encourage and assist in the outreach and participation of DBE firms. The goal of the program is to ensure non-discrimination and create a level playing field in which DBEs can compete fairly for Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contracts.

Current Program

The current DBE Program includes a race-conscious component that will require race-conscious contract specific goals to be incorporated into all DOT-funded consultant and construction contracts. Race-conscious contract goals and Good Faith Efforts (CFR 49 Part 26.53) will be required as part of the program compliance and will include all certified DBEs.

The DBE Program Plan is based on U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR, Part 26  requirements (the terms and definitions in the DBE program are referenced at section 26.5). The policy of the plan is that Placer County, (as a Federal Fund Recipient), ensures DBEs have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts.  It is also the goal of the County:

• To ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts
• To ensure DBE participation percentage 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.

Regulations

The DBE program requires certain information, forms and reports to be submitted with bid and proposal documentation and after contract award regarding all DBE participation and utilization. The submittal of these forms is essential to the overall success of the projects and is required by Federal laws providing funding and can be considered a condition of award. 

It is important these forms and documents are accurately and completely filled out with response to all questions in regards to DBEs; reference to attachments and exhibits should be clearly referred to and displayed. When completing the required information it is helpful to have the forms typed or neatly printed, signed where appropriate, and submitted within the specified time limits.