Section 2: Overview of the DBE Program
The DBE Program is a legislatively mandated United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) program that applies to federal-aid highway dollars expended on federally- assisted contracts issued by USDOT recipients such as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
The program is administered by the USDOT’s three modal administrations: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Implementation of the DBE Program is guided by USDOT regulations found at 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 26.
TxDOT has established a DBE Program in accordance with regulations of the USDOT.
TxDOT’s primary DBE Program objectives are:
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- To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of USDOT-assisted contracts in TxDOT’s highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs. Anchor: #i998660
- To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for USDOT-assisted contracts. Anchor: #i998664
- To ensure that TxDOT's DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law. Anchor: #i998668
- To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR, Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs. Anchor: #i998672
- To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in USDOT-assisted contracts. Anchor: #i998676
- To promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally-assisted contracts and procurement activities conducted by recipients. Anchor: #i998680
- To assist the development of firms so they can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE Program. Anchor: #i998684
- To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.