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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 4910-9X

Office of the Secretary

49 CFR Part 26

[Docket No. OST-2012- ] RIN: 2105-AE08

RIN 2105- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise: Program Implementation Modifications

Agency: Office of the Secretary (OST), DOT.

Action: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

_____________________________________________

SUMMARY: This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposes three categories of 

changes to improve implementation of the Department of Transportation’s disadvantaged 

business enterprise (DBE) rule. First, the NPRM proposes revisions to personal net worth, 

application, and reporting forms. Second, the NPRM proposes modifications to certificationrelated provisions of the rule. Third, the NPRM would modify several other provisions of the 

rule, concerning such subjects as good faith efforts, transit vehicle manufacturers and counting of 

trucking companies. 

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received by {Insert date 60 days from the 

date of publication in the Federal Register}. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments (identified by the agency name and DOT Docket ID 

Number OST-2012- ) by any of the following methods:
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• Federal Rulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov and follow the online 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New 

Jersey Avenue S.E., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, D.C. 

20590-0001 

• Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 

Jersey Avenue S.E., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

• Fax: 202-493-2251 

Note that all comments received will become part of the docket and will be posted without 

change to www.regulations.gov including any personal information provided and will be 

available to internet users. You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the 

Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477) or you may visit 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR2010--29/pdf/2010-32876.pdfDocket. For internet access to 

the docket to read background documents and comments received, go to www.regulations.gov. 

Background documents and comments received may also be viewed at the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave S.E., Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground 

Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday 

through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jo Anne Robinson, Office of General Law, 

U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C., 20590, 

202-366-9154, joanne.robinson@dot.gov.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In January 2011, the Department published a final 

rule making a number of important policy changes to the DBE program. These included 

requiring greater accountability for recipients with respect to meeting overall goals, adjusting the 

Part 26 personal net worth cap applicable to owners of DBE firms for inflation to $1.32 million, 

requiring greater monitoring of contracts by recipients, adding a small business element to 

recipients’ DBE programs, and facilitating interstate certification. In order not to delay these 

policy initiatives, the rulemaking did not include other, more technical, program improvements. 

These include modifications to the forms involved with the program, changes to certificationrelated provisions in response to eligibility concerns that have come to the Department’s 

attention, and modifications to a variety of other program provisions. This NPRM addresses this 

series of issues. The Department notes that the DBE program was recently reauthorized in the 

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (‘MAP–21’), Public Law 112–141 (enacted 

July 6, 2012). The Department believes that this reauthorization is intended to maintain the status 

quo of the DBE program and does not include any significant substantive changes to the 

program.

FORMS

Personal Net Worth (PNW) Form and Related Requirements of 49 CFR 26.67

In an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (74 FR 15904; April 8, 2009), the 

Department asked for comments on potential improvements to the rule’s PNW form. Some 

comments sought to simplify the forms, and other comments recommended additions. A 

number of commenters provided detailed suggestions about how the form should be configured. 

Based on the comments, as well as on the Department’s experience with reviewing certification 
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appeals and other issues that have come to the Department’s attention, the Department is 

proposing a revised PNW form. 

With respect to the PNW form, we mentioned in a June 2003 revision to Part 26 that 

we had not found anything more appropriate to capture a snapshot of a person’s net worth than a 

Small Business administration (SBA) Form 413, and we included it in the Appendix. Some 

commenters recommended use of this form, with some modifications.

We have learned of several concerns regarding SBA Form 413. First, the instructions 

require each partner or stockholder with 20% ownership or more of voting stock to complete the 

form. This is not required by Part 26 and has caused some confusion. Second, in order to 

determine whether an applicant’s net worth is below the threshold, more detailed information is 

needed by recipients than the SBA form provides. Third, an applicant has limited space for 

entering information, and it appears they are often supplementing their entries with separate 

documents. To correct these problems and help alleviate these concerns, the Department is 

proposing, in section 26.67 (a)(2)(i), the use of a newly designed PNW statement along with the 

accompanying instruction sheet (see the proposed Appendix B of the regulation) for use by all 

applicants to the program and those submitting annual affidavits. The Department would 

encourage recipients to post the new form electronically in a screen-fillable format on their 

website to allow users to complete and print the form on-line.

One commenter suggested that the Department mandate that the form be used without 

modification and that regulatory provisions be added to address violations by Uniform 

Certification Programs (UCPs) that modify the forms. We agree that the standard personal net 

worth form contained in Appendix G should be used in all cases and have stated so in this 

proposed revision. We understand, however, that individual situations and unique financial 
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arrangements within certain industries may make it necessary for recipients to seek additional 

information beyond what is provided on the form. 

For instance, if an applicant reports other business interests in section 5 of the new 

form, recipients should ascertain the value of these entities by obtaining financial statements, 

balance sheets, and federal/state tax returns. With this information, recipients will be able to 

verify the applicant’s valuation of their ownership interests in these other firms. Similarly, an 

applicant reporting stock and bond holdings should be asked to provide quarterly account 

statements. Also, directly written on the form in section 2 (Real Estate Owner) is the requirement 

that applicants submit copies of real estate deeds, mortgage notes, and instruments of 

conveyance. In short, recipients are encouraged, during their review of the firm’s eligibility, to 

look behind the statement and these submissions, and request additional information if necessary. 

Firms must cooperate with these requests pursuant to §26.73(c) and §26.109(c), and a failure or 

refusal to provide such information is a ground for a denial or removal of certification. 

We propose to amend paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) and (iii) to stress that the PNW statement 

must include all assets owned by the individual, including any ownership interests in the 

applicant firm, personal assets, and the value of his or her personal residence excluding the 

equity. Item iii(B) clarifies that the equity in an owner’s primary residence is the market value of 

the residence less any mortgages and home equity loan balances. It also states the basic 

consideration that recipients are to ensure that home equity loan balances are included in the 

equity calculation and not as a separate liability on the individual’s personal net worth form.

Paragraph (b) of §26.67 currently states that if an individual’s statement of personal net 

worth shows that he or she exceeds the limitation of $1.32 million the individual’s presumption 

of disadvantage is rebutted. 
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 We propose adding a second component to this statement taken from the Department’s 

long-standing guidance on personal net worth—if the person demonstrates an ability to 

accumulate substantial wealth, has unlimited growth potential, or has not experienced or has not 

had to overcome impediments to obtaining access to financing, markets, and resources, the 

individual’s presumption of economic disadvantage is rebutted, even if the individual’s PNW is 

less than $1.32 million. As stated in this new section and demonstrated in an example contained 

in the regulation text, it is appropriate for recipients to review the total fair market value of the 

individual’s assets and determine if that level appears to be substantial and indicates an ability to 

accumulate substantial wealth. If a recipient makes this determination this may lead to a 

conclusion that the individual is not economically disadvantaged. The purpose of this proposed 

amendment is to give recipients a tool to exclude from the program someone who, in overall 

assets terms, is what a reasonable person would consider to be a wealthy individual, even if one 

with liabilities sufficient to bring his or her PNW under $1.32 million. The Department also 

seeks comment on whether a more bright-line approach would be preferable, such as saying that 

someone whose Adjusted Gross Income on his or her Federal income tax return was over $1 

million for two or three years in a row would lose the presumption of economic disadvantage, 

regardless of PNW.

In certain instances, assets that individuals have transferred two years prior to filing their 

certification application may be counted when calculating their PNW. These circumstances are 

currently described in Appendix E, which attributes to an individual claiming disadvantaged 

status any assets which that individual has transferred to an immediate family member, or to a 

trust a beneficiary of which is an immediate family member, for less than fair market value, 

within two years prior to a concern’s application for participation in the DBE program or within 
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two years of a participant’s annual program review. The Department proposes to add this same 

language directly to the regulation text at §26.67 in a new paragraph (e). 

We are also proposing to add a provision concerning transfers from the DBE owner to the 

applicant firm. This is necessary for two reasons. First, the placement of the added language 

within the current section better emphasizes the importance of considering transfers of funds 

from the DBE owner to the applicant firm when assessing a person’s economic disadvantage. 

Second, we have learned of situations in which DBE owner/applicants are shielding a portion of 

their personal assets by transferring them to the applicant firm that he/she owns and controls. The 

Department recognizes that such financial transactions may be an acceptable business practice; 

however, we also recognize that asset transfers can be used to artificially depress their PNW in 

order to qualify for the program. Because the regulation excludes the ownership interest in the 

applicant firm in calculating its owner’s PNW, the ability to transfer one’s personal assets to this 

entity would defeat the purpose of ensuring that only economically disadvantaged individuals 

participate in the DBE program. 

Additional portions of this section taken from Appendix E would be retained. These 

provisions state that transfers will be included in a person’s net worth unless the individual 

claiming disadvantaged status can demonstrate that the transfer is to, or on behalf of, an 

immediate family member for that individual’s education, medical expenses, or some other form 

of essential support. In addition, recipients are not to attribute to an individual claiming 

disadvantaged status any assets transferred by that individual to an immediate family member 

that are consistent with the customary recognition of special occasions, such as birthdays, 

graduations, anniversaries, and retirements. The Department seeks comment on whether these 

exceptions to the inclusions of transfers in someone’s PNW would open an overly wide 
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opportunity for people to artificially understate their assets. If so, how should such transfers be 

handled?

The Department also seeks comment on whether the spouse of an applicant owner should 

have to file a PNW statement, even if the spouse is not involved in the business in question. In 

this connection, we note that SBA requires the submission of a separate form from a nonapplicant spouse if the applicant is married and not legally separated. Currently, recipients in the 

DOT program can request relevant information from spouses on a case-by-case basis. The 

complexities of jointly owned assets and liabilities and the ability of married couples to transfer 

assets in order to participate in the program could make it useful to certifying agencies to have 

PNW information about spouses. Recipients could use the net worth statement submitted by a 

non-applicant spouse as a way check to see whether applicants have transferred assets and as a 

basis to inquire further as to the circumstances. While this information could improve recipients’ 

ability to protect the integrity of the program, requiring detailed information from spouses not 

involved with a company could also prove intrusive and add considerably to the information 

burden of the program for applicants and the volume of materials that recipients would have to 

review and evaluate. We also seek comment on whether the treatment of assets held by married 

couples should extend to couples who are part of domestic partnerships or civil unions where 

these relationships are formally recognized under state law.

 In addition, we seek comment on whether the Department should adopt a provision 

similar to SBA language which considers a spouse’s financial situation in determining an 

individual’s access to credit and capital where the spouse has a role in the business (e.g. an 

officer, employee, director) or has lent money to, provided credit support to, or guaranteed a loan 

of the business. Although the Department does not use “access to credit and capital” as criteria 
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for certification, should the involvement of a spouse in the firm trigger further consideration of 

their net worth and should the recipient collect the personal financial statement from this person? 

Are there other circumstances that would warrant this?

Application Form 

Under the current DBE rule, certification occurs on a statewide basis through the Unified 

Certification Program (UCP) in each state. The “one-stop shopping” for DBE applicants within a 

state has simplified certification by making it unnecessary for recipients to apply multiple times 

for certification by various transit authorities, airports, and highway departments .

In the May 10, 2010 NPRM, we proposed several enhancements to the program to

facilitate interstate certification and interstate reciprocity, many of which appear in the revised 

rule issued by the Department on January 27, 2011. In order to reach the goal of a simplified 

administrative process for certification, it is necessary to revisit the DBE/ACDBE Certification 

Application form used by firms applying for certification. The current form, adopted in the June 

16, 2003, regulation revision (68 Fed. Reg. 35542), was designed to be more streamlined and 

user-friendly, yet comprehensive enough to supply recipients with the necessary information to 

form their initial line of questioning prior to and during an on-site visit and to further assist them 

in making determinations as to applicants’ qualifications for the DBE Program. At the time, the 

Department sought to keep the form manageable, easy to read, and easy to follow for applicants 

who must fill out the form, while simultaneously being accessible and practical for many 

recipients that distribute the form. 

It is important to bear in mind that certification has two purposes. One is to foster and 

facilitate DBE participation by as many firms as can be determined to be eligible. The other is to 
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preserve the integrity of the program, a strong certification system being the first line of defense 

against program fraud. To some extent, these goals can be in tension with one another, 

particularly when information collection can be viewed as burdensome to applicants but also 

viewed as necessary to recipients’ efforts to maintain program integrity.

Certainly, an application form that remains accessible and usable by firms is a priority,

and the Department encourages the continued efforts by recipients to post the form on the 

Internet in a screen-fillable format. Some commenters on the ANPRM sought ways to simplify 

the forms, while others recommended additions. A number of commenters provided detailed 

suggestions about how the forms should be configured. Based on the comments, as well as on the 

Department’s experience with reviewing certification appeals and other issues that have come to 

the Department’s attention, the Department is proposing a revised application form.

The proposed DBE/ACDBE Certification Application form and accompanying 

instructions would be used for both the DBE and ACDBE programs. Applicants will be 

requested to provide such items as: (1) a list of dates of any site visits conducted by the firm’s 

home state and any other UCP members; (2) details concerning denial or decertification, 

withdrawals, suspension/debarment actions; (3) a business profile seeking a concise description 

of the firm’s primary activities, products, or services the company provides; (4) a written 

description of the applicant’s relationships and dealings with other businesses, including the 

sharing of equipment, storage space, inventory, and staff; (5) an assessment of the amount of 

time the majority owner and key officers, directors, managers, and key personnel devote to firm 

activities such as bidding and estimating, supervising field operations, and managing staff or 

crew, and (6) résumés and salaries of owners, directors, managers and key personnel. The 

proposed form would also remove obsolete material (e.g., relating to a now-expired SBA-DOT 
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memorandum of understanding). The proposed form revisions include commonly requested 

items as well as items already mentioned in the existing regulation at §26.83. ACDBE 

applications would be requested to provide details concerning their concession leases at airports.

DBE Commitments/Awards and Payment Reporting Form

The Department has identified several concerns regarding the format of Uniform Report 

of DBE Commitments/Awards and Payments form found in Appendix B of 49 CFR Part 26. 

These include the inability to break out woman-owned DBE participation by race; inadequate, 

confusing or unclear instructions; inability of the form to meet differing needs of the various 

types of organizations/businesses participating in the DBE program; and difficulties in collecting 

information regarding payments to DBE on an ongoing/ “real time” basis. The Department 

believes the proposed form responds to these concerns by: creating separate forms for routine 

DBE reporting and for transit vehicle manufacturers (TVMs) and mega projects; amending and 

clarifying the report’s instructions to better explain how to fill out the forms; and changing the 

forms to better capture the desired DBE data on a more continuous basis, which should also 

assist with recipients’ post-award oversight responsibilities. 

A 2011 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report criticized the existing form 

because it did not permit DOT to match recipients’ DBE commitments in a given year with 

actual payments made to DBEs on the contracts to which the commitments pertained. The form 

provides information on the funds that are committed to DBEs in contracts let each year. 

However, the “achievements” block on the form refers to DBE payments that took place during 

the current year, including payments relating to contracts let in previous years, but could not
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include payments relating to contracts let in the current year that will not be made until future 

years. 

The form in the NPRM, while attempting to clarify various parts of the reporting process, 

does not directly address this issue. However, it would be possible for the Department, by 

looking at data in 3-5 year groupings, to assemble a surrogate for the comparison that GAO 

recommended. For example, if the Department looked at data from 2009-2011, we could 

calculate an average annual amount of commitments over that period and an average amount of 

DBE payments over that period. While there would still not be a year-to-year correspondence 

between commitments and payments, this approach could smooth out statistical anomalies (e.g., 

years with unusually high or unusually low commitments or payments), providing a reasonable 

approximation of the success of recipients in ensuring that commitments are realized in terms of 

actual payments.

The Department could also modify the form to reach more directly the result that GAO 

recommended. The modification of the achievements portion of the form could look something 

like this:

ACTUAL PAYMENTS TO DBEs FOR COMPLETED CONTRACTS

Year 

contract 

awarded

# of contracts 

completed 

that were let 

in each year

Total $ value 

of contracts 

completed

DBE 

participation 

needed to meet 

$ committed

Total $ 

paid to 

DBEs 

Total % of $ 

committed 

paid to DBEs

2012

2011

2010 4 $10m $1m $900k 90%
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2009

2008

2007

In each row, data would be entered pertaining to payments from contracts let in a given 

year that were completed during the reporting year. By the time all contracts let in that year had 

been completed, DOT could compile the data to compare the recipient’s payments to DBEs for 

payments in a given year to commitments and to goals.

In the example above, a recipient sends in the form in 2012. It shows four contracts let in 

2010 were completed in 2012, with a total value of $10 million. The commitments on those 

contracts, made in 2010, were $1 million. However, actual payments were $900,000, meaning 

that the DBEs realized only 90 percent of the dollars committed to them in 2010 on 

commitments made during 2010. Of course, it would be necessary to accumulate these forms for 

another few years to account for contracts that were not completed until 2013, 2014, etc. 

Consequently, while use of this form would allow the calculation of more precise data on how 

well a recipient had performed in terms of ensuring that commitments resulted in payments (and 

consequently how it had performed in terms of meeting its goals in payment as well as in 

commitment terms), this calculation would take several years to accomplish and would involve 

greater use of resources by recipients and the Department. It may also be questioned whether 

getting this information 3-5 years after the year in which contracts are let would limit too greatly 

the use of the resulting numbers for program administration and oversight purposes.
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The Department seeks comment on how this latter alternative might be improved, and 

also on which of the alternatives discussed here, or other ideas, would best serve the 

accountability and program administration objectives of the Department.

CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS

26.65 What rules govern business size determinations?

In this NPRM, the Department proposes to adjust the statutory gross receipts 

cap for inflation to $23.98 million. The inflation rate on purchases by state and local 

governments for the current year is calculated by dividing the price deflator for the first 

quarter of 2012 (124.668) by 2008’s fourth quarter price deflator (116.524). The result of 

the calculation is 1.0699, which represents an inflation rate of 1.070% from the fourth 

quarter of 2008. Multiplying the $22,410,000 figure for disadvantaged business 

enterprises in Department of Transportation financial assistance programs by 1.0699 

equals $23,976,459, which will be rounded off to the nearest $10,000, or $23,9800,000.

In addition, we propose to add language to the section clarifying that the size 

standard that applies to a particular firm is the one appropriate to its primary industry 

classification. 

§26.69 What rules govern determinations of ownership? 

Most firms, particularly those owned and controlled by socially and economically 

disadvantaged individuals, begin as small operations. Their owners often contribute their own 

funds or assets to equip the firm (referred to as equity financing) and/or borrow or pledge their 

own assets as collateral in order to receive needed funds from lending institutions or venture 
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capitalists, friends, relatives, or industry colleagues (referred as debt financing). While each 

financing transaction has its own unique set of circumstances and requirements, it is fair to say 

that lenders often require some form of the borrower’s personal guarantee. 

The DBE rule reflects this reality in two of its stated objectives: (1) create a level playing 

field for firms to compete for DOT-assisted contracts, and (2) assist the development of firms 

that can compete successfully outside the program. To achieve these objectives, it is necessary to 

ensure that firms are truly owned and controlled by persons who are socially and economically 

disadvantaged. The Department incorporated the concept of “ownership” in the regulation by 

requiring the socially and economically disadvantaged owner to demonstrate his or her personal 

stake in their firm. Specifically, under §26.61 and §26.69, socially and economically 

disadvantaged individuals who seek to participate in the program bear the burden of 

demonstrating that it is they who have made a contribution of capital to acquire their ownership 

in the firm. This contribution must be “real, substantial, and continuing, going beyond pro forma 

ownership of the firm.” The regulation does not define these terms, but §26.69(e) does provide 

some examples of what the Department considers to be an insufficient contribution, including a 

promise to contribute capital, and an unsecured note payable to the firm or an owner who is not a 

disadvantaged individual.

Throughout the course of the program, Unified Certification Programs (UCPs) evaluating 

a firm’s eligibility have properly denied certification to DBE and ACDBE applicants when an 

owner’s contribution was either not real (suggesting the owner did not actually make the 

contribution), insubstantial (not enough of a contribution was provided for what was received), 

not continuing (no subsequent contribution to the firm or rapid withdrawal of a contribution that 
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was made), or simply a pro forma arrangement (conveying the concept of a firm created on paper 

but without actual evidence of a personal contribution). For example: 

• A capital contribution by the disadvantaged owner of $100 is not 

considered substantial to acquire a majority interest in a firm worth $1 million. 

• A situation in which 51% disadvantaged owner and a 49% nondisadvantaged owner who contribute $100 and $10,000, respectively, to acquire a 

firm grossing $1 million, may be indicative of a pro forma arrangement. 

• A recipient can properly question the continuing nature of an owner’s 

contribution when it finds that the sole owner of a DBE applicant firm spends 

$250 to file articles of incorporation and obtains a $100,000 loan, making only 

nominal or sporadic payments to repay the loan.

In each of these examples, the DBE firm is could appropriately be denied certification on 

the grounds that the owner’s contribution of capital does not meet the requirements of §26.69. In 

other arrangements, non-disadvantaged individuals and non-disadvantaged firms may have 

contributed or loaned funds to the disadvantaged owners at the inception of the firm and/or 

provided ongoing monetary support to the business. These arrangements and the source of the 

funds are appropriately questioned by recipients, based on provisions contained in the existing 

§26.69(h). This section currently prescribes a higher “clear and convincing” standard in 

situations where non-disadvantaged individuals or non-DBE firms that remain involved in the 

firm provide interests in a business or gift other assets to the disadvantaged owner applying for 

DBE certification. It requires the disadvantaged owner to demonstrate that the gift or transfer 

they received was made for reasons other than obtaining DBE certification and that the 

disadvantaged owner(s) actually control the management, policy, and operations of the firm, 
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notwithstanding the continuing participation of the non-disadvantaged individual providing the 

gift or transfer. This safeguard is necessary to reduce the potential for front companies and fraud. 

We stated that as long as there are safeguards such as §26.69(h) in place to protect against fronts, 

the origin of the assets, whether from one’s own contribution, a bank loan, gift, inheritance, or 

other means, is unimportant. 

In proposed section 26.69(c)(2), we propose to add language prohibiting situations in 

which a non-disadvantaged party (e.g., an individual, a company) has a prior or superior right to 

a DBE firm’s profits, compared to that of disadvantaged owners of the DBE. Arrangements in 

which non-disadvantaged owners get paid a percentage the firm’s net profits, before any 

calculation of residual profit available for other firm purposes, defeats “ownership” by the 

disadvantaged owners. For example, in the context of certification appeals, the Departmental 

Office of Civil Rights (DOCR) has seen profit sharing and other arrangements through which the 

disadvantaged owner is paid after another owner holding less of an interest. This is particularly 

prevalent in ACDBE situations in which the prime is paid first from firm profits despite the fact 

that the socially/economically disadvantaged owner holds the majority interest on paper.

When a non-disadvantaged individual remains involved in a firm, §26.69(h) adequately

provides recipients with the tools to make an appropriate evaluation of the applicant firm’s 

eligibility. We are learning, however, that recipients are encountering cases in which a nondisadvantaged individual or non-DBE firm provided some form of financing at the firm’s 

inception, enabling a disadvantaged owner to acquire an interest in the firm, in exchange for an 

ownership interest. These types of arrangements call into question whether a disadvantaged 

owner’s ownership is “real, substantial, and continuing” and what considerations should be used 

in evaluating the timing of transactions. 
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While the Department remains committed to the principle that firms are evaluated based 

on present circumstances (see section 26.73(b)(1)), it is also important to pay attention to the 

commercial and arms-length practices involving collateral, as well as the nature, origination, and 

timing of firm acquisition or establishment (i.e., the real and continuing requirement). This 

concern applies to situations in which non-disadvantaged individuals and firms remain involved 

in the firm and in situations where they do not. We are also concerned that the substantiality of 

ownership interests be considered in the entire context of the arrangement and in comparison to 

the overall value of the firm. We believe that greater clarity and specificity in DOT rules would 

be useful in helping recipients deal with situations of this kind.

This was most evident in The Grove, Inc. v. U.S. Department of Transportation, (578 

F.Supp. 2d 37, D.D.C., 2008), a case that upheld the DOCR certification appeal decision that 

The Grove, Inc., an ACDBE, lacked independence from a non-DBE entity that was intertwined 

in The Grove’s finances. However, the Court overturned a portion of the DOCR’s determination 

that the disadvantaged owner failed to make a real and substantial contribution of capital to 

acquire her ownership interest in the firm. At issue in the case were the current provisions in 

§26.69 regarding the use of unsecured loans from non-disadvantaged individuals and how to 

treat personal and marital assets used as collateral to acquire an ownership interest asserted by 

one spouse. The case also presented issues relating to the timing of a transfer of funds from a 

non-disadvantaged individual and the disadvantaged owner’s subsequent deposit of these funds 

into a joint/marital account. The Court ruled that that regulation clearly contemplates the use of 

funds derived from a non-disadvantaged individual or entity as a means to acquire an ownership 

interest. It also addressed what would be considered a reasonable amount of contribution given 

the size of the firm at the time the disadvantaged owner acquired her majority interest. It ruled 
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that the Department did not provide a rationale why a gross profit measure is the appropriate 

measure to value a company as opposed to another method, such as operating margin or net 

income when making this determination. 

To avoid problems of this kind, the Department believes it necessary for applicants to 

submit additional proof to substantiate both the sufficiency of their contribution and the 

circumstances of any funding streams to the firm since its inception. This includes 

documentation of how items used as collateral (whether jointly held or otherwise) are valued,

and proof of ownership in these items (particularly high valued assets), and more stringent 

guidelines for deposits of funds used to acquire the ownership interest in a firm. These additions 

are reflected in proposed revisions to §26.69(a) and (c)(1). The revision to (c)(3) concerning 

dividends and distributions proposes to mandate that one or more disadvantaged owners must be 

entitled to receive at least 51% of the annual distributions of dividends paid on the stock of a 

corporate concern; 100% of the value of each share of stock owned by them in the event that the 

stock is sold; and at least 51% of the retained earnings of the concern and 100% of the 

unencumbered value of each share of stock owned in the event of dissolution of the corporation. 

Of course, consistent with section 26.71(i)(1), recipients should also be aware of issues 

concerning differences in remuneration that could affect the disadvantaged owner’s control of a 

firm. 

A revision to §26.69(i) would add a new requirement concerning marital assets that form 

the basis for ownership in the firm. Under this proposed provision, recipients would have 

discretion in cases where marital assets are used to require information concerning the spouse’s 

assets and liabilities. The recipient would then make a case-by-case determination of whether the 

asset transfer was made for reasons other than obtaining certification as a DBE. 
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In paragraph (i), concerning joint or community property, we seek comment on whether 

greater protections are needed to prevent what are effectively a non-disadvantaged husband’s 

assets from being treated as the capital contribution made by his wife. At present, the wife’s 

share or joint or community property is countable toward ownership requirements if the husband 

renounces his ownership interest in the property. We propose to strengthen this provision by 

adding a sentence to paragraph (i)(2) saying that such a renunciation must be contemporaneous 

with the transfer itself, to avoid after-the-fact gamesmanship.

A new paragraph (k) would incorporate language similar to §26.69(j)(3), which requires 

recipients to give “particularly close and careful scrutiny to the ownership of the firm to ensure 

that it is owned and controlled in substance as well as in form, by a socially and economically 

disadvantaged individual.” The wording of this section is one way to guard against an artificial 

arrangement or accounting mechanism that gives the appearance that a firm was derived from the 

disadvantaged owners’ own assets, when in reality it was not. In the ANPRM, we invited 

comments on what additional safeguards could be incorporated to meet this goal without placing 

undue burden on the applicant firm. The NPRM’s draft paragraph (k) answers this question by 

telling recipients to give “particularly close and careful scrutiny to all interests in a business or 

other assets obtained by a socially and economically disadvantaged owner that resulted from a 

seller-financed sale of the firm or in cases where a loan or proceeds from a non-financial 

institution were used by the owner to purchase the interest.” 

The following proposed conditions would apply to such a transaction: (1) terms and 

conditions must be comparable to prevailing market conditions offered by commercial lenders 

for similar type of projects (e.g., in terms of such factors as duration, rate, and fees); (2) there 

must be evidence provided by the applicant firm and disadvantaged business owner of the 
21

promissory note or loan agreement clearly stating the terms and conditions of the loan, including 

due date and payment method, interest rate, prepayment, defaults, and collateral; (3) the note 

would be a full-recourse note and be personally guaranteed by the socially and economically 

disadvantaged owner and/or secured by assets outside of the ownership interest or future profits 

of the applicant firm; (4) the contributions of capital by the socially and economically 

disadvantaged owner and any use of collateral by the disadvantaged owner must be clearly 

evident from the firm’s and/ or individual’s records and supported by appropriate documentation 

and appraisals; and (5) other than normal loan provisions designed to preserve property pledged 

as collateral, there are no conditions, provisions, or practices that have the effect of limiting the 

socially and economically disadvantaged owner’s ability to control the applicant firm. As in all 

certification matters, the applicant would bear the burden of proving that the transaction meets 

these criteria.

§26.71 What rules govern determinations concerning control?

This section is intended to ensure that recipients analyze the extent to which socially and 

economically disadvantaged individuals control their firm in both substance and form. Along 

with ownership, control of an applicant or participating firm is a central concept to the DBE and 

ACDBE programs and the Department seeks to guard against control of the firm’s ownership 

structure, its operations, and policy decisions by non-disadvantaged individuals. Currently, the 

involvement of non-disadvantaged individuals in the firm’s affairs is addressed in several parts 

of this section, including 26.71(e), (f), and (l). In the Department’s view, the disadvantaged 

owners’ talent and expertise and that of non-disadvantaged participants must be judged 

concurrently. In situations where the disadvantaged owner of an applicant or participating DBE 
22

firm meets the requirements of 26.71(g), the involvement of non-disadvantaged individuals is 

one of support rather than control, with a clear line of authority and decision making ability 

passed from the owner to the non-disadvantaged employee. Alternatively, where the 

disadvantaged owner possesses little or no experience or expertise, non-disadvantaged 

individuals can be seen as more involved in the firm’s affairs such as controlling field operations, 

making major firm decisions, or supervising other employees in the critical areas of the firm’s 

work. They are frequently compensated at a higher rate, and all indications point to their 

disproportionate role at the firm above and beyond that deemed acceptable in the DBE program. 

To explicitly address these scenarios, the Department is placing more stringent control 

requirements in paragraph (e). We are proposing to add a new section regarding nondisadvantaged individuals who once served as an employer or a principal of a former employer 

of any disadvantaged owner of the applicant or DBE firm. Under the proposal, this would form a 

basis for denying certification unless it is determined by the recipient that the relationship 

between the former employer or principal and the disadvantaged individual or applicant concern 

does not give the former employer actual control or the potential to control the applicant or DBE 

firm. To illustrate the potential scenarios wherein non-disadvantaged individuals may be found 

to control the firm, the proposed paragraph (e)(2) provides examples of unacceptable 

arrangements that negatively affect a disadvantaged owners’ control of the firm. 

The current §26.71(l) requires a higher evidentiary standard to be met in situations where 

a firm was formerly owned and/or controlled by a non-disadvantaged individual and such 

ownership and/or control is transferred to a socially and economically disadvantaged individual, 

where the non-disadvantaged individual remains involved in the firm. In such a situation, 

§26.71(l) requires that the disadvantaged individual now owning the firm demonstrate by “clear 
23

and convincing evidence” that: (1) the transfer of ownership and/or control to the disadvantaged 

individual was made for reasons other than obtaining certification as a DBE; and (2) the 

disadvantaged individual actually controls the management, policy, and operations of the firm, 

notwithstanding the continuing participation of a non-disadvantaged individual who formerly 

owned and/or controlled the firm. The Department seeks comment on whether this provision 

should be strengthened by presuming, that non-disadvantaged individuals who make such 

transfers and remain involved in the firm continue to control the business, rather than the 

disadvantaged transferee.

26.73 What are other rules affecting certification?

Under the current 26.73(g), a recipient must not require an applicant firm to be 

prequalified as a condition for certification “unless the recipient requires all firms that participate 

in its contracts and subcontracts to be prequalified.” We propose to delete this part of this 

statement, with the result that prequalification could no longer be used as a criterion for 

certification in any case. While the Department believes that prequalification requirements may 

be an unnecessary barrier to DBE participation, this provision would not prohibit 

prequalification as a condition for receiving certain sorts of contracts. However, whether a firm 

is prequalified is irrelevant to certification concerns such as size, disadvantage, ownership and 

control. It is important for certifiers to analyze only the factors relevant to DBE eligibility and 

not incorporate other recipient business requirements in decisions pertaining to an applicant’s 

qualification for the program. Further, while prequalification may be a requirement for doing 

business in one mode (e.g., highway) it may not be a requirement for doing business in other 

modes (e.g., transit).
24

§26.83 What procedures do recipients follow in making certification decisions?

Under the current rule, recipients must take several steps in determining whether a firm 

meets all eligibility criteria for participation in the DBE program. The on-site visit to the firm’s 

place of business and job sites is a crucial component of this review and the Department seeks to 

strengthen the information collection process. Since the issuance of the 1999 rule, the 

Department has received numerous appeals filed by firms denied certification on the basis of 

control, specifically the involvement of non-disadvantaged individuals in the firm’s critical 

activities. Recipients base their decision after performing an on-site review of the firm and the 

responses owners give to their questions during the visit. 

Interviewing the principal officers of the firm is required under §26.83(c). Some 

recipients, however, also interview key personnel of the firm as a means to verify or cross-check 

the answers they receive from the owners. We believe this is an important practice recipients 

should perform before determining the firm’s eligibility. In addition, interviewing employees 

reveal how they fit in the firm’s overall daily operations and management vis-à-vis the owners. 

By speaking with these individuals as well, recipients gain a clearer view of how owners oversee 

a project, whether from behind a desk or at the field. An owner who is primarily in the office 

handling paperwork may have delegated too much authority to employees in the field, a factor 

that negatively affects their control of the firm. Therefore, the Department proposes adding a 

requirement that recipients interview the key personnel of the firm. In addition, the on-site visit 

should be performed at the firm’s principal place of business, which may or may not be the same 

as the firm’s offices. Both revisions appear in the first two sentences of §26.83(c)(1).
25

Paragraph (c)(2) requires a recipient to analyze the stock ownership in a firm. Here, the

Department proposes adding clarifying language that would require an analysis of 

documentation related to the legal structure, ownership, and control of the applicant firm. This 

includes, but is not limited to Articles of Incorporation/Organization; corporate by-laws or 

operating agreements; organizational, annual and board/member meeting records; and stock 

ledgers and certificates.. Similarly, a revised section (c)(3) and (c)(4) would add the requirement 

that recipients also analyze any lease and loan agreements, bank signature cards, and payroll 

records. 

Where a firm is applying to be certified in more than one North American 

Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code, the NPRM (§26.83(c)(5)) would call on 

recipients to obtain information about the amount of work the firm has performed in the 

various NAICS codes involved. This will help recipients determine the socially and 

economically disadvantaged owners’ level of knowledge in each category of work and 

whether they can control the firm’s operations in these areas in accordance with §26.71. 

The proposed Uniform Certification Application contains added space for firms to enter 

their NAICS Codes directly on the form, which in turn will help recipients with this 

determination. Particularly for start-up firms or for firms moving into new areas of work, 

we do not intend that recipients establish any sort of minimum “track record” as a 

prerequisite to certification. This proposed amendment is simply intended to provide 

what can be additional useful information in some cases. 

Recipients also determine whether a firm meets the applicable size standards and if the 

applicant owner is economically disadvantaged. Tax returns are important information for this 

task. The proposed (c) (7) clarifies that applicants need to provide completed income tax returns
26

or requests for extensions filed by the firm, its affiliates, and the socially and economically 

disadvantaged owners for the last three years. (We recognize that, for start-up or other new firms, 

three years’ worth of tax returns may not yet exist.) As stated in the new paragraph, a complete 

return is one that includes all forms, schedules, and statements filed with the Internal Revenue 

Service, and state taxing authority. The proposed DBE/ACDBE application form has been 

amended to specifically require this information.

At various times during the application review process, recipients may seek more 

information from an applicant. In (c)(8)(iii), we propose to add language making explicit the 

discretion of certifying agencies to request clarification of information contained in the 

application, or to request additional information, at any time in the application process. This will 

help alleviate confusion by firms that believe their application is complete once it is submitted 

and that the UCP must make a decision solely on the information the firm has initially provided. 

At the same time, we caution certifying agencies against prolonging the certification process 

unnecessarily through repeated requests for additional information, once enough data to make an

informed decision possible has been submitted.

§26.83(h) and (j): 

Paragraph (h) emphasizes that once a firm is certified, it remains certified unless and until 

it voluntarily withdraws from the program or is decertified (with the exception of circumstances 

spelled out in section 27.67, when an owner’s PNW statement shows that the owner is no longer 

a disadvantaged individual). There can be partial as well as total decertifications (i.e., when a 

NAICS code in which a firm is currently certified is taken away). Partial and total 

decertifications both require use of the section 26.87 process. Recipients are reminded that 
27

certifications do not lapse; they are not like driving licenses, which expire after a given number 

of years if not renewed. There is no such thing as a “recertification” process, after three years or 

any other period, and recipients cannot require currently certified firms to reapply for 

certification. Any recipient who does so is acting contrary to the express requirements of this 

rule. However, if, at any time, information comes to a recipient’s attention that would cause it to 

question a firm’s continued eligibility, the recipient can, and should, review the firm’s 

certification status, in the course of which it can conduct a new on-site review, announced or 

unannounced. Because firms’ circumstances can change over time, we urge recipients, as a 

matter of good practice, to conduct reviews of firms’ eligibility, including updated on-site 

reviews, from time to time.

The Department is not changing the long-standing practice of annual affidavits of no 

change, and we believe that this requirement is crucial to keep recipients current on the status of 

certified firms. The NPRM would strengthen this process by directing certified firms to submit 

additional items with their affidavits. The additional information would include updated PNW 

statements and a record from each individual claiming disadvantaged status regarding the 

transfer of assets for less than fair market value to any immediate family member, or to a trust 

any beneficiary of which is an immediate family member, within two years of the date of the 

annual review. In addition, the firm would have to submit a record of all payments, 

compensation, and distributions (including loans, advances, salaries and dividends) made by the 

DBE firm to each of its owners, officers or directors, as well as the firm’s (and its affiliates’) and 

owners’ most recent completed IRS tax returns, IRS Form 4506 (Request for Copy or Transcript 

of Tax Return). Recipients would also have the discretion, on a case-by-case basis, to obtain 
28

other information relevant to determinations about the firm’s size and its ownership and control 

by disadvantaged individuals.

§26.86 What rules govern recipients’ denials of initial requests for certification?

Under paragraph (c) of this section, when a firm is denied certification, the recipient must 

establish a time period of no more than twelve months that must elapse before the firm may 

reapply for certification. This waiting period can be shorter, but, as stated in the rule, the time 

period for reapplication begins to run on the date the recipient’s action is received by the firm. 

The NPRM would add a sentence clarifying that an applicant’s appeal of a recipient’s decision to 

the Department pursuant to §26.89 does not extend this period. For example, suppose a firm is 

denied certification on September 1, 2012. If the recipient has six-month waiting period, the 

firm could reapply on March 1, 2013. If, in the meantime, the firm appealed the decision to the 

Department, it could still reapply on March 1, 2013, even if its appeal to the Department was still 

pending on that date.

§26.87 What procedures does a recipient use to remove a DBE’s eligibility?

The Department is proposing to revise and expand the grounds on which recipients can, 

in the interest of program integrity, decertify DBE firms. First, the Department would delete the 

first sentence of 26.87(f), which says that a recipient cannot remove a DBE’s eligibility on the 

basis of a reinterpretation or changed opinion of information available to the recipient at the time 

of the firm’s certification. This language was intended to create a degree of finality in 

certifications. There can be certification decisions about which reasonable people can differ, 

and we believe, as a matter of policy, that it is useful to limit situations in which, for example, a 

new certification official reviews the same facts that his or her predecessor reviewed but simply 
29

forms a different opinion. That said, certifying agencies have expressed concerns that this 

language is too limiting, particularly for situations in which it appears that a bad mistake led to a 

firm’s certification.

In an attempt to better accommodate both objectives, we are proposing a revised 

paragraph (f)(5) that would permit a recipient to decertify a firm on the basis that its certification 

was clearly erroneous. This standard means that the basis for the decertification would be a 

definite and firm conviction on the recipient’s part that a mistake was committed, in the absence 

of which the firm would not have been certified. This is more than a simple difference of 

opinion or different judgment call about the evidence in the matter. To decertify a firm based on 

this paragraph, the recipient would have to show, by the usual preponderance of the evidence 

standard it must meet in decertification cases, that the original certification was clearly wrong. 

We also propose to add two additional grounds for decertification, both of which 

refer to other provisions in the regulations. Consistent with section 26.73(a)(2), a firm 

can be decertified for exhibiting a pattern of conduct indicating its involvement in 

attempts to subvert the intent or requirements of the DBE program by, for example, 

repeatedly seeking DBE credit for activities that fail to involve a commercially useful 

function and thereby raise questions about the firm’s eligibility. Likewise, a firm can be 

decertified for a failure to cooperate, under 26.109(c). A failure to cooperate can include 

such things as failure to timely file affidavits of no change or notices of change, PNW 

statements, and various required supporting documents. 

We also note that the current provisions of paragraph (f) cover a number of 

situations that can arise. For example, paragraph (f)(3), concerning concealed or 
30

misrepresented information, covers submission of false information in applications, PNW 

statements, affidavits of no change, etc. Paragraph (f)(1) covers situations where changes 

in ownership, death or incarceration of a disadvantaged owner, changes in the 

disadvantaged owner’s involvement with management of the firm, changes in the firm’s 

relationship with other firms, etc. may make a previously eligible firm no longer eligible. 

The provisions relating to failure to cooperate covers such things as failing to send in 

affidavits of no change or notices of change, and accompanying documents, when 

needed. 

We also seek comment on the relationship between decertification and suspension 

and debarment proceedings. If a firm is suspended or debarred (e.g., as the result of a 

criminal indictment or conviction), either as a matter of state or Federal action, should the 

firm also be decertified? On one hand, since the firm is suspended or debarred, it will not 

be performing any contracts, so its being or not being on a state’s certified list seems 

somewhat moot. Moreover, certification concerns size, disadvantage, ownership and 

control, and the misconduct of the firm may not relate to these criteria. On the other 

hand, especially if the misconduct that led to the suspension and debarment concerned 

participation in the DBE program, the firm’s conduct may constitute a pattern of conduct 

indicating its involvement in attempts to subvert the intent or requirements of the DBE 

program. Should suspension and debarment result in an automatic decertification, should 

it be a trigger causing recipients to evaluate the firm for decertification, or is there 

another approach that would make more sense?
31

In paragraph (g), we would add a sentence clarifying that when a notice concerning 

a recipient’s response to an ineligibility complaint is sent to the complainant (other than 

to a DOT operating administration), confidential business information concerning the 

DBE in question would be redacted, absent written consent from the DBE firm. This is 

consistent with the existing confidentiality provisions of section 26.109.

26.88 Summary Suspension of Certification

As noted above, a certified firm remains certified until and unless it is decertified. But 

what happens if there is a significant change in the business, such as the death of its owner or the 

sale of the firm? Current guidance properly tells recipients to look at the changed firm and 

determine whether the firm should be decertified and initiate a section 26.87 proceeding if 

appropriate. In this situation, the recipient has the burden of proof to demonstrate that the firm 

should lose its eligibility. Meanwhile, the firm continues to be certified and can obtain new 

contracts as a DBE. Many people in the certification community have urged, to the contrary, 

that the firm should lose its eligibility when a dramatic change of this kind occurs, and should 

have to reapply for certification as if it were a new firm. Meanwhile, it would not be eligible for 

new contracts as a DBE.

The proposed section 26.88 seeks a middle ground between these approaches, providing 

that a firm’s certification would be suspended in some situations (i.e., death or incarceration of 

an owner whose participation is needed to meet ownership and control requirements) and could 

be suspended in other situations (e.g., sale of the firm to a new owner), while a recipient 

determines whether the firm’s certification should be continued. When a firm’s certification is 
32

suspended, it cannot receive new contracts as a DBE. However, its participation on a contract it 

has already received would continue to count toward DBE goals.

Under the proposal, if an owner necessary to the firm’s eligibility dies or is incarcerated, 

the recipient must suspend the firm’s eligibility. By necessary to the firm’s eligibility, we mean 

that without that owner’s participation, the firm would not meet the requirement of 51 percent 

ownership by disadvantaged individuals or the requirement that disadvantaged owners control 

the firm. If a single disadvantaged individual is the 51 percent owner, then it is obvious that the 

suspension would take effect. However, if there were three disadvantaged owners who each 

owned 30 percent of the business, and one of them died, then the other two, between them, 

would still own more than 51 percent of the business, and the recipient would not be required to 

suspend the firm’s certification. Of course, if the owner who died was essential to control of the 

business by disadvantaged individuals, it would be appropriate to suspend the firm.

In other situations, recipients would have the discretion to suspend a firm’s eligibility. 

For example, if a firm was sold, and there was a significant question about whether the new 

disadvantaged owners controlled the firm, or if the firm failed to file the required notice 

following a material change in its circumstances, or an affidavit of no change, the recipient could 

choose to suspend the firm’s eligibility. (This could prove a useful incentive for firms to file 

these documents in a timely fashion). After a suspension, the firm would provide information 

relevant to its eligibility to the recipient. Within 30 days of getting that information, the recipient 

would have to lift the suspension or commence a decertification proceeding under section 26.87. 

The suspension would continue in effect during the proceeding. If the firm is not decertified as 

the result of the proceeding, the suspension is lifted and the firm returned to active status as a 

DBE.
33

§26.89 What is the process for certification appeals to the Department of Transportation?

The Department is not proposing to change the process for firms wishing to appeal a 

recipient’s determination concerning its eligibility. However, we propose amending this section 

to clarify what type of information should be contained in the appeal filed with DOCR. 

Specifically, we propose in §26.89(c) that the appellant provide a “full and specific statement as 

to why the decision is erroneous, what significant fact that the recipient failed to consider, or 

what provisions of this part the recipient did not properly apply.” This addition will aid the 

Department in reviewing the recipient’s actions. Another change we propose that will also aid 

both recipients and the Department in the appeal process is clarification of how the regulation 

defines “days.” Under the proposed definition in section 26.5, days would mean calendar days; 

and in computing any period of time described in the regulation, the day from which the period 

begins to run is not counted, and when the last day of the period is a Saturday, Sunday, or 

Federal Holiday, the period extends to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal 

Holiday. 

OTHER PROVISIONS

§26.1 What are the objectives of this part?

The NPRM would add a new paragraph to this section, saying that a purpose of the rule is 

to promote the use of all types of DBEs. This language is intended to emphasize that the DBE 

program is not just about construction. Other types of work, including, but not limited to, 

professional services, supplies etc., are also appropriate for DBE participation.

§26.5 Definitions.
34

In the Department’s experience, recipients need clarity on terms already used in this 

provision, and we propose adding eight new definitions in this section for the following words or 

phrases: “assets;” “business, business concern, or business enterprise;” “contingent liability;” 

“days;” “immediate family member;” “liabilities;” “non-disadvantaged individual;” “principal 

place of business;” and “transit vehicle manufacturer (TVM).” With respect to the TVM 

definition, the Department seeks comment on whether producers of vehicles that receive postproduction alterations or retrofitting to be used for public transportation purposes (e.g., so-called 

“cutaway” vehicles, vans customized for service to people with disabilities) should be defined as 

TVMs for DBE program purposes. 

Additionally, we propose to modify the existing definition of a “socially and 

economically disadvantaged individual” to align with SBA principles. Most importantly, the 

definition specifically states that being born in a country does not, by itself, suffice to make the 

birth country and individual’s country of origin for purposes of being included within a 

designated group. For example, a child born of Norwegian parents in Chile would not, based on 

that fact alone, be regarded as “Hispanic” under the definition. Minor technical changes to 

references within the existing definitions are also proposed. 

We also note that the proposed definition of “immediate family member” would include a 

wider group of relatives, and we seek comment on the scope of that proposed change (e.g., Is it 

appropriate to include grandparents? Should grandchildren also be included?). The effect of the 

change is to broaden the impact of provisions of the rule that call for a higher burden of proof 

concerning ownership and control when transfers of interests in a company are made to family 

members.
35

The NPRM would amend the definition of “Native Americans” to be consistent with a 

February 2011 change in SBA’s definition of the term. The term “Alaska native” would replace 

“Eskimos and Aleuts,” and the phrase “enrolled members of a federally or state-recognized 

Indian tribe” would replace “American Indians.”

26.11 What records do recipients keep and report?

The NPRM proposes two new provisions, both related to certification. The first is a 

record retention requirement for certification-related records. These are the kind of records that 

recipients and UCPs normally keep, but we have heard concerns that some recipients may be 

discarding records that may still be relevant for certification review purposes.

Second, to implement a longstanding provision in the DBE authorization legislation, the 

Department proposes adding a new reporting requirement. Under section 1101(b)(4)9B) of 

MAP-21, states are required to notify the Secretary, in writing, of the percentage of the small 

business concerns that are controlled by (i) women; (ii) socially and economically 

disadvantaged individuals (other than women); and (iii) individuals who are women and are 

otherwise socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. To carry out this requirement, 

UCPs would go through their statewide Directories and count the number of firms controlled, 

respectively, by white women, minority or other men, and minority women. They would then 

convert the numbers to percentages and send the result to the Departmental Office of Civil 

Rights, with which they already have a working relationship in certification appeals matters. We 

realize that some firms may be controlled by persons in more than one of these three categories. 

In this case, we propose that UCPs include a firm in the category applicable to the owner with 

the largest stake in the firm who is also involved in controlling the firm.
36

We note that the commitments and achievements reporting form already captures 

information broken down by gender and ethnicity concerning contracts and contracting dollars 

going to DBEs. This is not the same thing as the report on the percentages of certified firms, but 

we seek comment on whether it would be easier to include the percentage information on this 

reporting form in some fashion rather than having a separate report submitted.

§26.21 Who must have a DBE program?

It appears that there is some confusion in the recipient community as to precisely who 

must have a DBE program with the FTA and FAA. For example, section 26.21 requires all 

entities that receive FTA federally assisted funds over $250,000 used in contracts (except for 

transit vehicle purchases) in a federal fiscal year for planning, capital, and/or operating 

assistance purposes to have a DBE program. However, despite this clear mandate, many of 

FTA’s recipients still mistakenly believe only individual prime contracts valued above $250,000 

are eligible for the DBE program, and thus improperly exclude prime contracts valued below 

$250,000 from both their determination as to whether they are required to submit a goal and 

from actual goals submitted to FTA. The Department has long maintained the $250,000 

threshold applies to contracts in the aggregate, meaning all DBE program-eligible contracts, 

regardless of value, must be considered for both threshold and goal setting purposes. For 

example, if a recipient were to receive several small grants within a fiscal year (e.g. $1000 to 

$200,000) for planning, capital, or operating assistance) their combined value, if over $250,000,

would trigger the requirement that the entity have a DBE program. The same point applies with 

respect to FAA-assisted contracts. The proposed amendment modifies the language to reflect 

this long held position, and should resolve any lingering misconceptions with regard to the issue.
37

Section 26.21(a)(1), as currently written, requires all FHWA recipients receiving funds 

authorized by a statute to which this part applies to have a DBE program. “Recipient,” as 

defined in section 26.5, is “any entity, public or private, to which DOT financial assistance is 

extended, whether directly or through another recipient . . . .” FHWA, however, expects that 

each subrecipient will operate under its direct recipient’s approved DBE program. Therefore, 

FHWA will not allow subrecipients to operate under their own DBE programs, separate from the 

program of the direct recipient. If an entity that is an FHWA subrecipient is also a direct 

recipient of FAA or FTA funds, then the entity would have its own DBE program and goal for its 

FAA- or FTA-assisted contracts, while operating under the State DOT’s goal for FHWA-assisted 

contracts. Where funds are comingled, recipients should consult with the DOT agencies 

involved to determine how to proceed.

26.45 How Do Recipients Set Overall Goals?

Establishing the overall goal is a critical component of administering the DBE program. 

We propose several changes to the rules governing overall goal setting to ensure that recipients 

employ sound goal setting practices consistent with the remedial purpose of the program. 

There are two analytical steps to establishing an overall goal. The first step is to 

determine the relative availability of DBEs in the recipient’s transportation contracting market. 

We propose to codify the elements of a bidders list that must be documented and supported when 

this approach is used to establish DBE availability. Those elements include capturing data on 

successful and unsuccessful firms (DBEs and non-DBEs, prime contractors and subcontractors) 

that have bid on federally assisted contracts during the past three-year period. We also propose 

to disallow the use of prequalified contractors lists to establish availability and seek your views 
38

on whether this prohibition should be extended to the use of bidders list and other such lists 

(registered subcontractors lists, plan holders list, etc.) relied upon exclusively as a source to 

identify ready, willing, and able firms. 

We know from numerous disparity studies that have been conducted across the nation 

that discriminatory practices affecting minority and women owned small businesses continue to 

create barriers to accessing capital and bonding that in turn affect their ability to form, grow, and 

compete with other firms for contracting opportunities. Looking only to bidders lists, lists of 

prequalified contractors, or similar lists to determine availability may serve only to perpetuate 

the effects of discrimination rather than attempt to remedy those effects. Given this concern 

about the use of bidders lists in goal-setting, and what we understand to be difficulties that 

recipients have had in collecting all the bidders list information called for in section 26.11, we 

also seek comment on whether the bidders list approach to goal-setting should be deleted from 

the rule.

The focus of the second step in the overall goal setting process is to consider other 

available evidence of discrimination or its effects that may impact availability, and based on that 

evidence consider making an appropriate adjustment to set an overall goal that reflects the level 

of participation one would expect in the absence of discrimination. We have seen many 

recipients routinely adjust downward the step one availability figure based on past DBE 

utilization, without regard to whether an adjustment is warranted by the evidence. Under the 

rules, past DBE utilization is defined as a proxy for DBE capacity. However, we know that in 

many instances, low levels of past DBE utilization does not represent DBE capacity in a given 

contracting market and may simply reflect the continuing effects of discrimination, the failure of 

a recipient to implement a robust program, or the existence of circumstances similar to those 
39

mentioned in Departmental guidance (e.g., the effect of past or current noncompliance with DBE 

program requirements). Adjusting availability downward under these or similar circumstances 

would not be appropriate or required. Consequently, we propose to expressly state in the rule 

that step two adjustments are not appropriate unless clearly warranted by the evidence.

In reviewing overall goal submissions made by recipients, operating administrations 

currently are authorized to adjust the overall goal or require the recipient to do so if in the 

opinion of the operating administration the overall goal has not been correctly calculated or the 

method for calculating the goal is inadequate. In making that assessment, we propose to clarify 

that the operating administrations are to be guided by the goal setting principles and best 

practices announced by the Department pursuant to section 26.9. While the “Tips on Goal 

Setting” posted on the OSDBU website offer recipients a lot of flexibility in developing a 

methodology, the Tips also represent the Department’s view of practices recipients should follow 

to produce a sound methodology that in turn will likely produce a sound overall goal that is 

required by the rules. Recipients are not at liberty to employ practices that serve no purpose 

other than to drive down the overall goal without risking disapproval by the appropriate 

operating administration.

We are also proposing a clarifying change to 26.45(e)(3) concerning project goals. The 

language would note that a project goal may be a percentage of the value of the entire project as 

determined by the recipient or a percentage of the federal share.

We propose to modify the public participation requirements for goal setting to strengthen 

the consultation component, to eliminate the public comment period associated with publication 

of the proposed goal, and to require posting proposed goals on recipient websites -- a less costly 

alternative to the current requirement for publication in general circulation and other media. 
40

These changes are designed to reduce the administrative burden and expense associated with 

requirements that have added little, if any, value to the goal setting process. We recognize the 

importance of affording those who are likely to be affected by the proposed goal (i.e., 

stakeholders) an opportunity to present their views, data, or analysis to recipients in the 

development of an appropriate goal setting methodology. For that reason, we believe 

consultation, to be meaningful, should involve a dialogue between a recipient and stakeholders in 

its contracting market. Based on our experience, the most meaningful participation by the public 

in goal setting occurs during the consultation phase when genuine efforts are made to engage 

interested individuals or groups in the process. Few comments are received from the public 

during the 45 day comment periods that have not been provided during consultation. This 

change also would be consistent with the requirement for stakeholder involvement currently 

applicable to the DBE concessions program in Part 23. 

§26.49 How are overall goals established for transit vehicle manufacturers?

The Department has been concerned for some time about confusion among program 

participants concerning the implementation of the transit vehicle manufacturer (TVM) provisions 

of Part 26. Because a large portion of FTA’s federal financial assistance is used by its recipients 

for transit vehicle purchases, the Department’s intent was to require similar DBE goal setting 

provisions to their operations, and under the current rule, such entities were required to submit 

their goal setting methodologies to FTA and report to FTA their awards to women and minority 

owned firms. In practice, however, the Department has seen irregularities in how TVMs perform 

in submitting goal setting methodologies, and how TVMs report DBE awards and achievements. 
41

As a result, the Department believes additional clarification is needed to ensure meaningful 

application of the DBE rule’s requirements within the transit vehicle manufacturing industry. 

The proposed rule changes are intended to clarify TVM requirements by providing additional 

information as to how the Department expects TVMs to determine their DBE goals, when and in 

what instances TVMs must report DBE awards and achievements data, and by specifying which 

portions of the DBE regulations apply to TVMs. 

With respect to goal setting, the proposed rule seeks to clarify what must—and what must 

not—be included in a transit vehicle manufacturer’s goal methodology submission. Specifically, 

it codifies the Department’s long-held position that for goal setting purposes, transit vehicle 

manufacturers may not selectively choose which contracting opportunities will and will not be 

included. Rather, when setting a DBE goal, all contracting opportunities made available to nonDBEs must also be made available to DBEs, and thus must be included in the submitted 

methodology. It is important to note that this requirement is not intended to “solicit” DBE 

participation for any specific contracting opportunity or task, nor is it intended to dictate 

contractual relationships between transit vehicle manufacturers and any specific type of firm. 

Instead, the sole purpose is to “level the playing field” and ensure DBE firms have the 

opportunity to fairly compete for all contracts non-DBEs have access to. To provide appropriate 

flexibility in the implementation of this provision, we believe that this clarification must also be 

accompanied by a strong statement, to FTA recipients in particular, that overly prescriptive 

contract specifications on transit vehicle procurements that in effect eliminate opportunities for 

DBEs in the manufacture of transit vehicles is counter to the intent of the DBE Program and 

unduly restricts competition which is prohibited by 49 U.S.C. § 5325(h). Violation of rules that 

support competition in the marketplace may result in the loss of FTA financial assistance. 
42

In addition to clarifying which opportunities must be included, the proposed rule also 

contemplates which opportunities must not be included in the goal setting methodology. While 

the provision pertaining to work and materials performed outside the jurisdiction of the United 

States remains intact, the Department proposes the current practice of including the entire 

Federal share of any given vehicle procurement be amended to include only the portion of the 

Federal share available via contracts to outside firms. Because such a large portion of work 

required when manufacturing and assembling a transit vehicle is performed “in house,” the 

Department does not believe it is appropriate to use the entire Federal share of a transit vehicle 

contract as the base figure for the DBE goal, as it skews the final goal relative to the contracting 

opportunities actually available. Instead, the Department proposes that the base figure be 

derived from the total value of contracts available to firms outside of the manufacturer itself. For 

example, if a particular transit vehicle manufacturer is awarded a $10 million contract to 

manufacture buses, and the transit vehicle manufacturer performs 70% of the work with its own 

forces while contracting out the remaining 30%, then the amount from which the base figure and 

goal should be derived would be $3 million. Since work performed “in house” is not truly a 

contracting opportunity available to either DBEs or non-DBEs, the Department believes this 

approach will lead to more accurate and responsible overall DBE goals, improved overall 

implementation of the DBE program by transit vehicle manufacturers and simpler, better 

targeted oversight by FTA. While proposing this approach, however, the Department also seeks 

comment on whether there should be regulatory provisions designed to encourage TVMs to 

make more parts of their manufacturing processes available to DBEs and other small businesses. 

If so, what should they be?
43

The proposed rule also clarifies the Department’s stance on when transit vehicle 

manufacturers must report DBE information to FTA. Because submission of a DBE goal to FTA 

does not guarantee a transit vehicle manufacturer will be awarded a contract, confusion exists as 

to when DBE reports should be submitted. The Department believes the best approach is to 

require transit vehicle manufacturers to continuously report their contracting activity in the 

Uniform Report of DBE Awards/Commitments and Payments, since the administrative burden to 

submit reports with no activity is negligible in comparison to making a yearly assessment of 

those transit vehicle manufacturers who are still performing on contracts underway. 

Finally, the proposed rule seeks to reiterate and clarify the existing requirement that 

TVMs are subject to all of the applicable provisions of the DBE regulation and responsible for 

their implementation. It has been the Department’s experience that in many cases, compliance 

with the DBE regulation has been reduced to the submission of a DBE goal and both of the semiannual DBE reports each year. This was never the Department’s intention, and the proposed rule 

seeks to correct this issue by reaffirming that transit vehicle manufacturers are equally as 

responsible for implementing the other areas of the regulation as other DOT recipients. 

However, recognizing that transit vehicle manufacturers do not participate in the DBE 

certification process, the Department has exempted them from those portions of the rule, with 

one notable exception: in order to obtain credit for DBE participation, the manufacturer must still 

ensure that the DBE firm is certified in the state where it performs the work. In addition the 

Department also proposes that the other post-award requirements of the DBE regulation need not 

be followed or reported on in those years where a transit vehicle manufacturer is not either 

awarded or performing on a transit vehicle procurement. The Department believes these 

proposed changes will both strengthen the oversight functions for those portions of the rule 
44

applicable to transit vehicle manufacturers, while exempting manufacturers from those portions 

of the regulation that do not specifically apply to their businesses.

26.51 What means do recipients use to meet overall goals?

The current regulation 26.51(a) states that race-neutral DBE participation can include 

when a DBE wins a subcontract from a prime contractor that did not consider DBE status in 

making the award (e.g., a prime contractor that uses a strict low bid system to award subcontracts). We propose removing this as an example of race-neutral DBE participation since it is 

impossible for recipients to determine if a prime uses a strict low bid system, and, more 

importantly, it conflicts with Appendix A, which states prime should not reject a DBE quote over 

a non-DBE quote if the price difference is not unreasonable.

§26.53 What are the good faith efforts procedures recipients follow in situations where 

there are contract goals?

When a recipient sets a goal for DBE participation on a DOT-assisted contract, it must 

award the contract only to a bidder/offeror that makes good faith efforts to meet it. Bidders can 

meet the goal in one of two ways. They can obtain commitments for enough DBE participation 

to meet the goal. If they do not meet the goal, they can also document that they have made good 

faith efforts to do so. The existing provisions of §26.53 and Appendix A discuss the kinds of 

good faith efforts bidders are expected to make, with the Department taking the approach that a 

showing of adequate good faith efforts in a particular procurement is necessarily a fact-specific 

judgment recipients must make. The unique circumstances of procurements vary widely and the 

Appendix spells out factors recipients should take into account when assessing the behavior of 

bidders in making a good faith effort showing. We do not believe that a template or checklist 
45

approach, or some quantitative formula, could ever adequately respond to the circumstances that 

recipients have to evaluate in determining whether a bidder has made good faith efforts to meet a 

goal.

The current rule requires bidders/offerors to submit: the names and addresses of DBE

firms that will participate on the contract; a description of the work that each DBE will perform; 

the proposed dollar amount for each DBE firm; written documentation of the bidder’s 

commitment to use the DBE; and the DBE’s confirmation that it is participating. We believe the 

information reporting requirements can be strengthened by requiring that bidders, in addition to 

these submissions, provide the recipient with information showing that each DBE signed up by 

the bidder is certified in the NAICS code(s) for the work it will be performing. This provision 

will help to reduce the possibility that bidders, in trying to obtain a contract, could list firms that 

cannot qualify for DBE credit in the work area involved in the contract. This information would 

have to be submitted with the bidder’s initial good faith effort submission. To help implement 

the NAICS code provision, we recommend that recipients make available (e.g., on their 

websites) the most important and frequently-used NAICS codes relevant to the recipients’ 

operations.

The current rule distinguishes between situations in which contracts are let on the basis of 

“responsiveness” or “responsibility.” In the former case, all DBE participation information must 

be submitted at the time of bid submission. In the latter case, as long as a bidder promised to 

meet the goal, the bidder could identify DBEs after the bid submission but before the recipient 

commits itself to using a particular contractor. The Department has noticed an unfortunate trend 

in which, in procurements that otherwise use a traditional low-bid procurement mechanism, 

recipients sometimes give the apparent successful bidder a period of several days or weeks after 
46

bid opening to submit DBE information, sometimes justifying the practice by labeling the action 

as a “responsibility” procurement. This has the potential to facilitate bid-shopping or other 

questionable activities by prime contractors. The section’s “responsibility/responsiveness” 

terminology has also caused some degree of confusion.

To clarify this situation, the NPRM proposes eliminating the 

“responsiveness/responsibility” distinction. The proposed language would simply say that, with 

one exception, competitors for a contract having a DBE contract goal would have to submit all 

information about DBEs that have been engaged for the project with their original submission. 

There could be no additional grace period after this point during which competitors could 

subsequently submit this information. The exception to this requirement would be in a 

negotiated procurement, where the initial submission would contain a binding commitment to 

meet the goal or document good faith efforts, and specific DBE information could be submitted 

in the same time frame as price and other terms of the negotiated contract were made final.

If a bidder/offeror does not meet the contract goal on a contract, it must, in order to 

remain eligible for contract award, submit documentation showing that it made sufficient good 

faith efforts to meet the contract goal. As noted above, Appendix A describes the kind of 

information that recipients would use to determine whether a bidder/offeror has made sufficient 

good faith efforts. In addition, this NPRM proposes that, as part of a good faith efforts showing,

a bidder/offeror would have to provide copies of each DBE and non-DBE subcontractor quote it 

had received, in situations where it picked a non-DBE firm to do work that a DBE had sought. 

This information will help the recipient determine whether there is validity to any claims by a 

bidder/offer that a DBE was rejected because its quote was unreasonably high.
47

The NPRM would give recipients two options with respect to the timing of the provision 

of good faith efforts documentation from bidders/offers who do not meet the contract goal. First, 

recipients could require that all bidders/offerors who do not meet the contract goal submit good 

faith efforts documentation with their original bids/offers. Bidders/offerors have to amass a great 

deal of information to compete for a contract (e.g., with respect to price, materials, schedules, 

etc.). DBE-related information is no different and no less an integral part of the bidding process. 

DBE information is not some separate, foreign intrusion into the procurement process that needs 

to be handled at a different time from anything else that determines who wins a contract. 

Consequently, we believe that recipients can justifiably seek good faith efforts information at the 

same time they receive everything else concerning the competition for a contract. 

However, we recognize that some recipients may wish to reduce administrative burdens 

on unsuccessful bidders/offerors. Consequently, the second option the proposed rule offers is for 

recipients to require good faith efforts documentation only from an apparent successful 

bidder/offeror that does not meet the contract goal. In this option, no one would be required to 

submit good faith efforts documentation with their original submissions. The apparent 

successful bidder/offer would have one day after the recipient notified it to submit the 

documentation. The documentation would have to relate to pre-bid/offer submission efforts; no 

post-bid/offer submission efforts would be acceptable. The Department seeks comment on 

whether, in this option, one day is an appropriate time frame, or whether a longer period (e.g., 

three days) would be acceptable.

A related provision, added to Appendix A, seeks to remedy a practice involving the 

awarding of contracts to offerors who pledge to name DBEs after they are awarded the contract, 

but do not actually provide specific DBE information at the time required. This language 
48

explicitly states that a promise by the prime contractor bidder to include DBEs after the award is 

not to be considered as part of a good faith efforts evaluation.

We also propose to add a new paragraph (f)(1)(ii) that would create additional 

safeguards for DBEs. It requires a recipient to include in each prime contract a provision stating 

that, as a condition of the award, the contractor must use those DBEs listed to perform the 

specific work items or supply the materials as committed and that the contractor is not entitled to 

any payment for work or materials performed by its own or any other forces if the work or 

supplies were committed to a DBE, unless it receives prior written consent of the recipient for a 

replacement of the DBE for good cause. 

In the event that it is necessary to replace a listed DBE, proposed paragraph (g) specifies 

good faith efforts that a prime contractor would have to make to find DBE participation in place 

of the original DBE. These include such things as (1) a statement of efforts made to negotiate 

with DBEs for specific work or supplies, including the names, addresses, telephone numbers, 

and emails of those DBEs that were contacted; (2) the time and date each DBE was contacted; 

(3) a description of the information provided to DBEs regarding the plans and specifications for 

portions of the work to be performed or the materials supplied; and (4) an explanation of why an 

agreement between the prime contractor and a DBE was not reached. The Department would 

expect prime contractors to look throughout the contract or project to find opportunities for DBE 

participation in this situation. This effort would not be limited to the same type of work the 

original DBE would have performed, but would extend to other types of work as well, including 

work the prime contractor may originally have planned to self-perform. The prime contractor 

would have to submit the documentation within 7 days of the recipient’s agreement to permit the 
49

original DBE to be replaced, and the recipient would provide a written determination to the 

contractor stating whether or not good faith efforts have been demonstrated. 

Under a new paragraph (h), recipients would be required to include in each prime 

contract a provision stating that failure by the contractor to carry out the requirements of this 

regulation, or meet its corrective plan as described above, is a material breach of the contract, 

and may result in the termination of the contract, use of the remedies set forth in proposed 

paragraph (i), and other remedies available to the recipient under law. The proposed remedies 

include provisions regarding (i) the withholding of monthly progress payments; (ii) declaring the 

contractor in default and terminating the contract; (iii) assessing sanctions in the amount of the 

difference in the DBE contract committal and the actual payments made to each certified DBEs; 

(iv) liquidated damages; and/or (v) disqualifying the contractor from future bidding as nonresponsible.

In an effort to enhance the recipient’s ability to review prime and subcontractor 

participation on DOT-assisted contracts, we are proposing in a new paragraph (k) to require the 

prime contractor to provide all subcontracts for all DBEs participating on a contract (including 

first and lower tier subcontractors). Lastly, the good faith efforts provisions of the current rule 

apply when a procurement involves a race-conscious DBE contract goal. However, DBEs also 

participate, as a race-neutral matter, on contracts that do not have DBE contract goals. The 

Department seeks comment on whether some of the provisions of this rule (e.g., concerning 

termination of DBEs and good faith efforts to replace DBEs that are dropped from a project) 

should apply to DBEs on contracts that did not have a contract goal.

26.55 How is DBE participation counted toward goals?
50

We propose to modify the factors in determining whether a DBE trucking company is 

performing a commercially useful function to include the ability to count 100% of a DBE’s 

trucking services when it uses its own employees as drivers, but leases trucks from a non-DBE 

truck leasing company. This change would allow DBE haulers to lease trucks from non-DBE 

leasing companies in instances in which they employ sufficient drivers yet lack sufficient trucks 

to fulfill their contractual obligations. This change is designed to allow DBEs the same ability as 

non-DBEs to use their own drivers and supplement their fleets with leased trucks without 

sacrificing any loss of DBE credit due to the fact that the trucks may be leased from a non-DBE 

leasing company. Credit would not be given, however, in instances in which the DBE leases 

trucks from the prime contractor. The regulations pertaining to counting DBE trucking in which 

a DBE subcontracts with a non-DBE owner-operator or leases trucks and drivers from a nonDBE would remain unchanged. We also note that there could be situations in which close 

relationships between DBEs and non-DBE companies from which they lease trucks (e.g., a nonDBE mentor company) or difficulties in documentation of arms-length lease relationships (e.g., 

no proof of payment, assertions of payment in kind) could raise certification or fraud issues. The 

proposed amendment would change only counting rules; it would not immunize companies 

involved from scrutiny of potentially improper relationships.

The NPRM would also add language emphasizing that counting decisions concerning 

whether a firm’s participation is best understood as a regular dealer or as a transaction expediter 

must be made on a contract-by-contract basis, not on a generic basis.

On December 9, 2011, the Department issued a new guidance Question and Answer 

(Q&A) to clarify the counting rules with respect to credit for suppliers, discussing the application 

of the “regular dealer” and “transaction expediter/broker” concepts. The Department seeks 
51

comment on whether any provisions of the Q&A should be made part of the rule itself. More 

broadly, the Department wants to open a discussion of the regular dealer concept itself. As 

defined in the rule, a “regular dealer” occupies something like the traditional “middleman” role 

in commerce. Conversations with a variety of firms and state and local agencies have raised the 

question of whether changes in the way business is conducted has made the middleman role 

itself somewhat obsolete in the kinds of work (e.g., construction, professional services) most 

frequently involved in the DBE program. We seek comment on this question and on how, if at 

all, changes in the way business is conducted should result in changes in the way DBE credit is 

counted in supply situations. 

The Department’s key principle in counting DBE participation in any situation is to 

ensure that only work the DBE does itself, only the value that the DBE adds to the transaction, 

should count. When a DBE is involved in supplying goods manufactured by a non-DBE, and the 

DBE does not play a traditional regular dealer/middleman role, what is the appropriate measure 

of the value it adds to the transaction? Is it ever more than the fees or commissions the DBE 

gets? If so, what is the rationale for counting more than this (e.g., some percentage of the 

product that is provided to the ultimate user)? 

One policy consideration that has influenced the Department’s thinking over the years is 

that allowing too-generous credit for supplies provided by a DBE middleman or transaction 

expediter would work to the disadvantage of DBEs who are contractors in construction or other 

fields. That is, if a prime contractor can get all or most of the DBE credit it needs to meet a goal 

from buying steel or petroleum products or other items through a DBE middleman, then the 

prime contractor’s incentive to use other DBE contractors on a project is diminished. The 
52

Department seeks comment on how this policy consideration interacts with the way the counting 

provisions of the rule work in practice.

26.109 What are the rules governing information, confidentiality, cooperation, and 

intimidation or retaliation?

One of the concerns the Department has with the implementation of the program is that 

certifiers and other state and local program officials can be subject to pressures to take actions 

inconsistent with the intent and language of the Department’s rules. It is crucial that recipients’ 

personnel objectively discharge their professional responsibilities under this part. Objectivity 

includes being independent in fact and appearance when making certification decisions, 

maintaining an attitude of impartiality, and being free of conflicts of interest. We believe that the 

ethical administration of the program means that no public official at any level of state or local 

government should make, participate in making or in any way attempt to use their official 

position to influence a certification or other program decision. No employee, officer or agent of 

the recipient should participate in selection, or in the award or administration of a contract 

supported by Federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. 

Recipients and their staffs are, of course, obligated to follow their jurisdiction’s written 

codes of ethics. Beyond that, the Department seeks comment on whether Part 26 should be 

amended (or guidance issued) to add provisions concerning ethics and conflicts of interest that 

could perhaps play a constructive role in empowering DBE officials to resist inappropriate 

pressures. Would such provisions be effectual? Could the Department effectively develop 

provisions that provided appropriate guidance but did not become overly detailed? The 

Department welcomes suggestions about this subject.
53

Appendix A – Good Faith Efforts

Appendix A provides guidance for recipients that establish a contract goal for DBE 

participation on a DOT-assisted contract. The Appendix is mentioned in the regulation text 

§26.53, which the Department is proposing (as described above) to revise. The Appendix lists 

the specific types of actions recipients should consider as part of bidders’ good faith efforts to 

obtain DBE participation. This list was never intended to be a mandatory checklist nor to be 

exclusive or exhaustive. We clearly indicate that other factors or types of efforts may be relevant 

in appropriate cases. There has been no revision to the stated good faith efforts examples 

specified in the Appendix since the original issuance of the rule, but over time we have learned 

of several possible improvements that we hope to make now. These significant examples we 

propose to add are in the areas of market research (item A) and establishing flexible timeframes 

for performance and delivery schedules in a manner that encourages and facilitates DBE 

participation (item B). We further propose adding language specifying that the rejection of the 

DBE simply because its quotation for the work was not the lowest received is not a practice 

considered to be good faith effort. We propose to add language saying that “determinations 

should not be made using quantitative formulas.” There is an understandable desire to permit 

good faith efforts decisions to be made on a neat, bright-line basis (e.g., if a prime contractor has 

contacted a given number or given percentage of DBEs, it has made sufficient good faith 

efforts). To accomplish their purpose, however, good faith efforts decisions must be a judgment 

based on the entire set of factors concerning a particular contracting action, and cannot be 

reduced to a formula or checklist without distorting the process. 

When a DBE must be replaced on a contract, the prime contractor’s inability to find a 

replacement DBE at the original price is not alone sufficient to support a finding that good faith 
54

efforts have been made to replace the original DBE. The fact that the bidder has the ability 

and/or desire to perform the contract work with its own forces is not a sound basis for rejecting a 

prospective replacement DBE’s reasonable quote. Section V of the Appendix addresses various 

techniques recipients employ in determining whether a bidder has made good faith efforts. We 

propose adding language that recommends that recipients scrutinize the documented efforts and 

at a minimum, review the performance of other bidders in meeting the contract goal (e.g., to see 

if the success of other bidders in meeting a goal suggests that good faith efforts could have 

resulted in the bidder meeting the goal). We propose mirroring language we have added in 

§26.53 revisions that recipients require contractors to submit all subcontractor quotes in order to 

review whether DBE prices were substantially higher. Recipients would also contact the DBEs 

listed on a contractor’s solicitation to inquire as to whether they were, in fact, contacted by the 

prime. The added language also states that pro forma mailings to DBEs requesting bids are not 

alone sufficient to satisfy good faith efforts under the rule.

REGULATORY ANALYSES AND NOTICES

Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 (Regulatory Planning and Review)

This proposed rule is not a “significant regulatory action’’ under section 3(f) of Executive 

Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential 

costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of the Order. It does not create significant cost burdens, 

does not affect the economy adversely, does not interfere or cause a serious inconsistency with 

any action or plan of another agency, does not materially alter the impact of entitlements, grants, 

user fees or loan programs; and does not raise novel legal or policy issues. The rule is essentially 

a streamlining of the provisions for implementing an existing program, clarifying existing 
55

provisions and improving existing forms. To the extent that clearer certification requirements 

and improved documentation can forestall DBE fraud, the rule will result in significant savings 

to state and local governments. This NPRM does not contain significant policy-level initiatives, 

but rather focuses on administrative changes to improve program implementation.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

The NPRM is a product of a process, going back to 2007, of stakeholder meetings and 

written comment that generated significant input from state and local officials and agencies 

involved with the DBE program in transit, highway, and airport programs. 

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The underlying DBE rule does deal with small entities: all DBEs are, by definition, small 

businesses. Also, some FAA and FTA recipients that implement the program are small entities. 

However, the changes proposed to the rule are primarily technical modifications to existing 

requirements (e.g., improved forms, refinements of certification provisions) that will have little 

to no economic impact on program participants. Therefore, the proposed changes will not create 

significant economic effects on anyone.. In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 

U.S.C. 601–612), I certify that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 

substantial number of small entities

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has 

a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or 
56

impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. As noted above, there is no substantial 

compliance cost imposed on state and local agencies, who will continue to implement the 

underlying program with administrative improvements proposed in the rule. The proposed rule 

does not involve preemption of state law. Consequently, we have analyzed this proposed rule 

under the Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

Paperwork Reduction Act

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, DOT is submitting Information 

Collection Requests (ICRs) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Before OMB 

decides whether to approve these proposed collections of information and issue a control 

number, the public must be an opportunity to comment. Organizations and individuals desiring 

to submit comments on the collection of information should direct them to the Office of 

Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Office of the Secretary of 

Transportation, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, DC 20503, and 

should also send a copy their comments to the docket for this rulemaking at regulations.gov. 

Given the time frames for DOT and OMB consideration of comments, a comment is best assured 

of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.

We will respond to any OMB or public comments on the information collection 

requirements contained in this rule. OST may not impose a penalty on persons for violating 

information collection requirements which do not display a current OMB control number, if 

required. OST intends to obtain current OMB control numbers for the new information collection 

requirements resulting from this rulemaking action. The OMB control number, when assigned, 

will be announced either in the final rule or by separate notice in the Federal Register. 
57

The Department invited interested persons to submit comments on any aspect of these 

ICRs, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for OST’s performance; (2) 

the accuracy of the estimated burdens; (3) ways for OST to enhance the quality, usefulness, and 

clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways that the burden could be minimized without 

reducing the quality of the collected information.

For each of these information collections, the title, a description of the entity to which it 

applies, and an estimate of the annual recordkeeping and periodic reporting burden are set forth 

below.

1. Application Form

Based on discussions with DBEs, it is estimated that the total burden hours per applicant 

to complete its DBE or ACDBE certification application with supporting documentation to be 

approximately 8 hours. In addition, new applicants will have to submit a personal net worth 

(PNW) statement (see below).

The number of new applications received each year by Unified Certification Program 

members is difficult to estimate. There is no central repository for DBE certification applications 

and we predict that the frequency of submissions at times vary according to construction season 

(high applications when the season is over), the contracting opportunities available in the 

marketplace, and the number of new transportation related business formations or expansions. To 

get some estimate however, the Department contacted recipients in during the process of this 

NPRM. The agencies we contacted reported receiving between 1-2 per month, 5-10 per month, 

or on the high end 80-100. There are likely several reasons for the variance. Jurisdictions that are 

geographically contiguous to other states (such as Maryland) and/or have a high DBE applicant 

pool may receive a higher number whereas jurisdictions in remote areas of the country with 
58

smaller numbers of firms may have lower applicant requests for DBE certification. These rough 

numbers likely do not include requests for expansion of work categories from existing firms that 

are already certified. 

Frequency: Once during initial DBE or ACDBE certification

Estimated Average Burden per Response: 8 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 72-76 thousand hours per year.

2. PNW Form

A small business seeking to participate in the DBE and ACDBE programs must be owned 

and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual. When a recipient 

determines that an individual’s net worth exceeds $1.32 million, the individual’s presumption of 

economic disadvantage is said to have been conclusively rebutted. In order to make this 

determination, the current rule requires recipients to obtain a signed and notarized statement of 

personal net worth from all persons who claim to own and control a firm applying for DBE or 

ACDBE certification and whose ownership and control are relied upon for the certification. 

These personal net worth statements must be accompanied by appropriate supporting 

documentation (e.g., tax returns). The form proposed in this rule would replace use of an SBA 

form suggested in current regulations. 

Based on discussion with DBE firms, we estimate that compiling information for and 

filling out this form would take approximately 10 hours. 

The number of respondents is significantly higher than the number of applications 

received due to annual submissions of the form by owners of DBE or ACDBE certified firms. 

Frequency: Once during initial DBE certification and each year thereafter during annual update 

process. For the DBE/ACDBE programs, information regarding the assets and liabilities of 
59

individual owners is necessary for recipients of Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation 

Administration, and Federal Highway Administration, to make responsible decisions concerning 

an applicant’s economic disadvantage under the rule. All persons who claim to own and control a 

firm applying for DBE or ACDBE certification and whose ownership and control are relied upon 

for the certification will complete the form. Once a firm is certified as a DBE or ACDBE, these 

same owners will complete the form each year.

Estimated Average Burden per Response: 8 hours for the initial statement; 4 hours for future 

updates. 

Number of Respondents: 9000-9500 applicants each year. Assuming approximately 30,000 

certified firms nationally, there would be that number of updates annually.

Estimated Burden: 72-76 thousand hours per year for applications; 120,000 hours for annual 

updates. Total estimated burden would be 192-196 thousand hours per year.

3. Material with Annual Affidavits of No Change

Each year, a certified firm must submit an affidavit of no change. In addition to an 

updated PNW statement (see above), the affidavit must be accompanied by (1) a record from 

each individual claiming disadvantaged status regarding the transfer of assets for less than fair 

market value to any immediate family member, or to a trust any beneficiary of which is an 

immediate family member, within two years of the date of the annual review; (2) a record of all 

payments, compensation, and distributions (including loans, advances, salaries and dividends) 

made by the DBE firm to each of its owners, officers or directors, or to any person or entity 

affiliated with such individuals; and (3) the owner and the firm’s (including affiliates) most 

recent completed IRS tax return, IRS Form 4506 (Request for Copy or Transcript of Tax 

Return). Collection and submission of these items during the annual affidavit is estimated to take 
60

approximately 1.5 hours (realizing that not all firms will have to submit items (1) and (2), and 

that item 3 will already have been prepared for IRS purposes.

Respondents: The approximately 30,000 certified DBE firms.

Burden: Approximately 45, 000 hours per year. 

4. Reporting Requirement for Percentages of DBEs in Various Categories

The NPRM would implement a statutory requirement calling on UCPs to report the 

percentages of white women, minority men, and minority women who control DBE firms. To 

carry out this requirement, the 52 UCPs would read their existing Directories, noting which firms 

fell into each of these three categories. The UCPs would then calculate the percentages and 

email the results off to the Departmental Office of Civil Rights. It would take each UCP an 

estimated three hours to comb through their Directories, and another three minutes to operate 

their calculators to do the percentages and send an email. 

Respondents: 52

Burden: Approximately 158.5 hours

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 26

Administrative practice and procedure, Airports, Civil Rights, Government contracts, Grantprograms—transportation; Mass transportation, Minority Businesses, Reporting and record 

keeping requirements. 

62

(g) To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the 

marketplace outside the DBE program; and

(h) To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal financial assistance 

in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.

 * * * * *

3. Amend section 26.5 to remove the definition of “DOT/SBA Memorandum of Understanding 

and add the following definitions in the proper alphabetical order:

Assets mean all the property of a person available for paying debts or for distribution, including 

one’s respective share of jointly held assets. This includes, but is not limited to, cash on hand and 

in banks, savings accounts, IRA or other retirement accounts, accounts receivable, life insurance, 

stocks and bonds, real estate, and personal property.

Business, business concern or business enterprise means an entity organized for profit with a 

place of business located in the United States, and which operates primarily within the United 

States or which makes a significant contribution to the United States economy through payment 

of taxes or use of American products, materials, or labor. 
63

Contingent Liability means a liability that depends on the occurrence of a future and uncertain 

event. This includes, but is not limited to, guaranty for debts owed by the applicant concern, 

legal claims and judgments, and provisions for federal income tax. 

Days mean calendar days. In computing any period of time described in this part, the day from 

which the period begins to run is not counted, and when the last day of the period is a Saturday, 

Sunday, or Federal holiday, the period extends to the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or 

Federal holiday. Similarly, in circumstances where the recipient’s offices are closed for all or 

part of the last day, the period extends to the next day on which the agency is open.

Immediate family member means father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, 

grandfather, grandmother, father-in-law, and mother-in-law.

Liabilities mean financial or pecuniary obligations. This includes, but is not limited to, accounts 

payable, notes payable to bank or others, installment accounts, mortgages on real estate, and 

unpaid taxes.

Principal place of business means the business location where the individuals who manage the 

applicant’s day-to-day operations spend most working hours. If the offices from which 

management is directed and where the business records are kept are in different locations, the 

recipient will determine the principal place of business. 
64

Transit vehicle manufacturer (TVM) means any manufacturer whose primary business purpose is 

to manufacture vehicles specifically built for public mass transportation. Such vehicles include, 

but are not limited to: buses, rail cars, trolleys, ferries, and vehicles manufactured specifically for 

paratransit purposes. Businesses that manufacture, mass-produce, or distribute vehicles solely 

for personal use and for sale “off the lot” are not considered transit vehicle manufacturers.

4. In section 26.5, revise the definitions of “primary industry classification” and “socially 

and economically disadvantaged individual” to read as follows:

Primary industry classification means the most current North American Industrial 

Classification System (NAICS) designation which best describes the primary business of a 

firm. The NAICS is described in the North American Industry Classification Manual--United 

States, which is available from the National Technical Information Service, 5301 Shawnee 

Road, Alexandria, VA, 22312 by calling 1-800-553-6847; TDD: (703) 487-4639, on the 

Internet at: http://www.ntis.gov/products/naics.aspx. or through the U.S. Census Bureau 

http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/

Socially and economically disadvantaged individual means any individual who is a citizen (or 

lawfully admitted permanent resident) of the United States and who has been subjected to racial 

or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of his or her identity as a 

members of groups and without regard to his or her individual qualities. The social disadvantage 

must stem from circumstances beyond the individual’s control.

(1) Any individual who a recipient finds to be a socially and economically 

disadvantaged individual on a case-by-case basis. An individual must demonstrate 
65

that he or she has held himself or herself out, as a member of a designated group 

if you require it. 

(2) Any individual in the following groups, members of which are rebuttably 

presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged:

(i) “Black Americans,'' which includes persons having origins in any of 

the Black racial groups of Africa;

(ii) “Hispanic Americans,'' which includes persons of Mexican, Puerto 

Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central or South American, or other Spanish or 

Portuguese culture or origin, regardless of race;

(iii) “Native Americans,'' which includes persons who are enrolled 

members of a federally or state recognized Indian tribe, Alaska Natives, or 

Native Hawaiians;

(iv) “Asian-Pacific Americans,'' which includes persons whose origins are 

from Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Laos, 

Cambodia (Kampuchea), Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, 

Brunei, Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands 

(Republic of Palau), Republic of the Northern Marianas Islands, Samoa, 

Macao, Fiji, Tonga, Kirbati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Federated States of 

Micronesia, or Hong Kong;

(v) “Subcontinent Asian Americans,'' which includes persons whose 

origins are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives 

Islands, Nepal or Sri Lanka;

(vi) Women;
66

(vii) Any additional groups whose members are designated as socially and 

economically disadvantaged by the SBA, at such time as the SBA 

designation becomes effective.

Being born in a particular country does not, standing alone, mean that a person is 

necessarily a member of one of the groups listed in this definition.

5. In section 26.11, add a new paragraph (d), to read as follows:

§26.11 What records do recipients keep and report?

(a) * * *

(d) You must maintain all records documenting a firm’s compliance with the requirements of this 

part. At a minimum, you should keep a complete application package for each certified firm and 

all affidavits of no-change, change notices, and on-site reviews. Such records must be retained in 

accordance with applicable record retention requirements for the recipient’s financial assistance 

agreement. 

(e) Each UCP established pursuant to section 26.81 of this Part must report to the Department of 

Transportation’s Departmental Office of Civil Rights, by May 31 of each year, the percentage of 

certified DBE firms in its Directory controlled by the following:

(1) women;

(2) socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (other than women); and

(3) individuals who are women and are otherwise socially and economically 

disadvantaged individuals
67

6. In section 26.21 (a)(1) add “primary” before FHWA. In section 26.21(a)(2) and (a)(3), remove 

the word “exceeding” and add in its place the words “the cumulative total value of which 

exceeds.”

7. Revise § 26.45 (c) \(2), (c) (5); (d)(introductory paragraph), (e)(3), (f)(4) and (g) to read as 

follows:

26.45. How Do Recipients Set Overall Goals?

* * * * *

(c) * * *

(c)(2) Use a bidders list. Determine the number of DBEs that have bid or quoted on your DOTassisted prime contracts or subcontracts in the past three years. Determine the number of all 

businesses (successful and unsuccessful) that have bid or quoted on prime or subcontracts in the 

same time period. Divide the number of DBE bidders and quoters by the number of all 

businesses to derive a base figure for the relative availability of DBEs in your market. When 

using this approach, you must establish a mechanism to directly capture data on DBE and nonDBE subcontractors that submitted bids or quotes on your DOT-assisted contracts.

* * *

(c)(5) Alternative methods. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, you may use other 

methods to determine a base figure for your overall goal. Any methodology you choose must be 

based on demonstrable evidence of local market conditions and be designed to ultimately attain a 

goal that is rationally related to the relative availability of DBEs in your market. Use of a list of 

prequalified contractors or plan holders is not an acceptable alternative means of determining the 

availability of DBEs. 
68

(d) Step 2. Once you have calculated a base figure, you must examine all of the evidence 

available in your jurisdiction to determine what adjustment, if any, is needed to the base figure to 

arrive at your overall goal. If the evidence does not suggest an adjustment is necessary, then no 

adjustment shall be made.

* * * * *

(e) * * *

(3) In appropriate cases, the FHWA, FTA or FAA Administrator may permit or require 

you to express your overall goal as a percentage of funds for a particular grant or project 

or group of grants and/or projects, including entire projects. Like other overall goals, a 

project goal may be adjusted to reflect changed circumstances, with the concurrence of 

the appropriate operating administration.

(i) A project goal is an overall goal, and must meet all the substantive and 

procedural requirements of this section pertaining to overall goals.

(ii) A project goal covers the entire length of the project to which it applies.

(iii) The project goal should include a projection of the DBE participation 

anticipated to be obtained during each fiscal year covered by the project goal.

(iv) The funds for the project to which the project goal pertains are separated from 

the base from which your regular overall goal, applicable to contracts not part of 

the project covered by a project goal, is calculated.

(f) * * *

(f)(4) You are not required to obtain prior operating administration concurrence with your 

overall goal. However, if the operating administration’s review suggests that your overall goal 
69

has not been correctly calculated or that your method for calculating goals is inadequate, the 

operating administration may, after consulting with you, adjust your overall goal or require that 

you do so. The adjusted overall goal is binding on you. In evaluating the adequacy or soundness 

of the methodology used to derive the overall goal, the operating administration will be guided 

by goal setting principles and best practices identified by the Department in guidance issued 

pursuant to section 26.9.

* * * * *

(g) In establishing an overall goal, you must provide for consultation and publication. This 

includes:

(1) Consultation with minority, women’s and general contractor groups, community 

organizations, and other officials or organizations which could be expected to have 

information concerning the availability of disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged 

businesses, the effects of discrimination on opportunities for DBEs, and your efforts to 

establish a level playing field for the participation of DBEs. The consultation must 

include a scheduled, direct, interactive exchange (e.g., a face-to-face meeting, video 

conference, teleconference) with as many interested stakeholders as possible focused on

obtaining information relevant to the goal setting process, and it must occur before you 

are required to submit your methodology to the operating administration for review 

pursuant to section 26.45(f). You must document in your goal submission the 

consultation process you engaged in. Notwithstanding section 25.45 (f)(4), you may not 

implement your proposed goal until you have complied with this requirement.
70

(2) A published notice announcing your proposed overall goal before submission to the 

operating administration on August 1st. The notice must be posted on your Internet 

website any other sources (e.g., minority-focused media, trade association publications). 

If the proposed goal changes following review by the operating administration, the 

revised goal must be posted on your Internet website.

8. Revise §26.49 to read as follows:

§ 26.49 How are overall goals established for vehicle manufacturers?

(a) If you are an FTA recipient, you must require in your DBE program that each transit vehicle 

manufacturer, as a condition of being authorized to bid or propose on FTA-assisted transit 

vehicle procurements, certify that it has complied with the requirements of this section. You do 

not include FTA assistance used in transit vehicle procurements in the base amount from which 

your overall goal is calculated.

(1) Only those transit vehicle manufacturers listed on FTA’s certified list of Transit 

Vehicle Manufacturers at the time of solicitation are eligible to bid.

(2) Failure to implement the DBE Program in the manner as prescribed in this section and 

throughout 49 CFR Part 26 will be deemed as non-compliance, which will result in 

removal from FTA’s certified TVMs list, resulting in that manufacturer becoming 

ineligible to bid.

(3) FTA recipients must have a mechanism in place to document that only certified 

manufacturers were allowed to bid.

(4) FTA recipients are required to submit within 30 days of making an award, the name 

of the successful bidder, and the total dollar value of the contract in the manner 

prescribed in the grant agreement.
71

(b) If you are a transit vehicle manufacturer, you must establish and submit for FTA’s approval 

an annual overall percentage goal.

(1) In setting your overall goal, you should be guided, to the extent applicable, by the 

principles underlying §26.45. The base from which you calculate this goal is the amount 

of FTA financial assistance included in transit vehicle contracts you will bid on during 

the fiscal year in question, less the portion(s) attributable to the manufacturing process 

performed entirely by the transit vehicle manufacturer’s own forces.

(i) You must consider and include in your base figure all contracting opportunities 

made available to non-DBE firms; and

(ii) You must exclude from this base figure funds attributable to work performed 

outside the United States and its territories, possessions, and commonwealths.

(iii) In establishing an overall goal, the transit vehicle manufacturer must provide 

for public participation. This includes consultation with interested parties 

consistent with §26.45(g) as well as publication of contracting opportunities 

within a Central Repository of Contracting Opportunities.

(2) The requirements of this part with respect to submission and approval of overall goals 

apply to you as they do to recipients.

(c) Transit vehicle manufacturers awarded must comply with the reporting requirements of 

§26.11 of this part including the requirement to submit the Uniform Report of 

Awards/Commitments and Payments, in order to remain eligible to bid on FTA assisted transit 

vehicle procurements

(d) Transit vehicle manufacturers must implement all other applicable requirements of this part, 

except those relating to UCPs and DBE certification procedures.
72

(e) If you are an FHWA or FAA recipient, you may, with FHWA or FAA approval, use the 

procedures of this section with respect to procurements of vehicles or specialized equipment. If 

you choose to do so, then the manufacturers of this equipment must meet the same requirements 

(including goal approval by FHWA or FAA) as transit vehicle manufacturers must meet in FTAassisted procurements.

(f) As a recipient you may, with FTA approval, establish project-specific goals for DBE 

participation in the procurement of transit vehicles in lieu of complying through the procedures 

of this section.

9. Revise §26.51(a) to read as follows:

§26.51 What means do recipients use to meet overall goals?

(a) You must meet the maximum feasible portion of your overall goal by using race-neutral 

means of facilitating race-neutral DBE participation. Race-neutral DBE participation includes 

any time a DBE wins a prime contract through customary competitive procurement procedures 

or is awarded a subcontract on a prime contract that does not carry a DBE contract goal. 

 * * * * *

10. In § 26.53, revise paragraph (b), redesignate paragraph (f)(1) as (f)(1)(i), and add a new 

paragraph (f) (1)(ii) to read as follows: 

26.53 What are the good faith efforts procedures recipients follow in situations where 

there are contract goals?

* * * * *
73

(b) In your solicitations for DOT-assisted contracts for which a contract goal has been 

established, you must require the following:

(1) Award of the contract will be conditioned on meeting the requirements of this 

section;

(2) All bidders/offerors will be required to submit the following information to the 

recipient, at the time provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section:

(i) The names and addresses of DBE firms that will participate in the 

contract;

(ii) A description of the work that each DBE will perform. To count 

toward meeting a goal, each DBE firm must be certified in a NAICS code 

applicable to the kind of work the firm would perform on the contract;

(iii) The dollar amount of the participation of each DBE firm participating;

(iv) Written documentation of the bidder/offeror's commitment to use a 

DBE subcontractor whose participation it submits to meet a contract goal;

and

(v) Written confirmation from each listed DBE firm that it is participating 

in the contract in the kind and amount of work provided in the prime 

contractor’s commitment.

(3) You must require that the each bidder/offeror present all information 

required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section at the time its bid/offer is 

presented (e.g., the time of bid opening, the time of presentation of initial 
74

proposals). Provided that, in a negotiated procurement, the offeror may make 

a contractually binding commitment to meet the goal at the time of the 

presentation of initial proposals but provide the information required by 

paragraph (b)(2) of this section before the final selection for the contract is 

made by the recipient.

(4) If the apparent successful bidder/offeror has not met the contract goal, it 

must submit documentation of the good faith efforts it made to meet the goal 

in order to be eligible for contract award. The documentation of good faith 

efforts must include copies of each DBE and non-DBE subcontractor quote 

submitted to the bidder when a non-DBE subcontractor was selected over a 

DBE for work on the contract.

(i)You may require all bidders/offerors who do not meet the contract 

goal to submit this documentation with their original submission; or

(ii) You may allow an apparent successful bidder/offeror who does not 

meet the contract goal to submit this documentation within one day of 

your notification that it is the apparent successful bidder/offeror. If 

you use this approach, you must require that the apparent successful 

bidder/offeror certify that all evidence of good faith efforts was created 

or generated before the time of the original bid/offer submission. 

Efforts to obtain additional DBE participation made after the time of 

the original submission will not be accepted as evidence of good faith 

efforts. 
75

* * * * *

(f)(1)(i) * * *

(ii) You must include in each prime contract a provision stating (A) that the 

contractor shall utilize the specific DBEs listed to perform the work and supply 

the materials for which each is listed unless the contractor obtains your written 

consent as provided in this paragraph (f); and (B) that, unless your consent is 

provided under this paragraph (f), the contractor shall not be entitled to any 

payment for work or material unless it is performed or supplied by the listed 

DBE.

* * * * *

11. In section 26.53, revise paragraphs (g) and (h), resdesignate paragraph (i) as paragraph (j), 

and add new paragraphs (i), and (k) to read as follows:

26.53 What are the good faith efforts procedures recipients follow in situations where 

there are contract goals?

* * * * *

(g) When a DBE subcontractor is terminated as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, 

or fails to complete its work on the contract for any reason, you must require the prime 

contractor to make good faith efforts to find another DBE subcontractor to substitute for 

the original DBE. These good faith efforts shall be directed at finding another DBE to 

perform at least the same amount of work under the contract as the DBE that was 
76

terminated, to the extent needed to meet the contract goal you established for the 

procurement. These good faith efforts shall be documented by the contractor and at your 

discretion, you must direct the contractor to provide --

(i) written notification to certified DBEs that their interest is solicited in 

subcontracting work defaulted by the previous DBE or in subcontracting 

other items of work in the contract; 

(ii) a statement of efforts to negotiate with certified DBEs for specific subbids including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of certified 

DBEs who were contacted; a description of the information provided to 

certified DBEs regarding the plans and specifications for portions of the 

work to be performed; and a statement of why additional agreements with 

certified DBEs were not reached; and 

(iii) documentation demonstrating its attempts to contact the recipient for 

assistance in locating certified DBEs willing to assume the portion of 

work or do other work on the contract. If the recipient requests 

documentation under this provision, the contractor shall submit the 

documentation within 7 days and the recipient shall provide a written 

determination to the contractor stating whether or not good faith efforts 

have been demonstrated.

(h) You must include in each prime contract a provision stating that failure by the 

contractor to carry out the requirements of this Part is a material breach of the contract, 

and may result in the termination of the contract, the remedies set forth in paragraph (i) of 

this section, or other remedies you deem appropriate.
77

(i) You must include in each prime contract a provision for appropriate 

administrative remedies that you will invoke if the prime contractor fails to 

comply with the requirements of this section in making good faith efforts to meet 

DBE contract goals and commitments. The remedies shall include provisions 

regarding (i) the withholding of monthly progress payments; (ii) declaring the 

contractor in default and terminating the contract; (iii) assessing sanctions in the 

amount of the difference in the DBE contract committal and the actual payments 

made to each certified DBEs; (iv) liquidated damages; and/or (v) disqualifying the 

contractor from future bidding as non-responsible. 

(j) You must apply the requirements of this section to DBE bidders/offerors for prime contracts. 

In determining whether a DBE bidder/offeror for a prime contract has met a contract goal, you 

count the work the DBE has committed to performing with its own forces as well as the work 

that it has committed to be performed by DBE subcontractors and DBE suppliers.

(k) You must require the contractor to provide a copy of all DBE subcontracts. The subcontractor 

shall ensure that all subcontracts or an agreement with DBEs to supply labor or materials require 

that the subcontract and all lower tier subcontractors be performed in accordance with this part’s 

provisions. 

12. In section 26.55, revise paragraph (d)(5) and the example to paragraph (d)(5); redesignate 

paragraph (d)(6) as (d)(7); and add new paragraph (d)(6) and example to paragraph (d)(6); and 

add a new paragraph (e)(4) to read as follows:

26.55 How is DBE participation counted toward goals?
78

* * * * *

(d) * * *

(d)(5) The DBE may also lease trucks from a non-DBE firm, including from an owner-operator. 

The DBE that leases trucks equipped with drivers from a non-DBE is entitled to credit for the 

total value of transportation services provided by non-DBE leased trucks equipped with drivers 

not to exceed the value of transportation services on the contract provided by DBE-owned trucks 

or leased trucks with DBE employee drivers. Additional participation by non-DBE owned trucks 

equipped with drivers receives credit only for the fee or commission it receives as a result of the 

lease arrangement. If a recipient chooses this approach, it must obtain written consent from the 

appropriate DOT Operating Administration.

Example to this paragraph (d)(5): DBE Firm X uses two of its own trucks on a contract. 

It leases two trucks from DBE Firm Y and six trucks equipped with drivers from nonDBE Firm Z. DBE credit would be awarded for the total value of transportation services 

provided by Firm X and Firm Y, and may also be awarded for the total value of 

transportation services provided by four of the six trucks provided by Firm Z. In all, full 

credit would be allowed for the participation of eight trucks. DBE credit could be 

awarded only for the fees or commissions pertaining to the remaining trucks Firm X 

receives as a result of the lease with Firm Z.

(6) The DBE may lease trucks without drivers from a non-DBE truck leasing company. 

If the DBE leases trucks from a non-DBE truck leasing company and uses its own 

employees as drivers, it is entitled to credit for the total value of these hauling services. 
79

Example to paragraph (d)(6): DBE Firm X uses two of its own trucks on a contract. It 

leases two additional trucks from non-DBE Firm Z. Firm X uses its own employees to 

drive the trucks leased from Firm Z. DBE credit would be awarded for the total value of 

the transportation services provided by all four trucks.

* * *

(e)

* * * 

(4) You must determine the amount of credit awarded to a firm for the provisions of 

materials and supplies (e.g., whether a firm is acting as a regular dealer or a transaction 

expediter) on a contract-by-contract basis. 

* * * * *

13. Revise section 26.65(a) to read as follows, and, in section 26.65 (b), remove “in excess of 

22.41 million” and add in its place “in excess of “$23.98 million”.

26.65 hat rules govern business size determinations?

(a) To be an eligible DBE, a firm (including its affiliates) must be an existing small business, as 

defined by Small Business Administration (SBA) standards. As a recipient, you must apply 

current SBA business size standard(s) found in 13 CFR part 121 appropriate to primary industry 

classification of the applicant.

* * * * *

14. Revise § 26.67 to read as follows: 
80

26.67 What rules determine social and economic disadvantage?

(a) Presumption of disadvantage. (1) You must rebuttably presume that citizens of the United 

States (or lawfully admitted permanent residents) who are women, Black Americans, Hispanic 

Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, or 

other minorities found to be disadvantaged by the SBA, are socially and economically 

disadvantaged individuals. You must require applicants to submit a signed, notarized 

certification that each presumptively disadvantaged owner is, in fact, socially and economically 

disadvantaged.

(2)(i) You must require each individual owner of a firm applying to participate as a 

DBE, whose ownership and control are relied upon for DBE certification, to certify that 

he or she has a personal net worth that does not exceed $1.32 million 

(ii) You must require each individual who makes this certification to support it 

with a signed, notarized statement of personal net worth, with appropriate 

supporting documentation. To meet this requirement, you must use the application 

form provided in Appendix G to this part without change or revision. Where 

necessary to accurately determine an individual’s PNW, you may, on a case-bycase basis, require additional financial information from the owner of an applicant 

firm (e.g., information concerning the assets of the owner’s spouse, where needed 

to clarify whether assets have been transferred to the spouse). 

(iii) The PNW statement must include all assets owned by the individual, 

including any ownership interests in the applicant firm, personal assets, and the 

value of his or her personal residence. However, when computing an individual’s 
81

net worth to determine economic disadvantage, you must make the adjustments in 

paragraph (iv) of this this paragraph.

(iv) In determining an individual’s net worth, you must observe the following 

requirements:

(A) Exclude an individual's ownership interest in the applicant firm;

(B) Exclude the individual’s equity in his or her primary residence 

(except any portion of such equity that is attributable to excessive 

withdrawals from the applicant firm). The equity is the market value of 

the residence less any mortgages and home equity loan balances. 

Recipients must ensure that home equity loan balances are included in 

the equity calculation and not as a separate liability on the individual’s 

personal net worth form. Exclusions for net worth purposes are not 

exclusions for asset valuation or access to capital and credit purposes. 

(C) Do not use a contingent liability to reduce an individual's net worth.

(D) With respect to assets held in vested pension plans, Individual Retirement 

Accounts, 401(k) accounts, or other retirement savings or investment programs in 

which the assets cannot be distributed to the individual at the present time without 

significant adverse tax or interest consequences, include only the present value of 

such assets, less the tax and interest penalties that would accrue if the asset were 

distributed at the present time.
82

(v) Notwithstanding any provision of Federal or state law, you must not release an 

individual's personal net worth statement nor any documents pertaining to it to any third 

party without the written consent of the submitter. Provided, that you must transmit this 

information to DOT in any certification appeal proceeding under section 26.89 of this 

part or to any other state to which the individual's firm has applied for certification under 

§26.85 of this part.

(b) Rebuttal of presumption of disadvantage. (1) If the statement of personal net worth and 

supporting documentation that an individual submits under paragraph (a)(2) of this section shows

that the individual’s personal net worth exceeds $1.32 million or demonstrates that the individual 

is (i) able to accumulate substantial wealth; (ii) has unlimited growth potential; or (iii) has not 

experienced or had to overcome impediments to obtaining access to financing, markets, and 

resources, the individual’s presumption of economic disadvantage is rebutted. As a certifying 

agency, you should review the total fair market value of the individual’s assets and determine if 

that level appears to be substantial and indicates an ability to accumulate substantial wealth.

Example to paragraph (b)(1): An individual with very high assets and 

significant liabilities may, in accounting terms, have a PNW of less than $1.32 

million. However, the person’s assets (e.g., a very expensive house, a yacht, 

extensive real or personal property holdings) may lead to a conclusion that he 

or she is not economically disadvantaged. The recipient can rebut the 

individual’s presumption of economic disadvantage under these 

circumstances, as provided in this section, even though the individual’s PNW 

is less than $1.32 million.
83

(2) In the case of an individual whose economic disadvantage is rebutted because 

his or her PNW shows a PNW exceeding $1.32 million, you are not required to 

have a proceeding under paragraph (b)(2) of this section in order to rebut the 

presumption of economic disadvantage in this case.

(3) If you have a reasonable basis to believe that an individual who is a member 

of one of the designated groups is not, in fact, socially and/or economically 

disadvantaged you may, at any time, start a proceeding to determine whether the 

presumption should be regarded as rebutted with respect to that individual. Your 

proceeding must follow the procedures of Sec. 26.87.

(4) In such a proceeding, you have the burden of demonstrating, by a 

preponderance of the evidence, that the individual is not socially and 

economically disadvantaged. You may require the individual to produce 

information relevant to the determination of his or her disadvantage.

(5) When an individual’s presumption of social and/or economic disadvantage has 

been rebutted, his or her ownership and control of the firm in question cannot be 

used for purposes of DBE eligibility under this subpart unless and until he or she 

makes an individual showing of social and/or economic disadvantage. If the basis 

for rebutting the presumption is a determination that the individual’s personal net 

worth exceeds $1.32 million, the individual is no longer eligible for participation 

in the program and cannot regain eligibility by making an individual showing of 

disadvantage, so long as his or her PNW remains above that amount.
84

(c) Transfers within two years. 

(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, recipients must attribute 

to an individual claiming disadvantaged status any assets which that individual 

has transferred to an immediate family member, to a trust a beneficiary of which 

is an immediate family member, or to the applicant firm for less than fair market 

value, within two years prior to a concern’s application for participation in the 

DBE program or within two years of recipient’s review of the firm’s eligibility, 

unless the individual claiming disadvantaged status can demonstrate that the 

transfer is to or on behalf of an immediate family member for that individual’s 

education, medical expenses, or some other form of essential support.

(2) Recipients must not attribute to an individual claiming disadvantaged status 

any assets transferred by that individual to an immediate family member that are 

consistent with the customary recognition of special occasions, such as birthdays, 

graduations, anniversaries, and retirements.

(d) Firms owned and controlled by individuals who are not presumed to be socially and 

economically disadvantaged (including individuals whose presumed disadvantage has been 

rebutted) may apply for DBE certification. You must make a case-by-case determination of 

whether each individual whose ownership and control are relied upon for DBE certification is 

socially and economically disadvantaged. In such a proceeding, the applicant firm has the burden 

of demonstrating to you, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the individuals who own and 

control it are socially and economically disadvantaged. In making these determinations, use the 

guidance found in Appendix E of this part. You must require that applicants provide sufficient 

information to permit determinations under the guidance of Appendix E of this part.
85

15. In section 26.69, revise paragraphs (a), (c), and (i), and add a new paragraph (k), to read as 

follows:

26.69 What rules govern determinations of ownership?

(a) In determining whether the socially and economically disadvantaged participants in a firm 

own the firm, you must consider all the facts in the record viewed as a whole, including the 

origin of all assets and how and when they were used in obtaining the firm. All transactions for 

the establishment and ownership (or transfer of ownership) must be in the normal course of 

business, reflecting commercial and arms-length practices.

* * * * *

(c)(1) The firm’s ownership by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including 

their contribution of capital or expertise to acquire their ownership interests, must be real, 

substantial, and continuing, going beyond pro forma ownership of the firm as reflected in 

ownership documents. Proof of contribution of capital should be submitted at the time of the 

application. When the contribution of capital is through a loan, there must be documentation of 

the value of assets used as collateral for the loan.

(2) Insufficient contributions include a promise to contribute capital, an unsecured note 

payable to the firm or an owner who is not a disadvantaged individual, mere participation 

in a firm’s activities as an employee, or capitalization not commensurate with the value 

for the firm. 

Examples to paragraph (c): 
86

1. An individual pays $100 to acquire a majority interest in a firm worth $1 million. 

The individual’s contribution to capital would not be viewed as substantial. 

2. A 51% disadvantaged owner and a non-disadvantaged 49% owner contribute $100 

and $10,000, respectively, to acquire a firm grossing $1 million. This may be 

indicative of a pro forma arrangement that does not meet the requirements of (c)(1). 

3. The disadvantaged owner of a DBE applicant firm spends $250 to file articles of 

incorporation and obtains a $100,000 loan, but makes only nominal or sporadic 

payments to repay the loan. This type of contribution is not of a continuing nature. 

(3) The disadvantaged owners must enjoy the customary incidents of ownership, and 

share in the risks and profits commensurate with their ownership interests, as 

demonstrated by the substance, not merely the form, of arrangements. Risks include 

financial, legal, and operational obligations. Any terms or practices which give a nondisadvantaged individual or firm a priority or superior right a firm’s profits, compared to 

the disadvantaged owner(s),

(4) Dividends and distributions. The disadvantaged owners must be entitled to receive:

(i) At least 51 percent of the annual distribution of dividends paid on the 

stock of a corporate applicant concern;

(ii) 100 percent of the value of each share of stock owned by them in the 

event that the stock is sold; and

(iii) At least 51 percent of the retained earnings of the concern and 100 

percent of the unencumbered value of each share of stock they own in the 

event of dissolution of the corporation.
87

(5) Debt instruments from financial institutions or other organizations that lend funds in 

the normal course of their business do not render a firm ineligible, even if the debtor’s 

ownership interest is security for the loan.

* * *

(i) You must apply the following rules in situations in which marital assets form a basis for 

ownership of a firm:

(1) When marital assets (other than the assets of the business in question), held jointly or 

as community property by both spouses, are used to acquire the ownership interest 

asserted by one spouse, you must deem the ownership interest in the firm to have been 

acquired by that spouse with his or her own individual resources, provided that the other 

spouse irrevocably renounces and transfers all rights in the ownership interest in the 

manner sanctioned by the laws of the state in which either spouse or the firm is 

domiciled. 

(2) A copy of the document legally transferring and renouncing the other spouse’s 

rights in the jointly owned or community assets used to acquire an ownership 

interest in the firm must be included as part of the firm’s application for DBE 

certification. The document must have been signed contemporaneously with the 

transfer. 

(3) You have discretion in cases where marital assets are used to require 

information concerning the spouse’s assets and liabilities. You must make a caseby-case determination of whether the asset transfer was made for reasons other 

than obtaining certification as a DBE. 
88

* * *

(k) You must give particularly close and careful scrutiny to all interests in a business or other 

assets obtained by a socially and economically disadvantaged owner that resulted from a sellerfinanced sale of the firm or in cases where a loan or proceeds from a non-financial institution 

were used by the owner to purchase the interest. The following conditions apply to such a 

transaction: 

(1) Terms and conditions must be comparable to prevailing market conditions 

offered by commercial lenders for similar type of projects (e.g. in terms of such 

factors as duration, rate, and fees); 

(2) The applicant firm and disadvantaged business owner of the promissory note 

or loan agreement must provide evidence clearly stating the terms and conditions 

of the loan, including due date and payment method, interest rate, prepayment, 

defaults, and collateral; 

(3) The note must be a full-recourse note and be personally guaranteed by the 

socially and economically disadvantaged owner and/or secured by assets outside 

of the ownership interest or future profits of the applicant firm; 

(4) The contributions of capital by the socially and economically disadvantaged 

owner and any use of collateral by them must be clearly evident from the firm’s 

records and supported by adequate documentation; and 

(5) Other than normal loan provisions designed to preserve property pledged as 

collateral, there must be no conditions, provisions, or practices that have the effect 

of limiting the socially and economically disadvantaged owner’s ability to control 

the applicant firm. 
89

The firm bears the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence the transaction meets 

these criteria.

16. . Revise §26.71 (e) to read as follows:

§26.71 What rules govern determinations concerning control?

* * * * *

(e) (1) Individuals who are not socially and economically disadvantaged or immediate family 

members may be involved in a DBE firm as owners, managers, employees, stockholders, 

officers, and/or directors. Such individuals must not, however

(i) Possess or exercise the power to control the firm, or be disproportionately 

responsible for the operation of the firm; or

(ii) Be a former employer or a principal of a former employer of any 

disadvantaged owner of the applicant or DBE firm, unless it is determined by the 

recipient that the relationship between the former employer or principal and the 

disadvantaged individual or applicant concern does not give the former employer 

actual control or the potential to control the applicant or DBE firm. 

(2) The following are examples of situations in which non-disadvantaged individuals or 

entities may be found to control or have the power to control the applicant or participant 

firm:

(i) Non-disadvantaged individuals control the Board of Directors of the 

applicant or Participant, either directly through majority voting 

membership, or indirectly, where the by-laws allow non-disadvantaged 
90

individuals effectively to prevent a quorum or block actions proposed by 

the disadvantaged individuals.

(ii) A non-disadvantaged individual or entity, having an equity interest in 

the applicant or participant, provides critical financial or bonding support 

or a critical license to the applicant or DBE firm which directly or 

indirectly allows the non-disadvantaged individual significantly to 

influence business decisions of the DBE firm.

(iii) A non-disadvantaged individual or entity controls the applicant or 

DBE firm or an individual disadvantaged owner through loan 

arrangements. Providing a loan guaranty on commercially reasonable 

terms does not, by itself, give a non-disadvantaged individual or entity the 

power to control a firm.

(iv) Business relationships exist with non-disadvantaged individuals or 

entities that cause such dependence that the applicant or DBE firm cannot 

exercise independent business judgment without great economic risk.

* * * * *

17. In section 26.73(g), remove the words “unless the recipient requires all firms that participate 

in its contracts and subcontracts to be prequalified.”

18. In section 26.73(h), delete “26.35” and add in its place “26.65.”

19. In section 26.83, revise paragraphs (c), (h), and (j), to read as follows:

26.83 What procedures do recipients follow in making certification decisions?
91

 * * * * 

(c)(1) You must take all the following steps in determining whether a DBE firm meets the 

standards of subpart D of this part:

(i) Perform an on-site visit to the firm’s principal place of business. You 

must interview the principal officers and key personnel of the firm and 

review their résumés and/or work histories. You must also perform an onsite visit to job sites if there are such sites on which the firm is working at 

the time of the eligibility investigation in your jurisdiction or local area. 

You may rely upon the site visit report of any other recipient with respect 

to a firm applying for certification;

(ii) Analyze documentation related to the legal structure, ownership, and 

control of the applicant firm. This includes, but is not limited to, Articles 

of Incorporation/Organization; corporate by-laws or operating agreements; 

organizational, annual and board/member meeting records; stock ledgers 

and certificates; and State-issued Certificates of Good Standing

(iii) Analyze the bonding and financial capacity of the firm; lease and loan 

agreements; bank account signature cards;

(iv) Determine the work history of the firm, including contracts it has 

received, work it has completed; and payroll records;

(v) Obtain a statement from the firm of the type of work it prefers to 

perform as part of the DBE program and its preferred locations for 

performing the work, if any. Where a firm is applying to be certified in 
92

more than one NAICS code, obtain information about the amount of work 

the firm has performed in the various NAICS codes requested by the firm.

(vi) Obtain or compile a list of the equipment owned by or available to the 

firm and the licenses the firm and its key personnel possess to perform the 

work it seeks to do as part of the DBE program; 

(vii) Obtain complete Federal and State income tax returns (or requests for 

extensions) filed by the firm, its affiliates, and the socially and 

economically disadvantaged owners for the last 3 years. A complete return 

includes all forms, schedules, and statements filed with the Internal 

Revenue Service and the applicable state taxing authority. 

(viii) Require potential DBEs to complete and submit an appropriate 

application form, except as otherwise provided in sections 26.84 and 26.85 

of this part.

(2) You must use the application form provided in Appendix F to this part 

without change or revision. However, you may provide in your DBE program, 

with the written approval of the concerned operating administration, for 

supplementing the form by requesting specified additional information not 

inconsistent with this part.

(3) You must make sure that the applicant attests to the accuracy and 

truthfulness of the information on the application form. This shall be done 

either in the form of an affidavit sworn to by the applicant before a person 

who is authorized by state law to administer oaths or in the form of an 
93

unsworn declaration executed under penalty of perjury of the laws of the

United States.

(4) You must review all information on the form prior to making a decision 

about the eligibility of the firm. You have the discretion to request 

clarification of information contained in the application at any time in the 

application process.

* * *

(h) (1) Once you have certified a DBE, it shall remain certified until and unless you have 

removed its certification, in whole or in part, through the procedures of section 26.87. Provided 

that, this requirement does not apply to decertification under the circumstances specified in 

section 26.67(b)(1) of this Part. 

(2) You may not require DBEs to reapply for certification or undergo a recertification 

process. However, you may conduct a certification review of a certified DBE firm, 

including a new on-site review, if appropriate in light of changed circumstances (e.g., of 

the kind requiring notice under paragraph (i) of this section or relating to suspension of 

certification under section 26.88), a complaint, or other information concerning the firm’s 

eligibility. If information comes to your attention that leads you to question the firm’s 

eligibility, you may conduct an on-site review on an unannounced basis, at the firm’s 

offices and job sites. 

* * *
94

(j) Submissions supporting continued eligibility. If you are a DBE, you must provide to the 

recipient annually the following items. If you fail to provide this information in a timely manner, 

you will be deemed to have failed to cooperate under §26.109(c).

(1) An affidavit sworn to by the firm’s owners before a person who is authorized 

by state law to administer oaths or an unsworn declaration executed under penalty 

of perjury of the laws of the United States. This affidavit must affirm that there 

have been no changes in the firm’s circumstances affecting its ability to meet size, 

disadvantaged status, ownership, or control requirements of this part or any 

material changes in the information provided in its application form, except for 

changes about which you have notified the recipient under paragraph (i) of this 

section. The affidavit shall specifically affirm that your firm continues to meet 

SBA business size criteria and the overall gross receipts cap of this part, 

documenting this affirmation with supporting documentation of your firm’s size 

and gross receipts. 

(2) A current personal net worth statement for each disadvantaged owner;

(3) A record from each individual claiming disadvantaged status regarding the 

transfer of assets for less than fair market value to any immediate family member, 

or to a trust any beneficiary of which is an immediate family member, within two 

years of the application or a subsequent certification review by the recipient. The 

record must provide the name of the recipient(s) and family relationship, and the 

difference between the fair market value of the asset transferred and the value 

received by the disadvantaged individual.
95

(4) A record of all payments, compensation, and distributions (including loans, 

advances, salaries and dividends) made by the DBE firm to each of its owners, 

officers or directors; and

(5) The firm’s most recent completed IRS tax return, IRS Form 4506, Request for 

Copy or Transcript of Tax Form.

 * * * * * 

20. In section 26.86, remove and reserve paragraph (b) and add the following sentence to the 

end of paragraph (c): “An applicant’s appeal of your decision to the Department pursuant to 

§26.89 does not extend this period. “

21. Revise sections 26.87 (f) and (g) to read as follows:

26.87 What procedures does a recipient use to remove a DBE’s eligibility?

* * * * *

(f) Grounds for decision. You may base a decision to remove a firm’s eligibility only on one or 

more of the following grounds: 

(1) Changes in the firm’s circumstances since the certification of the firm by the

recipient that render the firm unable to meet the eligibility standards of this part; 

(2) Information or evidence not available to you at the time the firm was certified; 
96

(3) Information relevant to eligibility that has been concealed or misrepresented by 

the firm; 

(4) A change in the certification standards or requirements of the Department since 

you certified the firm;

(5) Your decision to certify the firm was clearly erroneous;

(6) The firm has failed to cooperate with you (see section 26.109(c)); or

(7) The firm has exhibited a pattern of conduct indicating its involvement in 

attempts to subvert the intent or requirements of the DBE program (see section 

26.73(a)(2)).

(g) Notice of decision. Following your decision, you must provide the firm written notice 

of the decision and the reasons for it, including specific references to the evidence in the 

record that supports each reason for the decision. The notice must inform the firm of the 

consequences of your decision and of the availability of an appeal to the Department of 

Transportation under §26.89. You must send copies of the notice to the complainant in an 

ineligibility complaint or the concerned operating administration that had directed you to 

initiate the proceeding. Provided that, when sending such a notice to a complainant other 

than a DOT operating administration, you must not include information reasonably 

construed as confidential business information without the written consent of the firm 

that submitted the information.

22. Add a new § 26.88 to read as follows:
97

§ 26.88 Summary Suspension of Certification

(a) A recipient shall immediately suspend a DBE’s certification without adhering to the 

requirements in section 26.87(d) when an individual owner whose ownership and control of the 

firm are necessary to the firm’s certification dies or is incarcerated.

(b) (1) A recipient may immediately suspend a DBE’s certification without adhering to the 

requirements in section 26.87(d) when (i) there is adequate evidence to believe that there has 

been a material change in circumstances that may affect the eligibility of the DBE firm to remain 

certified, or (ii) when the DBE fails to notify the recipient or UCP in writing of any material 

change in circumstances as required by section 26.83(i) or fails to timely file an affidavit of no 

change under section 26.83(j). 

(2) In determining the adequacy of the evidence to issue a suspension under paragraph 

(b)(1) of this paragraph, the recipient shall consider all relevant factors, including how 

much information is available, the credibility of the information and allegations given the 

circumstances, whether or not important allegations are corroborated, and what 

inferences can reasonably be drawn as a result. 

(c) The concerned operating administration may direct the recipient to take action pursuant to 

paragraph (a) or (b) this section if it determines that information available to it is sufficient to 

warrant immediate suspension.

(d) When a firm is suspended pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, the recipient shall 

immediately notify the DBE of the suspension by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the 

last known address of the owner(s) of the DBE. 

(e) Suspension is a temporary status of ineligibility pending an expedited show cause 

hearing/proceeding under section 26.87 to determine whether the DBE is eligible to participate in 
98

the program and consequently should be removed. The suspension takes effect when the DBE 

receives, or is deemed to have received, the Notice of Suspension. 

(f) While suspended, the DBE may not be considered to meet a contract goal on a new contract, 

and any work it does on a contract received during the suspension shall not be counted toward a 

recipient’s overall goal. The DBE may continue to perform under an existing contract executed 

before the DBE received a Notice of Suspension and may be counted toward the contract goal 

during the period of suspension as long as the DBE is performing a commercially useful function 

under the existing contract. 

(g) Following receipt of the Notice of Suspension, if the DBE believes it is no longer eligible, it 

may voluntarily withdraw from the program, in which case no further action is required. If the 

DBE believes that its eligibility should be reinstated, it must provide to the recipient information 

demonstrating that the firm is eligible notwithstanding its changed circumstances. Within 30 

days of receiving this information, the recipient must either lift the suspension and reinstate the 

firm’s certification or commence a decertification action under section 26.87. If the recipient 

commences a decertification proceeding, the suspension remains in effect during the proceeding.

(h) The decision to immediately suspend a DBE under paragraph (a)( or (b) of this section is not 

appealable to the US Department of Transportation. The failure of a recipient to either lift the 

suspension and reinstate the firm or commence a decertification proceeding, as required by 

paragraph (g) of this section, is appealable to the U.S. Department of Transportation under 

section 26.89 of this Part, as a constructive decertification.

23. In §26.89, revise paragraphs (a)(3), (c), and (e) to read as follows:

§26.89 What is the process for certification appeals to the Department of Transportation?
99

(a) * * *

(1) * * *

(3) Send appeals to the following address: Department of Transportation, Departmental 

Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington, DC 20590.

 * * * * *

(c) If you want to file an appeal, you must send a letter to the Department within 90 days of the 

date of the recipient’s final decision, including information and setting forth a full and specific 

statement as to why the decision is erroneous, what significant fact that the recipient failed to 

consider, or what provisions of this Part the recipient did not properly apply. The Department 

may accept an appeal filed later than 90 days after the date of the decision if the Department 

determines that there was good cause for the late filing of the appeal or in the interest of justice.

* * *

(e) The Department makes its decision based solely on the entire administrative record as 

supplemented by the appeal. The Department does not make a de novo review of the matter and 

does not conduct a hearing. The Department may also supplement the administrative record by 

adding relevant information made available by the DOT Office of Inspector General; Federal, 

state, or local law enforcement authorities; officials of a DOT operating administration or other 

appropriate DOT office; a recipient; or a firm or other private party.

 * * * * *

24. Revise Appendix A to 49 CFR part 26 to read as follows: 

Appendix A to Part 26 – Guidance Concerning Good Faith Efforts
100

I. When, as a recipient, you establish a contract goal on a DOT-assisted contract for procuring 

construction, equipment, services, or any other purpose, a bidder must, in order to be responsible 

and/or responsive, make sufficient good faith efforts to meet the goal. The bidder can meet this 

requirement in either of two ways. First, the bidder can meet the goal, documenting 

commitments for participation by DBE firms sufficient for this purpose. Second, even if it 

doesn't meet the goal, the bidder can document adequate good faith efforts. This means that the 

bidder must show that it took all necessary and reasonable steps to achieve a DBE goal or other 

requirement of this part which, by their scope, intensity, and appropriateness to the objective, 

could reasonably be expected to obtain sufficient DBE participation, even if they were not fully 

successful.

II. In any situation in which you have established a contract goal, Part 26 requires you to use the 

good faith efforts mechanism of this part. As a recipient, you have the responsibility to make a 

fair and reasonable judgment whether a bidder that did not meet the goal made adequate good 

faith efforts, subject to this rule and DOT guidance implementing it. It is important for you to 

consider the quality, quantity, and intensity of the different kinds of efforts that the bidder has 

made, based on the regulations and the guidance in this Appendix. DOT Operating 

Administrations have the discretion to and, if necessary, change recipients’ good faith efforts 

decisions.

The efforts employed by the bidder should be those that one could reasonably expect a bidder to 

take if the bidder were actively and aggressively trying to obtain DBE participation sufficient to 

meet the DBE contract goal. Mere pro forma efforts are not good faith efforts to meet the DBE 
101

contract requirements. We emphasize, however, that your determination concerning the 

sufficiency of the firm's good faith efforts is a judgment call. Determinations should not be 

made using quantitative formulas.

III. The Department also strongly cautions you against requiring that a bidder meet a contract 

goal (i.e., obtain a specified amount of DBE participation) in order to be awarded a contract, 

even though the bidder makes an adequate good faith efforts showing. This rule specifically 

prohibits you from ignoring bona fide good faith efforts.

IV. The following is a list of types of actions which you should consider as part of the bidder's 

good faith efforts to obtain DBE participation. It is not intended to be a mandatory checklist, nor 

is it intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. Other factors or types of efforts may be relevant in 

appropriate cases.

A. Conducing market research to identify small business contractors and suppliers 

and soliciting through all reasonable and available means the interest of all 

certified DBEs that have the capability to perform the work of the contract. This 

may include attendance at pre-bid and business matchmaking meetings and 

events, advertising and/or written notices, posting of Notices of Sources Sought 

and/or Requests for Proposals, written notices or emails to all DBEs listed in the 

state’s directory of transportation firms that specialize in the areas of work desired 

(as noted in the DBE directory) and which are located in the area or surrounding 

areas of the project.
102

The bidder must solicit this interest as early in the acquisition process as 

practicable to allow the DBEs to respond to the solicitation and submit a timely 

offer for the subcontract. The bidder must determine with certainty if the DBEs 

are interested by taking appropriate steps to follow up initial solicitations.

B. Selecting portions of the work to be performed by DBEs in order to increase 

the likelihood that the DBE goals will be achieved. This includes, where 

appropriate, breaking out contract work items into economically feasible units 

(for example, smaller tasks or quantities) to facilitate DBE participation, even 

when the prime contractor might otherwise prefer to perform these work items 

with its own forces. This may include, where possible, establishing flexible 

timeframes for performance and delivery schedules in a manner that encourages 

and facilitates DBE participation. 

C. Providing interested DBEs with adequate information about the plans, 

specifications, and requirements of the contract in a timely manner to assist them 

in responding to a solicitation with their offer for the subcontract.

D. (1) Negotiating in good faith with interested DBEs. It is the bidder’s 

responsibility to make a portion of the work available to DBE subcontractors and 

suppliers and to select those portions of the work or material needs consistent 

with the available DBE subcontractors and suppliers, so as to facilitate DBE 

participation. Evidence of such negotiation includes the names, addresses, and 

telephone numbers of DBEs that were considered; a description of the 

information provided regarding the plans and specifications for the work selected 
103

for subcontracting; and evidence as to why additional Agreements could not be 

reached for DBEs to perform the work.

(2) A bidder using good business judgment would consider a number of factors in 

negotiating with subcontractors, including DBE subcontractors, and would take a 

firm’s price and capabilities as well as contract goals into consideration. 

However, the fact that there may be some additional costs involved in finding and 

using DBEs is not in itself sufficient reason for a bidder’s failure to meet the 

contract DBE goal, as long as such costs are reasonable. Also, the ability or desire 

of a prime contractor to perform the work of a contract with its own organization 

does not relieve the bidder of the responsibility to make good faith efforts. Prime 

contractors are not, however, required to accept higher quotes from DBEs if the 

price difference is excessive or unreasonable.

E. Not rejecting DBEs as being unqualified without sound reasons based on a 

thorough investigation of their capabilities. The contractor’s standing within its 

industry, membership in specific groups, organizations, or associations and 

political or social affiliations (for example union vs. non-union status) are not 

legitimate causes for the rejection or non-solicitation of bids in the contractor’s 

efforts to meet the project goal. Another practice considered an insufficient good

faith effort is the rejection of the DBE because its quotation for the work was not 

the lowest received. However, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to 

require the bidder or prime contractor to accept unreasonable quotes in order to 

satisfy contract goals. 
104

A prime contractor’s inability to find a replacement DBE at the original price is 

not alone sufficient to support a finding that good faith efforts have been made to 

replace the original DBE. The fact that the bidder has the ability and/or desire to 

perform the contract work with its own forces is not a sound basis for rejecting a 

prospective replacement DBE’s reasonable quote. 

F. Making efforts to assist interested DBEs in obtaining bonding, lines of credit, 

or insurance as required by the recipient or contractor.

G. Making efforts to assist interested DBEs in obtaining necessary equipment, 

supplies, materials, or related assistance or services.

H. Effectively using the services of available minority/women community 

organizations; minority/ women contractors’ groups; local, state, and Federal 

minority/women business assistance offices; and other organizations as allowed 

on a case-by-case basis to provide assistance in the recruitment and placement of 

DBEs.

V. In determining whether a bidder has made good faith efforts, it is essential to scrutinize its 

documented efforts. At a minimum, you must review the performance of other bidders in 

meeting the contract goal. For example, when the apparent successful bidder fails to meet the 

contract goal, but others meet it, you may reasonably raise the question of whether, with 

additional efforts, the apparent successful bidder could have met the goal. If the apparent 

successful bidder fails to meet the goal, but meets or exceeds the average DBE participation 

obtained by other bidders, you may view this, in conjunction with other factors, as evidence of 

the apparent successful bidder having made good faith efforts. As provided in section 
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26.53(b)(2)((vi), you must also require the contractor to submit all subcontractor quotes (from 

DBEs and non-DBEs, successful and unsuccessful quotes) in order to review whether DBE 

prices were substantially higher; and contact the DBEs listed on a contractor’s solicitation to 

inquire as to whether they were contacted by the prime. Pro forma mailings to DBEs requesting 

bids are not alone sufficient to satisfy good faith efforts under the rule. 

VI. A promise to use DBEs after contract award is not considered to be responsive to the

contract solicitation or to constitute good faith efforts.

25. Revise Appendix B to Part 26 to read as follows:

APPENDIX B to 49 CFR Part 26: Uniform Report of DBE Awards and 

Commitments/Payments Form 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE UNIFORM REPORT OF DBE 

AWARDS/COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS

Recipients of Department of Transportation (DOT) funds are expected to keep accurate data 

regarding the contracting opportunities available to firms paid for with DOT dollars. Failure to 

submit contracting data relative to the DBE program will result in noncompliance with Part 26. 

1. Indicate the DOT Operating Administration (OA) that provides your Federal financial 

assistance. If assistance comes from more than one OA, use separate reporting forms for each 

OA. If you are an FTA recipient, indicate your Vendor Number in the space provided.
106

2. If you are an FAA recipient, indicate the relevant AIP Numbers covered by this report. If you 

are an FTA recipient, indicate the Grant/Project numbers covered by this report. If more than ten 

attach a separate sheet.

3. Specify the Federal fiscal year (i.e., October 1-September 30) in which the covered reporting 

period falls.

4. State the date of submission of this report.

5. Check the appropriate box that indicates the reporting period that the data provided in this 

report covers. If this report is due June 1, data should cover October 1 - March 31. If this report 

is due December 1, data should cover April 1 - September 30. 

6. Provide the name and address of the recipient.

7. State your overall DBE goal(s) established for the Federal fiscal year of the report. Your 

Overall Goal is to be reported as well as the breakdown for specific Race Conscious and Race 

Neutral projections. The Race Conscious portion of the overall goal should be based on 

programs that focus on and provide benefits only for DBEs. The use of contract goals is a 

primary example of a race conscious measure. The Race Neutral Goal portion should include 

programs that, while benefiting DBEs, are not solely focused on DBE firms. For example, a 

small business outreach program, technical assistance, and prompt payment clauses can assist a 

wide variety of businesses in addition to helping DBE firms. 
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Section A: Awards and Commitments Made During this Period

The amounts in items 8(A)-10(I) should include all types of prime contracts awarded and all 

types of subcontracts awarded, including: professional or consultant services, construction, 

purchase of materials or supplies, lease or purchase of equipment and any other types of services. 

All dollar amounts are to reflect only the Federal share of such contracts, and should be rounded 

to the nearest dollar.

Line 8: Prime contracts awarded this period: The items on this line should correspond to the 

contracts directly between the reporting agency and a supply or service contractor, with no 

intermediaries between the two.

8(A). Provide the total dollar amount for all prime contracts assisted with DOT funds and 

awarded during this reporting period. This value should include the entire Federal share of the 

contracts.

8(B). Provide the total number of all prime contracts assisted with DOT funds and awarded 

during this reporting period.

8(C). From the total dollar amount awarded in item 8(A), provide the dollar amount awarded in 

prime contracts to certified DBE firms during this reporting period. This amount should not 

include the amounts sub contracted to other firms.
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8(D). From the total number of prime contracts awarded in item 8(B), specify the number of 

prime contracts awarded to certified DBE firms during this reporting period. 

8(E&F). This field is closed for date entry. Except for the very rare case of DBE-set asides 

permitted under 49 CFR Part 26, all prime contracts are regarded as race-neutral.

8(G). From the total dollar amount awarded in item 8(C), provide the dollar amount awarded to 

certified DBEs through the use of Race Neutral methods. See the definition of Race Neutral 

Goal in item 7 and the explanation in item 8 of project types to include.

8(H). From the total number of prime contracts awarded in 8(D), specify the number awarded to 

DBEs through Race Neutral methods.

8(I). Of all prime contracts awarded this reporting period, calculate the percentage going to 

DBEs. Divide the dollar amount in item 8(C) by the dollar amount in item 8(A) to derive this 

percentage. Round this percentage to the nearest tenth.

Line 9: Subcontracts awarded/committed this period: Items 9(A)-9(I) are derived in the same 

way as items 8(A)-8(I), except that these calculations should be based on subcontracts rather 

than prime contracts. Unlike prime contracts, which may only be awarded, subcontracts may be 

either awarded or committed. 
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9(A). Provide the total dollar amount of subcontracts assisted with DOT funds awarded during 

this period. This value should be a subset of the total dollars awarded previously in prime 

contracts in 8(A). The sum of all subcontract amounts in consecutive periods should never 

exceed the sum of all prime contract amounts awarded in those periods.

9(B). Provide the total number of all subcontracts assisted with DOT funds that were awarded 

during this reporting period.

9(C). From the total dollar amount of subcontracts awarded/committed this period, provide the 

total dollar amount awarded in subcontracts to DBEs.

9(D). From the total dollar amount of subcontracts awarded/committed in item 8(B), specify the 

number of subcontracts awarded.

9(E).From the total dollar amount of subcontracts awarded/committed to DBEs this period, 

provide the amount in dollars to DBEs using Race Conscious measures.

9(F). From the total number of subcontracts awarded/committed to DBEs this period, provide the 

number of subcontracts awarded to DBEs using Race Conscious measures.

9(G). From the total dollar amount of subcontracts awarded/committed to DBEs this period, 

provide the amount in dollars to DBEs using Race Neutral measures.
110

9(H). From the total number of subcontracts awarded/committed to DBEs this period, provide 

the number of subcontracts awarded to DBEs using Race Neutral measures.

9(I). Of all subcontracts awarded this reporting period, calculate the percentage going to DBEs. 

Divide the dollar amount in item 9(C) by the dollar amount in item 9(A) to derive this 

percentage. Round this percentage to the nearest tenth.

10(A)-10(B). These fields are unavailable for data entry. 

10(A)-11(I). 10(C). Combine the total dollars awarded to DBEs on Prime Contracts in 8(C) with 

the total dollars awarded to DBEs on Sub contracts in 9(C). The amount listed here should be 

equal to the sum of the total dollars awarded to DBEs through Race Conscious measures 10(E) 

and the total dollars awarded to DBEs through Race Neutral measures 10(G).

10(D). Combine the total number of prime contracts awarded to DBEs in 8(D) with the total 

number of sub contracts awarded to DBEs in 9(D). The amount listed here should be equal to the 

sum of the total number of contracts awarded to DBEs through Race Conscious measures 10(F) 

and the total number of contracts awarded to DBEs through Race Neutral measures 10(H).

10(E). Combine the total dollar of prime contracts awarded to DBEs Race Conscious 8(E) with 

total dollar of sub contracts awarded to DBEs Race Conscious 9(E).
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10(F). Combine the total number of prime contracts awarded to DBEs Race Conscious 8(F) with 

total number of sub contracts awarded to DBEs Race Conscious 9(F).

10(G). Combine the total dollar of prime contracts awarded to DBEs Race Neutral 8(G) with 

total dollar of sub contracts awarded to DBEs Race Neutral 9(G).

10(H). Combine the total number of prime contracts awarded to DBEs Race Neutral 8(H) with 

total number of sub contracts awarded to DBEs Race Neutral 9(H).

10(I). This field is closed for data entry. On project reporting, overall percentage of DBE 

participation is not a value that can be accurately reflected on a period by period basis, and must 

instead derive from looking at the project as a whole over the course of time.

Section B: Breakdown by Ethnicity & Gender of Contracts Awarded to DBEs this period.

11 – 18. Further breakdown the contracting activity with DBE involvement. The Total Dollar 

Amount to DBEs in 18(C) should equal the Total Dollar Amount to DBEs in 10(C). Likewise the 

total number of contracts to DBEs in 18(F) should equal the Total Number of Contracts to DBEs 

in 10(D). Column E should only be filled out if this report is due on December 1 by recipients 

required to make semiannual submissions. 

Line 17: The “Other” category is reserved for any firms whose owners are not members of the 

presumptively disadvantaged groups already listed, but who are eligible for the DBE program on 
112

an individual basis. All DBE firms must be certified by the Unified Certification Program to be 

counted in this report. “Other” should not be used for “Unknown.”

Section C: Payments on Ongoing Contracts

Line 19(A – E). Submit information on contracts that are currently being performed. All dollar 

amounts are to reflect only the Federal share of such contracts, and should be rounded to the 

nearest dollar.

19(A). Provide the total dollar amount paid to all firms performing work on contracts.

19(B). Provide the total number of contracts that are currently being performed

19(C). Provide the total number of DBE firms providing work on contracts assisted with federal 

funds.

19(D). Provide the total dollar value paid to DBE firms currently performing work during this 

period.

19(E) Of all payments made during this period, calculate the percentage going to DBEs. Divide 

the total dollar value to DBEs in item 19(C) by the total dollars of all payments in 19(A). Round 

percentage to the nearest tenth.
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Section D: Actual Payments on Contracts Completed this Reporting Period 

This section should provide information only on contracts that are closed during this period. All 

dollar amounts are to reflect the entire Federal share of such contracts, and should be rounded to 

the nearest dollar.

20(A). Provide the total number of contracts completed during this reporting period that used 

Race Conscious methods. Race Conscious contracts are those with contract goals or another 

race conscious measure.

20(B). Provide the total dollar value of prime contracts completed this reporting period that had 

race conscious goals.

20(C). Provide the total dollar amount of DBE participation on all Race Conscious contracts 

completed this reporting period that was necessary to meet the contract goals on them. This 

applies only to Race Conscious contracts.

20(D). Provide the actual total DBE participation in dollars on the race conscious contracts 

completed this reporting period.

20(E). Of all the contracts completed this reporting period using Race Conscious measures, 

calculate the percentage of DBE participation. Divide the total dollar amount to DBEs in item 
114

20(D)by the total dollar value provided in 20(B) to derive this percentage. Round to the nearest 

tenth.

21(A)-21(E). Items 21(A)-21(E) are derived in the same manner as items 20(A)-20(E), except 

these figures should be based on contracts completed using Race Neutral measures. 

21(C). This field is closed. 

22(A)- 22(D). Calculate the totals for each column by adding the race conscious and neutral 

figures provided in each row above.

22(C). This field is closed.

22(E). Calculate the overall percentage of dollars to DBEs on completed contracts. Divide the 

Total DBE participation dollar value in 22(D) by the Total Dollar Value of Contracts Completed 

in 22(B) to derive this percentage. Round to the nearest tenth.

23. Name of the Authorized Representative preparing this form.

24. Signature of the Authorized Representative.

25. Phone number of the Authorized Representative.
115

**Submit your completed report to your Regional or Division Office.

26. Revise Appendix F to Part 26 to read as follows:
116

Appendix F

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF 

TRANSPORTATION

UNIFORM CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE / 

AIRPORT CONCESSION DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS 

ENTERPRISE

49 C.F.R. PARTS 23 and 26

Send Application To: 
117

[UCP PARTICIPATING MEMBER]

[Address]

[Phone:] [Fax]

A MATERIAL OR FALSE STATEMENT OR OMISSION MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS 

APPLICATION IS SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR DENIAL OF CERTIFICATION, REVOCATION OF A PRIOR 

APPROVAL, INITIATION OF SUSPENSION OR DEBARMENT PROCEEDINGS, AND MAY SUBJECT THE 

PERSON AND/OR ENTITY MAKING THE FALSE STATEMENT TO ANY AND ALL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL 

PENALTIES AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAW.

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________

In collecting the information requested by this form, the Department of Transportation (Department) complies with the provisions of the Federal 

Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts (5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a). The Privacy Act provides comprehensive protections for your personal information. 

This includes how information is collected, used, disclosed, stored, and discarded. Your information will not be disclosed to third parties without your 

consent. The information collected will be used solely to determine your firm's eligibility to participate in the Department's Disadvantaged Business 

Enterprise Program as defined in 49 CFR section 26.5 and the Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program as defined in 49 CFR 

section 23.3. You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). 
118

Roadmap for Applicants

1. Should I apply?

You may be eligible to participate in the DBE/ACDBE program if you answer "Yes" to the following:

• Is your firm organized as a for-profit business that performs or seeks to perform transportation related 

work for a recipient of Federal Transit Administration, Federal Highway Administration, or Federal 

Aviation Administration funds?

• Is your firm at least 51% owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) who also 

controls the firm?

• Is the disadvantaged owner a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.?

• Is your firm a small business that meets the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) size standard and

does not exceed $22.41 million in gross annual receipts for DBE ($52.47 million for ACDBEs)? (Note, 

other size standards apply ACDBE applications from banks/financial institutions, car rental companies, 

pay telephone firms, and automobile dealers.)

2. How do I apply?

You must complete and submit this certification application and related material to an agency in your 

home state; and second participate in an on-site interview conducted by that agency. The attached 

document checklist can help you locate the items you need to submit to the agency with your 

completed application. If you fail to submit the required documents, your application may be delayed 

and/or denied.
119

3. Who will contact me about my application and what are the eligibility standards?

The DBE and ACDBE Programs require that all U.S. DOT recipients of federal assistance must participate 

in a statewide Unified Certification Program (UCP). The UCP is a one-stop certification procedure that 

eliminates the need for your firm to obtain certification from multiple agencies within the state. The 

UCP is responsible for certifying firms and maintaining a database of certified DBEs and ACDBEs for DOT 

grantees, pursuant to the eligibility standards found in 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26. 

4. Where can I find more information?

U.S. DOT—http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/DBEProgram/index.cfm (This site provides useful links to the 

rules and regulations governing the DBE/ACDBE programs, questions and answers, and other pertinent 

information) 

http://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/ (provides a listing of NAICS codes) and

http://www.sba.gov/content/table-small-business-size-standards (SBA has established a Table of Small

Business Size Standards that is matched to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for 

industriesprovides a listing of NAICS codes and size standards)

Under 49 CFR §26.107, dated February 2, 1999, if at any time, the Department or a recipient has reason to believe that any 

person or firm has willfully and knowingly provided incorrect information or made false statements, the Department may 

initiate suspension or debarment proceedings against the person or firm under 49 CFR Part 29, Governmentwide 

Debarment and Suspension (nonprocurement) and Governmentwide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace (grants), take 

enforcement action under 49 CFR Part 31, Program Fraud and Civil Remedies, and/or refer the matter to the Department 

of Justice for criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001, which prohibits false statements in Federal programs.
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 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE 

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE 

AIRPORT CONCESSIONS DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE 

UNIFORM CERTIFICATION APPLICATION 

NOTE: If you require additional space for any question in this application, please attach additional sheets or copies as needed,

taking care to indicate on each attached sheet/copy the section and number of this application to which it refers.

Section 1: CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

A. Basic Contact Information

(1) State the contact person and title of the person 

completing this application and the person who will 

serve as your firm's primary contact for this 

application.

(2) State the legal name of your firm, as indicated in 

your firm's Articles of Incorporation or charter.

(3) State the primary phone number of your firm.

(4) State a secondary phone number, if any.

(5) State your firm's fax number, if any.

(6) State the contact person's email address.

(7) State your firm's website address, if any.

(8) State the street address of your firm (i.e. the 

physical location of its offices—not a post office box 

address).

(9) State the mailing address of your firm, if it is 

different from your firm’s street address. Check the 

box if this is homes based business and identify who 

holds title to the property. 

B. Prior/Other Certifications and Applications

(10) Check the appropriate box indicating for which 

program your firm is currently certified. If you are 

already certified as a DBE/ACDBE, indicate in the 

appropriate box the name of the certifying agency 

that certified your firm, and also indicate whether 

your firm has undergone an onsite visit. If your firm 

has already undergone an onsite visit/review, indicate 

the dates of the review(s) and the state UCP(s) that 

conducted the review.

(11) Indicate whether your firm or any of the persons 

listed has ever been denied certification as a DBE, 

8(a), or SDB firm, or state and local MBE/WBE firm. 

Indicate if the firm has ever been decertified from 

one of these programs. Indicate if the application was 

withdrawn or whether the firm was debarred, 

suspended, or otherwise had its bidding privileges 

denied or restricted by any state or local agency, or 

Federal entity. If your answer is yes, identify the 

name of the agency, and explain fully the nature of 

the action in the space provided. Indicate if you have

ever appealed this decision to the Department and if 

so, attach a copy of USDOT’s final agency decision(s).
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Section 2: GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Business profile: 

(1) Give a concise description of the firm’s primary 

activities, the product(s) or services the company 

provides, or type of construction. If your company 

offers more than one product/service, list primary 

product or service first. Use additional paper if 

necessary. This description may be used in our 

database and the UCP online directory if you are 

certified as a DBE. 

(2) Identify the appropriate NAICS Code for the 

line(s) of work you identified in your business profile. 

(3) State the date on which your firm was officially 

established as stated in your firm’s Articles of 

Incorporation or charter.

(4) State the date on which you and/or each other 

owner took ownership of the firm.

(5) Check the appropriate box that describes the 

manner in which you and each other owner acquired 

ownership of your firm. If you checked “Other,” 

explain in the space provided. 

(6) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether your firm is “for profit.” NOTE: If you 

checked “No,” then you do NOT qualify for the 

DBE/ACDBE program and should not complete the 

rest of this application. All participating firms must be 

for-profit enterprises. If the firm is a for profit 

enterprise, provide the Federal Tax ID number as 

stated on your firm’s filed tax returns, if you have 

one. This could also be the Social Security number of 

the owner of your firm. 

(7) Check the appropriate box that describes the 

legal form of ownership of your firm, as indicated in 

your firm’s Articles of Incorporation or similar 

document. If you checked “Other,” briefly explain in 

the space provided.

(8) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether your firm has ever existed under different 

ownership, a different type of ownership, or a 

different name. If you checked “Yes,” explain the 

circumstances in the space provided.

(9) Indicate in the spaces provided how many 

employees your firm has, specifying the number of 

employees who work on a full-time, part-time, and 

seasonal basis. Attach a list of employees, their job 

titles, and dates of employment, to your application. 

(10) Specify the total gross receipts of your firm for 

each of the past three years, as declared in your 

firm’s filed tax returns. You must submit complete 

copies of the firm’s State and Federal tax returns for 

each year and audited financial statements (if 

available). If there are any affiliates or subsidiaries of 

the applicant firm or owners, you must submit 

complete copies of these firm(s) state and federal tax 

returns. Affiliation is defined in 49 CFR §26.5 and 13 

CFR part 121.

B. Relationships and Dealings with Other 

Businesses

(1) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether your firm is co-located at any of its business 

locations, or whether your firm shares a telephone 

number(s), a post office box, any office space, a yard, 

warehouse, other facilities, any equipment, financing, 

or any office staff and/or employees with any other 

business, organization or entity of any kind. If you 

answered “Yes,” then specify the name of the other 

firm(s) and fully explain the nature of your 

relationship with these other businesses by 

identifying the business or person with whom you 

have any formal, informal, written, or oral 

agreement. Provide an explanation of any items 

shared with other firms in the space provided.

(2) Check the appropriate box indicating whether 

any other firm currently has or had an ownership 

interest in your firm at present or at any time in the 

past. 

(3) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether at present or at any time in the past your 

firm:

(a) has been a subsidiary of any other firm;

(b) existed as a partnership in which one or more of 

the partners are/were other firms;

(c) has owned any percentage of any other firm; 

and

(d) has had any subsidiaries of its own.

(e) has served as a subcontractor with another firm 

constituting more than 25% of your firm’s receipts?

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions in (3)(ae), describe the subsidiaries, partnership interests or 

other arrangements. In addition, explain whether 

these relationships are continuing today, or if not, 

when they ended. 

C. Immediate Family Member, Manager, or Employee 

Businesses

Check the appropriate to indicate whether any of 

your immediate family members, managers, or 

employees, own, manage, or are associated with 

another company. An “immediate family member” is 

any person who is your father, mother, husband, 

wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandmother, 

grandfather, grandson, granddaughter, mother-inlaw, or father-in-law. If you answered “Yes,” provide 

the name of each person, your relationship to them, 

the name of the company they own or manage the 
122

type of business, and whether they own or manage 

the company.

Section 3: OWNER INFORMATION

Identify all individuals or holding companies with any

ownership interest in your firm, providing the information 

requested below (if your firm has more than one owner, 

provide completed copies of this section for each 

additional owner):

A. Background Information

(1) Give the name of the owner.

(2) State his/her title or position within your firm.

(3) Give his/her home phone number.

(4) State his/her home (street) address.

(5) Indicate this owner’s gender.

(6) Identify the owner’s ethnic group membership. If 

you checked “Other,” specify this owner’s ethnic 

group/identity not otherwise listed.

(7) Check the appropriate box to indicate whether 

this owner is a U.S. citizen. If this owner is not a U.S. 

citizen, check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether this owner is a lawfully admitted permanent 

resident. If this owner is neither a U.S. citizen nor a 

lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S., 

then this owner is NOT eligible for certification as a 

DBE owner. This, however, does not necessarily 

disqualify your firm altogether from the DBE program 

if another owner is a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted 

permanent resident and meets the program’s other 

qualifying requirements.

(8) (a)(i) State the personal net worth of each owner 

claiming to be socially and economically 

disadvantaged applying for DBE qualification. (Each 

owner claiming disadvantaged status must submit a 

separate statement. (ii) State whether a trust has 

been created for the benefit of this owner. If you 

answered “Yes,” briefly explain the nature, history, 

purpose, and current value of the trust(s). NOTE: You 

only need to complete this section for each owner 

that is applying for DBE qualification (i.e., for each 

owner who is claiming to be “socially and 

economically disadvantaged” and whose ownership 

interest is to be counted toward the control and 51% 

ownership requirements of the DBE program) Use 

the PNW form at the end of this application to 

compute each disadvantaged owner’s PNW.

B. Ownership Interest

(1) State the number of years during which this 

owner has been an owner of your firm.

(2) Indicate the dollar value of this owner’s initial 

investment to acquire an ownership interest in your 

firm, broken down by cash, real estate, equipment, 

and/or other investment. Describe how you acquired 

the shares. Attach documentation substantiating this 

investment.

(3) Indicate the number, percentage of the total, 

class, date acquired, of stock acquired by the owner. 

(4) Describe the familial relationship of this owner 

to each other owner of your firm and employees.

(5) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether this owner performs a management or 

supervisory function for any other business. If you 

checked “Yes,” state the name of the other business 

and this owner’s title or function held in that 

business.

(6) (a) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether this owner owns or works for any other 

firm(s) that has any relationship with your firm. If you 

checked “Yes,” identify the name of the other 

business, the nature of the business relationship, and 

the function at the firm. 

(b) If the owner works for any other firm, non-profit 

organization, or is engaged in any other activity more 

than 10 hours per week, please identify this activity. 

Section 4: CONTROL

A. Identify the firm’s Officers and Board of Directors

(1) In the space provided, state the name, title, date 

of appointment, ethnicity, and gender of each officer 

of your firm.

(2) In the space provided, state the name, title, date 

of appointment, ethnicity, and gender of each 

individual serving on your firm’s Board of Directors.

(3) Check the appropriate box to indicate whether 

any of your firm’s officers and/or directors listed 

above performs a management or supervisory 

function for any other business. If you answered 

“Yes,” identify each person by name, his/her title, the 

name of the other business in which s/he is involved, 

and his/her function performed in that other 

business.

(4) Check the appropriate box that indicates 

whether any of your firm’s officers and/or directors 

listed above own or work for any other firm(s) that 

has a relationship with your firm. If you answered 

“Yes,” identify the name of the firm, the individual’s 

name, and the nature of his/her business relationship 

with that other firm.
123

(5) Check the appropriate box to that indicates 

whether the applicant business and/or owner is 

involved in any present or pending litigation or 

administrative proceedings. If you answered “Yes,” 

provide details of the litigation or administrative 

proceedings.

B. Duties of Owners, Officers, Directors, Managers, and 

Key Personnel

In the chart provided, specify the roles of the majority 

and minority owners, directors, officers, and 

managers, and key personnel who perform significant 

functions for the business. Make enough copies of 

this form to provide information on each and every 

person. Submit résumés for each owner and nonowner identified below. State the name of the 

individual, title, race, percentage of the firm that they 

own, gender, salary and benefits.

Circle the frequency of each person’s involvement as 

follows: “always, frequently, seldom, or never”

(1) Setting policy for company direction/scope, or 

financial decisions. 

(2) Bidding and estimating including calculation of 

cost estimates, bid preparation and submission;

(3) Making purchasing decisions

(4) Marketing and sales

(5) Supervising field operations

(6) Attending bid openings and lettings

(7) Perform office management, such as billing, 

accounts receivable, and accounts payable

(8) Hires and fires management staff

(9) Hire and fire field staff or crew

(10) Designates profit spending or investment

(11) Obligates the business by 

contract/credit/bond/insurance

(12) Purchase equipment

(13) Signs business checks

Check the appropriate box that indicates whether any 

of the persons listed in (1) through (13) above 

perform a management or supervisory function for 

any other business. If yes identify the person, 

business, and their title/function. Identify if any of the 

persons listed above own or work for any other 

firm(s) that has a relationship with this firm (e.g. 

ownership interest, shared office space, financial 

investment, equipment, leases, personnel sharing, 

etc.) If you answered “Yes,” describe the nature of 

his/her business relationship with that other firm.

C. Indicate firm inventory in the following categories:

(1) Equipment and Vehicles

State the type, make and model, and current dollar 

value of each piece of equipment and motor vehicle 

held and/or used by your firm. Indicate whether each 

piece is either owned or leased by your firm and 

where this item is stored. 

(2) Office Space

State the street address of each office space held 

and/or used by your firm. Indicate whether your firm 

or owner owns or leases the office space and the 

current dollar value of that property or its lease.

(3) Storage Space

State the street address of each storage space held 

and/or used by your firm. Indicate whether your firm 

or owner owns or leases the storage space and the 

current dollar value of that property or its lease.

D. Does your firm rely on any other firm for 

management functions or employee payroll?

Check the appropriate box that indicates whether 

your firm relies on any other firm for management 

functions or for employee payroll. If you answered 

“Yes,” briefly explain the nature of that reliance and 

the extent to which the other firm carries out such 

functions.

E. Financial / Banking Information

Banking Information. State the name and address of 

your firm’s bank. In the space provided, identify the 

individuals able to sign checks on this account. 

Bonding Information. State your firm’s Binder 

Number. State the name of your firm’s bond agent 

and/or broker. Give your agent’s/broker’s phone 

number. Give your agent’s/broker’s address. State 

your firm’s bonding limits (in dollars), specifying both 

the aggregate and project limits.

F. Identify all sources, amounts, and purposes of 

money loaned to your firm, including the names of 

persons or firms securing the loan. 

State the name and address of each source, the name 

of person securing the loan, original dollar amount 
124

and the current balance of each loan, and the 

purpose for which each loan was made to your firm.

G. List all contributions or transfers of assets to/from 

your firm and to/from any of its owners or another 

individual over the past two years:

Indicate in the spaces provided, the type of 

contribution or asset that was transferred, its current 

dollar value, the person or firm from whom it was 

transferred, the person or firm to whom it was 

transferred, the relationship between the two 

persons and/or firms, and the date of the transfer.

H. List current licenses/permits held by any owner or 

employee of your firm.

List the name of each person in your firm who holds a 

professional license or permit, the type of permit or 

license, the expiration date of the permit or license, 

and the license/permit number and issuing State of 

the license or permit.

I. List the three largest contracts completed by your 

firm in the past three years, if any.

List the name of each owner or contractor for each 

contract, the name and location of the projects under 

each contract, the type of work performed on each 

contract, and the dollar value of each contract.

J. List the three largest active jobs on which your firm 

is currently working.

For each active job listed, state the name of the prime 

contractor and the project number, the location, the 

type of work performed, the project start date, the 

anticipated completion date, and the dollar value of 

the contract.

AIRPORT CONCESSION (ACDBE) APPLICANTS

Identify the concession space, address and location at the 

airport, the value of the property or lease, and fees/lease 

payments paid to the airport. Provide information 

concerning any other airport concession businesses the 

applicant firm or any affiliate owns and/or operates, 

including name, location, type of concession, and start 

date of the concession enterprise.

AFFIDAVIT & SIGNATURE

The Affidavit of Certification must accompany your 

application for DBE/ACDBE certification. Carefully read the 

attached affidavit in its entirety. Fill in the required 

information for each blank space, and sign and date the 

affidavit in the presence of a Notary Public, who must then 

notarize the form.
 UNIFORM DBE/ACDBE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION Date________

125

Section 1: CERTIFICATION INFORMATION 

A. Basic Contact Information

(1) Contact person and Title: ____________________

 _____________________

(2) Legal name of firm: _________________________

_____________________________________________

(3) Phone #: (___) _____ - _______ (4) Other Phone #: (____) _____ - _____ (5) Fax #: (____) ______ - _____

(6) E-mail: _________________________________ (7) Firm Websites: ________________________________

(8) Street address of firm (No P.O. Box):

________________________________________

City:

________________

County/Parish:

___________________

State:

______

Zip:

________ - ____

(9) Mailing address of firm (if different):

___________________________________

City:

________________

County/Parish:

___________________

State:

______

Zip:

________ - ____

Home Based Business?  Yes No If Yes, who holds the title to the property? ______________________

B. Prior/Other Certifications and Applications

(10) Is your firm currently certified for any of the following programs? (If Yes, check appropriate box(es))

 DBE  ACDBE Names of certifying agencies: ______________________________________________

List the dates of any site visits conducted by your home state and any other states or UCP members:

Date ____/ ____/____ State/UCP Member: ___________________________

Date ____/ ____/____ State/UCP Member: ___________________________

Date ____/ ____/____ State/UCP Member: ___________________________ 

You will be required to provide a copy of the above on-site reports as part of this application process.
126

Already certified in your home state? ⊗ STOP! You may not have to complete this application. Ask your 

state UCP about the streamlined application process.

(11) Has your firm (under any name) or any firm owned or controlled by your firm’s owners, Board of Directors, 

officers or management personnel, ever been: 

 (a) Denied certification as a DBE, ACDBE, 8(a), SDB, MBE/WBE firm?  Yes No

 (b) Decertified from these programs?  Yes No

(c) Withdrawn an application for these programs, or debarred or suspended or otherwise had bidding 

privileges denied or restricted by any state or local agency, or Federal 

entity?  Yes No

If yes to any of the above, identify all state, local, or Federal agencies and explain the nature of the action(s): 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you appealed this decision to USDOT, what was the result? Please attach a copy of USDOT’s decision(s).

___________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Section 2: GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Business Profile: (1) Give a concise description of the firm’s primary activities, the product(s) or services the 

company provides, or type of construction. If your company offers more than one product/service, list the primary 

product or service first. Please use additional paper if necessary. This description may be used in our database and 

the UCP online directory if you are certified as a DBE or ACDBE. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
127

(2) Applicable NAICS Codes for this line of work include: ______ ______ _______ _______ ________ ______

(3) This firm was established on ____/____/____ (4) I/We have owned this firm since: ____/____/____

(5) Method of acquisition (Check all that apply): 

  Started new business  Bought existing business  Inherited business  Secured concession 

  Merger or consolidation  Other (explain) _____________________________

(6) Is your firm “for profit”?  Yes No→ 

Employer’s ID # ________________________

Federal Tax ID# ________________________

⊗ STOP! If your firm is NOT for-profit, then you do NOT qualify 

for this program and should not fill out this application.

(7) Type of Legal Business Structure: (check all that apply): 

 Sole Proprietorship  Limited Liability Partnership

 Partnership Corporation

 Limited Liability Corporation  Joint Venture (Identify all JV partners __________________________)

 Applying as an ACDBE

 Other, Describe: _______________________________________________

(8) Has your firm ever existed under different ownership, a different type of ownership, or a different name?

  Yes  No If Yes, explain: _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(9) Number of employees: Full-time ________ Part-time ________ Seasonal ________Total _________

 (Please attach a list of employees, their job titles, and dates of employment, to your application). 
128

(10) Specify the firm’s gross receipts for the last 3 years.

You must submit complete copies of the firm’s State and 

Federal tax returns for each year, and audited financial 

statements (if available). If there are any affiliates or 

subsidiaries of the applicant firm or owners, you must submit 

complete copies of these firms’ State and Federal tax 

returns. 

Year _______ Total receipts $ _________________

 

Year _______ Total receipts $ _________________ 

 

Year _______ Total receipts $ _________________

B. Relationships and Dealings with Other Businesses

(1) Is your firm co-located at any of its business locations, or does it share a telephone number, P.O. Box, 

office or storage space, yard, warehouse, facilities, equipment, inventory, financing, office staff, and/or 

employees with any other business, organization, or entity?  Yes  No If Yes, explain fully the nature of 

your relationship with these other businesses by identifying the business or person with whom you have any formal, 

informal, written, or oral agreement. Also detail the items shared. 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

(2) Has any other firm had an ownership interest in your firm at present or at any time in the past?

 Yes  No If Yes, explain____________________________________________________________________

(3) At present, or at any time in the past, has your firm:

 (a) been a subsidiary of any other firm?  Yes  No

 (b) existed as a partnership in which one or more of the partners are/were other firms?  Yes  No

 (c) owned any percentage of any other firm?  Yes  No

 (d) had any subsidiaries?  Yes  No 

 (e) been a subcontractor with another firm constituting more than 25% of your firm’s receipts?  Yes  No

If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions in (2) and/or (3)(a)-(e), describe the subsidiaries, partnership interests, 

or other arrangements and whether this continues. Please attach a separate sheet if necessary.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
129

C. Immediate Family Member, Manager, or Employee Businesses

Do any of your immediate family members, managers, or employees own, manage, or are associated with another 

company?  Yes  No If Yes, then list: (Please attach extra sheets, if needed):

 Name Relationship Company Type of Business Own/Manage/Associated with

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Section 3: MAJORIY OWNER INFORMATION

A. In this section, specify the majority owner of the firm holding 51% or more ownership interest. 

(1) Full Name: 

____________________________

(2) Title: 

_________________________

(3) Home Phone #: 

( ) _____ - _______

(4) Home Address (Street and Number):

____________________________________________________

City: 

____________________

State: 

________

Zip:

_________ - ______
130

(5) Gender:  Male  Female

(6) Ethnic group membership

(Check all that apply): 

 Black  Hispanic 

 Asian Pacific  Native American

 Subcontinent Asian

 Other (specify) ___________________

(7) U.S. Citizenship: 

Birth Naturalized 

Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident

(8)(a) Economic Disadvantaged Status: Complete this 

section only for each owner claiming to be socially and 

economically disadvantaged applying for DBE qualification.

(i) What is the Personal Net Worth of the owner applying for 

DBE/ACDBE qualification? $______________

(Use and attach the Personal Financial Statement form attached to 

this application. Each owner must submit a separate statement). 

(ii) Has any trust been created for the benefit of this 

disadvantaged owner(s)?  Yes  No

If Yes, provide a copy (Attach additional sheets if needed):

B. Ownership Interest

(1) Number of years as owner: _______ (2) Initial investment to Type Dollar Value

acquire ownership Cash $ 

interest in firm: Real Estate $

 Equipment $ 

 Other $

(3) Percentage owned: ________ %

 Class of stock owned: ______

 Date acquired ______
131

(4) Describe familial relationship to other owners and

employees:_____________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Describe how you acquired your business 

 Started business myself 

 It was a gift from: ______________________

 I bought it from: _______________________

 I inherited it from: _____________________

 Other

(Attach documentation substantiating your 

investment)

(5) Does this owner perform a management or supervisory function for any other business?  Yes  No

If Yes, identify: Name of Business: __________________________________ Function/Title: _______________________________

(6)(a) Does this owner own or work for any other firm(s) that has a relationship with this firm? (e.g., ownership 

interest, shared office space, financial investments, equipment, leases, personnel sharing, etc.)  Yes  No 

Identify than name of the business, and the nature of the relationship, and the owner’s function at the firm: 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(b) Does this owner work for any other firm, non-profit organization, or is engaged in any other activity 

more than 10 hours per week? If yes, identify this activity: __________________________________________

Section 3: OWNER INFORMATION, Cont’d. 

A. Identify all individuals, firms, or holding companies that hold LESS THAN 51% ownership interest in your firm 

(If more than one owner holding less than 51%, attach separate sheets for each additional owner)

(1) Full Name: 

____________________________

(2) Title: 

_________________________

(3) Home Phone #: 

( ) _____ - _______

(4) Home Address (street and number):

____________________________________________________

City: 

____________________

State: 

________

Zip:

_________ - ______
132

(5) Gender:  Male  Female

(6) Ethnic group membership

(Check all that apply): 

 Black  Hispanic 

 Asian Pacific  Native American

 Subcontinent Asian

 Other (specify) ___________________

(7) U.S. Citizenship: 

 Birth Naturalized 

 Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident:

(8)(a) Economic Disadvantaged Status: Complete this 

section only for each owner claiming to be socially and 

economically disadvantaged applying for DBE qualification

(i) What is the Personal Net Worth of the owner applying for 

DBE/ACDBE qualification? $_______________

(Use and attach the Personal Financial Statement form attached to 

this application. Each owner must submit a separate statement). 

(ii) Has any trust been created for the benefit of this 

disadvantaged owner(s)?  Yes  No

If Yes, please explain (attach additional sheets if needed):

B. Ownership Interest

(1) Number of years as owner: _______ (2) Initial investment to Type Dollar Value

acquire ownership Cash $ 

interest in firm: Real Estate $

 Equipment $ 

 Other $

(3) Percentage owned: ________ %

 Class of stock owned: ______

 Date acquired ______
133

(4) Describe familial relationship to other owners and

employees:_____________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

Describe how you acquired your business 

 Started business myself 

 It was a gift from: ______________________

 I bought it from: _______________________

 I inherited it from: _____________________

 Other

Attach documentation substantiating your investment

(5) Does this owner perform a management or supervisory function for any other business?  Yes  No

If Yes, identify: Name of Business: __________________________________ Function/Title: _______________________________

(6)(a) Does this owner own or work for any other firm(s) that has a relationship with this firm? (e.g., ownership 

interest, shared office space, financial investments, equipment, leases, personnel sharing, etc.)  Yes  No 

Identify than name of the business, and the nature of the relationship, and the owner’s function at the firm: 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(b) Does this owner work for any other firm, non-profit organization, or is engaged in any other activity 

more than 10 hours per week? If yes, identify this activity: ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Section 4: CONTROL 

 A. Identify your firm’s Officers and Board of Directors 

 (If additional space is required, attach a separate sheet):

Name Title

Date 

Appointed

Ethnicity Gender

(1) Officers

of the 

Company

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)
134

(2) Board of 

Directors

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(3) Do any of the persons listed above perform a management or supervisory function for any other 

business?  Yes  No If Yes, identify for each:

Person: __________________________________ Title: _________________________________________________

Business: ________________________________ Function: ______________________________________________

Person: __________________________________ Title: _________________________________________________ 

Business: ________________________________ Function: ______________________________________________

(4) Do any of the persons listed (1) and/or (2) above own or work for any other firm(s) that has a relationship 

with this firm (e.g., ownership interest, shared office space, financial investments, equipment, leases, personnel sharing, etc.)? 

 Yes  No If Yes, identify for each: 

Firm Name: _______________________________ Person: _____________________________ 

Nature of Business Relationship: __________________________________________________________________________

(5) Is the applicant business and/or owner involved in any present or pending lawsuits?

 Yes  No If Yes, provide details: 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
135

B. Duties of Owners, Officers, Directors, Managers, and Key Personnel 

Complete for all owners and non-owners who perform significant functions for the business. Make enough copies 

of this form to provide information on each and every person. Submit résumés for each person identified below. 

Circle the frequency of each person’s involvement as follows: 

Majority Owner (51% or more) Minority Owner (49% or less)

A= Always

F = Frequently

S = Seldom

N = Never

Name: _______________________ 

Title: ________________________ 

Race:________________________ 

Percent Owned:________________ 

Gender: _____Male _____Female 

Salary: $______________________ 

Other Benefits $________________ 

Name: _______________________ 

Title: ________________________ 

Race:________________________ 

Percent Owned:________________ 

Gender: _____Male _____Female 

Salary: $______________________ 

Other Benefits $______________

Sets policy for company

direction/scope/ of operations

A F S N A F S N

Bidding and estimating A F S N A F S N

Major purchasing decisions A F S N A F S N

Marketing and sales A F S N A F S N

Supervises field operations A F S N A F S N

Attend bid opening and lettings A F S N A F S N

Perform office management, such as 

billing, accounts receivable and 

accounts payable, etc. 

A F S N A F S N

Hires and fires management staff A F S N A F S N

Hire and fire field staff or crew A F S N A F S N

Designates profits spending or 

investment 

A F S N A F S N

Obligates business by 

contract/credit/bond/insurance 

A F S N A F S N

Purchase equipment A F S N A F S N

Signs business checks A F S N A F S N

Do any of the persons listed above perform a management or supervisory function for any other business? If Yes, 

identify the person, the business, and their title/function:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
136

Do any of the persons listed above own or work for any other firm(s) that has a relationship with this firm? (e.g.,

ownership interest, shared office space, financial investments, equipment, leases, personnel sharing, etc.)  Yes  No 

If Yes, describe the nature of the business relationship: ______________________________________________

B. Duties of Owners, Officers, Directors, Managers, and Key Personnel, continued. 

Complete for all owners and non-owners who do anything listed below for the business. Make enough copies of 

this form to provide information on each and every person. Submit résumés for each person identified below. 

Circle the frequency of each person’s involvement as follows: 

Person 3 Person 4

A= Always

F = Frequently

S = Seldom

N = Never

Name: _______________________ 

Title: ________________________ 

Race:________________________ 

Percent Owned:________________ 

Gender: _____Male ____Female 

Salary: $______________________ 

Other Benefits $________________ 

Name: _______________________ 

Title: ________________________ 

Race:________________________ 

Percent Owned:________________ 

Gender: _____Male ____Female 

Salary: $______________________ 

Other Benefits $______________

Sets policy for company

direction/scope/ of operations

A F S N A F S N

Bidding and estimating A F S N A F S N

Major purchasing decisions A F S N A F S N

Marketing and sales A F S N A F S N

Supervises field operations A F S N A F S N

Attend bid opening and lettings A F S N A F S N

Perform office management, such 

as billing, accounts receivable and 

accounts payable, etc. 

A F S N A F S N

Hires and fires management staff A F S N A F S N

Hire and fire field staff or crew A F S N A F S N

Designates profits spending or 

investment 

A F S N A F S N

Obligates business by 

contract/credit/bond/insurance 

A F S N A F S N

Purchase equipment A F S N A F S N

Signs business checks A F S N A F S N
137

Do any of the persons listed above perform a management or supervisory function for any other business? If Yes, 

identify the person, the business, and their title/function:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do any of the persons listed above own or work for any other firm(s) that has a relationship with this firm? (e.g.,

ownership interest, shared office space, financial investments, equipment, leases, personnel sharing, etc.)  Yes  No 

If Yes, describe the nature of the business relationship: _______________________________________________
138

C. Inventory: 

Indicate your firm’s inventory in the following categories (Please attach additional sheets if needed):

Equipment and Vehicles (Provide titles, proof of ownership, or signed lease agreements for the items listed)

Type of Equipment or Vehicle

(Make and Model) Current Value

Owned or Leased by 

Firm or Owner?

Where is this item stored?

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________________________________________

4. __________________________________________________________________________________________

5. __________________________________________________________________________________________

6. __________________________________________________________________________________________

7. __________________________________________________________________________________________

8. __________________________________________________________________________________________

9. __________________________________________________________________________________________

10. _________________________________________________________________________________________

11. _________________________________________________________________________________________

12. _________________________________________________________________________________________

13. _________________________________________________________________________________________

14. _________________________________________________________________________________________

15. _________________________________________________________________________________________

16. _________________________________________________________________________________________
139

Office Space (Provide signed lease agreements for the properties listed)

Street Address Owned or Leased 

by Firm or Owner?

Current Value of Property or Lease

1.__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Storage Space (Provide signed lease agreements for the properties listed)

Street Address Owned or Leased by 

Firm or Owner?

Current Value of Property or Lease

1.___________________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Does your firm rely on any other firm for management functions or employee payroll?  Yes  No

If Yes, explain: 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
140

 

E. Financial / Banking Information (Provide bank authorization and signature cards)

Name of bank: _________________________________ 

Address of bank: _______________________________ City: ______________ State: _____ Zip: __________

The following individuals are able to sign checks on this account: ______________________________________

Name of bank: _________________________________ 

Address of bank: _______________________________ City: ______________ State: _____ Zip: __________

The following individuals are able to sign checks on this account: ______________________________________

Bonding Information: If you have bonding capacity, identify: (a) Binder No: _________________________

(b) Name of agent/broker ______________________________ (c) Phone No: ( ) ______________________ 

(d) Address of agent/broker: ____________________________ __________________________________________

(e) Bonding limit: Aggregate limit $ ______________________ Project limit $ _____________________
141

F. Identify all sources, amounts, and purposes of money loaned to your firm including from financial 

institutions. Identify whether you the owner and any other person or firm loaned money to the applicant 

DBE/ACDBE. Include the names of any persons or firms securing the loan, if other than the listed owner. 

(Provide copies of signed loan agreements and security agreements).

Name of Source Address of Source

Name of Person 

Securing the Loan

Original 

Amount

Current 

Balance

Purpose of Loan

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________________________________________________

G. List all contributions or transfers of assets to/from your firm and to/from any of its owners or 

another individual over the past two years (attach additional sheets if needed):

Contribution/Asset

Dollar Value

From Whom 

Transferred

To Whom 

Transferred

Relationship Date of 

Transfer

1. __________________________________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________________________________

3.__________________________________________________________________________________________

H. List current licenses/permits held by any owner and/or employee of your firm

(e.g. contractor, engineer, architect, etc.)(Provide copies of the licenses and 

attach additional sheets if needed):
142

Name of License/Permit Holder Type of License/Permit Expiration 

Date

License Number 

and State

1.___________________________________________________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________________________________________

 I. List the three largest contracts completed by your firm in the past three years, if any: 

 Name of 

Owner/Contractor

Name/Location of Project Type of Work Performed Dollar Value of 

Contract

1.___________________________________________________________________________________________

2. __________________________________________________________________________________________

3. __________________________________________________________________________________________

J. List the three largest active jobs on which your firm is currently working:

Name of Prime 

Contractor and Project 

Number

Location of 

Project

Type of Work Project 

Start Date

Anticipated 

Completion 

Date

Dollar 

Value of 

Contract

1.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________
143

2.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

3.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
144

 AIRPORT CONCESSION (ACDBE) APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE THIS PAGE

Concession Space Address / Location at 

Airport

Value of Property or 

Lease

Fees/Lease Payments 

Paid to the Airport

Provide information concerning any other airport concession businesses the applicant firm or any affiliate owns 

and/or operates, including name, location, type of concession, and start date of concession

Name of Concession Location Type of Concession Start Date of Concession
145
146

AFFIDAVIT OF CERTIFICATION

This form must be signed and notarized for each owner upon which disadvantaged status is relied.

A MATERIAL OR FALSE STATEMENT OR OMISSION MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS APPLICATION IS 

SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR DENIAL OF CERTIFICATION, REVOCATION OF A PRIOR APPROVAL, INITIATION OF 

SUSPENSION OR DEBARMENT PROCEEDINGS, AND MAY SUBJECT THE PERSON AND/OR ENTITY MAKING 

THE FALSE STATEMENT TO ANY AND ALL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES AVAILABLE PURSUANT TO 

APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAW.

I _________________________ (full name printed), swear or affirm under penalty of law that I am 

_______________ _________________(title) of the applicant firm __________________________ (firm name) 

and that I have read and understood all of the questions in this application and that all of the foregoing 

information and statements submitted in this application and its attachments and supporting documents are 

true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that all responses to the questions are full and complete, 

omitting no material information. The responses include all material information necessary to fully and 

accurately identify and explain the operations, capabilities and pertinent history of the named firm as well as the 

ownership, control, and affiliations thereof.

I recognize that the information submitted in this application is for the purpose of inducing certification approval 

by a government agency. I understand that a government agency may, by means it deems appropriate, 

determine the accuracy and truth of the statements in the application, and I authorize such agency to contact 

any entity named in the application, and the named firm’s bonding companies, banking institutions, credit 

agencies, contractors, clients, and other certifying agencies for the purpose of verifying the information supplied 

and determining the named firm’s eligibility.

I agree to submit to government audit, examination and review of books, records, documents and files, in 

whatever form they exist, of the named firm and its affiliates, inspection of its places(s) of business and 

equipment, and to permit interviews of its principals, agents, and employees. I understand that refusal to permit 

such inquiries shall be grounds for denial of certification.

If awarded a contract, subcontract, concession lease or sublease, I agree to promptly and directly provide the 

prime contractor, if any, and the Department, recipient agency, or federal funding agency on an ongoing basis, 

current, complete and accurate information regarding (1) work performed on the project; (2) payments; and (3) 

proposed changes, if any, to the foregoing arrangements. 
147

I agree to provide written notice to the recipient agency or Unified Certification Program (UCP) of any material 

change in the information contained in the original application within 30 calendar days of such change (e.g., 

ownership, address, telephone number, etc.).

I acknowledge and agree that any misrepresentations in this application or in records pertaining to a contract or 

subcontract will be grounds for terminating any contract or subcontract which may be awarded; denial or 

revocation of certification; suspension and debarment; and for initiating action under federal and/or state law 

concerning false statement, fraud or other applicable offenses.

I certify that I am a socially and economically disadvantaged individual who is an owner of the above-referenced 

firm seeking certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Airport Concession Disadvantaged 

Business Enterprise (ACDBE). In support of my application, I certify that I am a member of one or more of the 

following groups, and that I have held myself out as a member of the group(s): (Check all that apply):

 

 Female  Black American  Hispanic American  Native American  Asian- Pacific American

 Subcontinent Asian American Other (specify) ____________________________________________

I certify that I am socially disadvantaged because I have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural 

bias, or have suffered the effects of discrimination, because of my identity as a member of one or more of the 

groups identified above, without regard to my individual qualities.

I further certify that my personal net worth does not exceed $1.32 million, and that I am economically 

disadvantaged because my 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 and economically disadvantaged.

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this application and supporting documents is 

true and correct.

Signature _________________________________ Executed on ___________(Date)

 (DBE/ACDBE Applicant)
148

NOTARY CERTIFICATE

Subscribed and sworn to before me this ___day of __________, 20___.

________________________________________

Notary Public in and for the State of:

Residing at:_______________________________

________________________________________

 My Commission Expires:_____________________
149

UNIFORM CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST

In order to complete your application for DBE or ACDBE certification, you must attach copies of all of the following 

documents. The UCP to which you are applying may have additional required documents that you must also supply with 

your application. Contact the appropriate certifying agency to which you are applying to find out if more is required. A 

failure to supply any information requested by the UCP may result in a determination that you failed to cooperate.

All Applicants

� Résumés (that include places of ownership/employment with corresponding dates), for all owners, officers, 

and key personnel of the applicant firm

� Personal Net Worth Statement for socially and economically disadvantaged owners (form available with this 

application)

� Personal Federal and State tax returns for the past 3 years, if applicable, for each disadvantaged owner

� Federal and state tax returns (and requests for extensions) filed by the firm and its affiliates including all 

related schedules, and firm audited financial statements (if available) for the past 3 years.

� Documented proof of contributions used to acquire ownership for each owner (e.g. both sides of cancelled 

checks)

� Your firm’s signed loan agreements, security agreements, and bonding forms

� Descriptions of all real estate (including office/storage space, etc.) owned/leased by your firm and 

documented proof of ownership/signed leases

� List of equipment and/or vehicles owned and leased. Signed lease agreements and titles/proof of ownership

� Property leases

� Documented proof of any transfers of assets to/from your firm and/or to/from any of its owners over the past 

2 years

� Year-end balance sheets and income statements for the past three years (or life of firm, if less than three 

years); a new business must provide a current balance sheet

� All relevant licenses, license renewal forms, permits, and haul authority forms

� DBE, ACDBE and SBA 8(a), SDB, MBE/WBE certifications, denials, and/or decertifications, if applicable; and U.S. 

DOT appeal decisions (if any) on these actions.

� Bank authorization and signatory cards
150

� Schedule of salaries (or other remuneration) paid to all officers, managers, owners, and/or directors of the 

firm

� List of all employees, job titles, and dates of employment. 

� Trust agreements held by any owner claiming disadvantaged status, if any

Partnership or Joint Venture

� Original and any amended Partnership or Joint Venture Agreements

Corporation or LLC

� Official Articles of Incorporation (signed by the state official)

� Both sides of all corporate stock certificates and your firm’s stock transfer ledger

� Shareholders’ Agreement

� Minutes of all stockholders and board of directors meetings

� Corporate by-laws and any amendments

� Corporate bank resolution and bank signature cards

� Official Certificate of Formation and Operating Agreement with any amendments (for LLCs)

Trucking Company

� Documented proof of ownership of the company

� Insurance agreements for each truck owned or operated by your firm

� Title(s), registration certificate(s), and U.S. DOT numbers for each truck owned or operated by your firm

Suppliers

� Proof of warehouse/storage facility ownership or lease arrangements

� List of product lines carried and list of distribution equipment owned and/or leased
151

27. Add a new Appendix G to Part 26, to read as follows:
152

APPENDIX G to 49 CFR Part 26: Personal Net Worth Statement

 

U.S. Department of 

Transportation 

 Appendix G

Personal Net Worth Statement OMB APPROVAL NO:

For DBE/ACDBE Program Eligibility EXPIRATION DATE: 

As of __________________

This form is used by all participants in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise 

Programs as set forth in 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26 and must be submitted to determine whether an owner is economically 

disadvantaged. Complete this form separately for: (1) each disadvantaged proprietor, (2) each limited partner who owns 

51% or more interest and each general partner, and (3) each stockholder owning 51% or more of voting stock.

Do not make adjustments to your figures pursuant to the DBE Program Regulation. The agency you apply to will use the 

information provided on this statement to determine your personal net worth. Please send form to appropriate Unified 

Certification Program member, not U.S. DOT.

Full Name Business Name of Applicant Firm

Residence Address (As 

reported to the IRS)

Business Address

City, State and Zip Code City, State and Zip Code

Residence Phone Business Phone

Marital Status: Married, Divorced, Never 

Married, Widowed

Spouse’s Full Name

ASSETS (Omit Cents) LIABILITIES (Omit Cents)

Joint 

Asset?

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

(Complete Section 1A)

$ Mortgages on Real Estate 

Excluding Primary Residence 

(Complete Section 2

$

Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401Ks, 403Bs, 

Pensions, etc) (Report Full Value and 

Complete Section 1B)

$ Loan on Life Insurance 

(Complete Section 3)

$

Brokerage, Investment Accounts 

(Complete Section 1C)

$ Notes, Obligations on Personal 

Property (Complete Section 4)

$

Assets Held in Trust 

(Complete Section 1D)

$ Notes & Accounts Payable to Banks 

and Others (Complete Section 6)

$

Shareholder Loans & Other Receivables 

(Complete section 1E)

$ Other Liabilities 

(Complete Section 7)

$ 

Real Estate Excluding Primary Residence 

(Complete Section 2)

$ Unpaid Taxes 

(Complete Section 8)

$ 

Life Insurance (Cash Surrender Value Only) 

(Complete Section 3

$ 

Other Personal Property and Assets 

(Complete Section 4)

$

Other Business Interests 

(Complete Section 5 )

$

Total Assets $ Total Liabilities $
153

ASSETS (Provide Current Account Statements)

SECTION 1A: Cash on Hand, Checking, Savings, Money Market, Certificates of Deposit

Name on Account

(including co-owners)

Type of Account 

(checking, 

savings, revolving 

credit, IRA, other, 

(explain)

Bank Name and 

Address

Account 

number

Account 

Status

(joint, single, 

trust)

Current Balance

Total

Section 1B: Retirement Accounts, IRA, 401Ks, 403Bs, Pensions 

Name on Account

(including co-owners)

Type of 

Account 

Bank Name and Address Account number Current 

Balance

Total

SECTION 1C: Brokerage/Investment Accounts 

Name of Brokerage Firm And account number) Type of Account Market value 

as of date of 

form

Total

SECTION 1D: Assets Held in Trust: (Submit trust agreements and amendments, and document the valuation of assets)

Name of Settlor Type of trust 

(revocable, 

irrevocable, 

etc.)

Date Trust 

established

Specific Assets held 

and Value

Date and 

Method of 

Valuation

Trustee Names of 

Beneficiaries

Section 1E: Securities Not reported in Section 1C and Shareholder Loans, Promissory Notes and Other Receivables Not 

Listed Above: Provide amount and describe:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
154

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION 2: Real Estate Owned (Including Personal Residence, Investment Properties, Personal Property 

Leased or Rented for Business Purposes, Farm Properties, or any Other Income Producing property.

(List each parcel separately. Submit copies of deeds for each parcel, mortgage note, instrument of conveyance) Add 

additional sheets if necessary.

Primary Residence Property B Property C

Type of Property

Address

Date Acquired and 

Method of Acquisition 

(purchase, inherit, divorce, 

gift, etc.)

Names on Deed

Purchase Price

Present Market Value

Source of Market 

Valuation

Name & Address of all 

Mortgage Holders, 

including

Mortgage Account 

Number

Mortgage Balance As of 

Date of Form:

Equity line of credit 

Balance

Amount of Payment Per 

Month/Year (Specify)

SECTION 3: Life Insurance Held

(Submit policies and most recent statement) 

(Give face amount and cash surrender value of policies, name of insurance company and beneficiaries).

Insurance Company Face 

Value 

Amount

Cash Surrender Amount Beneficiaries Loan on Policy Information
155

SECTION 4: Other Personal Property and Assets

(Other documentation may be required upon request, such as invoices, bill of sale, valuation documents, insurance 

policies)

Type of Property or Asset

Total 

Present 

Value

Amount of 

Liability

(Balance)

Is this asset 

insured?

(If so, attach a 

copy of the 

policy)

Lien or Note 

amount and Terms 

of Payment

(Attach a copy of 

the instrument)

Automobiles and Vehicles (including recreation vehicles, 

motorcycles, boats, etc.) Include personally owned vehicles 

that are leased or rented to businesses or other individuals. 

Household Goods

Jewelry

Other (List)

Accounts and Notes Receivables

Total Present Value: $ ____________
156

Total Liability: $ ____________

Total Personal Property $ ____________

SECTION 5: Other Business Investments, Other Businesses Owned (excluding applicant firm)

Sole Proprietorships, General Partners, Joint Ventures, Limited Liability Companies, Closely-held and Public Traded Corporations

(Provide the information below and submit business financial statements, balance sheets including net worth, Federal tax returns)

Name of Sole 

Proprietorship, 

partnership, Joint 

Venture 

(Indicate % of 

ownership)

Address Business 

Value

in $

Date 

Acquired

Names of Partners, Unit 

holders, % of Ownership, 

and Date Acquired

Primary scope of 

Operations

Name of Corporation 

or LLC

Address Business 

Value

in $

Date 

Acquired

Name of Stockholders on 

Certificates, Date Stock 

Acquired, Total Outstanding 

Shares of Stock or Units, 

Market Value and Date of 

Quotation/Exchange,

Primary scope of 

Operations

LIABILITIES

SECTION 6: Notes and Accounts Payable to Bank and Others (Including Installment accounts)

(Submit copy of note/security agreement, and most recent account statement)

Name of 

Borrower(s)

Name of 

Noteholder(s)

Date of 

Instrument

Original 

Balance

Current 

Balance

Payment 

Amount and 

Terms

How Secure/By Whom 

Guaranteed, Collateral

SECTION 7: Other Liabilities 

(Submit copy of most recent statement, or any other debt instrument)

Name of Individual Name of Description Name and Address Date of Amount Payment Amount and 
157

Obligated Co-signer(s) of Entity Owed Obligation Terms (frequency)

SECTION 8: Unpaid Taxes

(Describe in detail, as to type, to whom payable, when due, amount, and to what property, if any, a tax lien attaches).

Name of Individual 

Obligated

Name of Cosigner(s)Type of 

Unpaid 

Tax

Payable to Whom Date Due Amount Property Attached with Tax 

Lien (if any)

SECTION 9: Transfer of Assets: Have you transferred, within 2 years of this personal net worth statement, transferred 

assets to a spouse, domestic partner, relative, or entity in which you have an ownership or beneficial interest including a 

trust? Yes  No 

(Provide a brief description of all transfers of assets within 2 years from date of application. List the names of individuals on deed, 

title, note or other instrument receiving assets and relation to transferor.(Submit Bill of Sale or Invoice, transfer document (title,

deed, etc., date of transfer, estimate or valuation of the consideration received))

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AFFIDAVIT

I declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided in this application and supporting documents is complete, true and 

correct. I certify that no assets have been transferred to any beneficiary for less than fair market value in the last two years. I 

recognize that the information submitted in this application is for the purpose of inducing certification approval by a government 

agency. I understand that a government agency may, by means it deems appropriate, determine the accuracy and truth of the 

statements in the application, and I authorize such agency to contact any entity named in the application or this personal financial 

statement, including the names banking institutions, credit agencies, contractors, clients, and other certifying agencies for the 

purpose of verifying the information supplied and determining the named firm’s eligibility. I acknowledge and agree that any 

misrepresentations in this application or in records pertaining to a contract or subcontract will be grounds for terminating any 

contract or subcontract which may be awarded; denial or revocation of certification; suspension and debarment; and for initiating 

action under federal and/or state law concerning false statement, fraud or other applicable offenses. 

 

___________________________________ __________________

Signature (DBE/ACDBE Applicant) Date
158

NOTARY CERTIFICATE: (Insert applicable state acknowledgment, affirmation, or oath) 

In collecting the information requested by this form, the Department of Transportation (Department) complies with the provisions of the Federal Freedom of Information 

and Privacy Acts (5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a). The Privacy Act provides comprehensive protections for your personal information. This includes how information is collected, 

used, disclosed, stored, and discarded. Your information will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent. The information collected will be used solely to 

determine your firm's eligibility to participate in the Department's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program as defined in 49 CFR section 26.5 and the Airport 

Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program as defined in 49 CFR section 23.3. You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 

Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). 

General Instructions for Completing the

Personal Net Worth Statement 

for DBE/ACDBE Program Eligibility 

Please do not make adjustments to your figures pursuant to 

U.S. DOT regulations 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26. The agency 

that you apply to will use the information provided on your 

completed Personal Net Worth Statement to determine 

whether you meet the economic disadvantage requirements 

of 49 CFR Part 26. If there are discrepancies or questions 

regarding your form, it may be returned to you to correct and 

complete again.

An individual's Personal Net Worth according to 49 CFR 

Part 26 includes only his or her own share of assets held 

separately, jointly, or as community property with the 

individual’s spouse and excludes the following:

• Individual's ownership interest in the applicant 

firm; 

• Individual's equity in his or her primary residence; 

• Tax and interest penalties that would accrue if 

retirement savings or investments (e.g., pension plans, 

Individual Retirement Accounts, 401(k) accounts, etc.) 

were distributed at the present time.

Be sure to indicate whether the figures reported are jointly 

held.

If your personal net worth according to 49 CFR Parts 23 and 

26 exceeds the $1.32 million cap and you, individually, or 

you and other individuals are the majority owners of an 

applicant firm, the firm is not eligible for DBE or ACDBE 

certification. If the personal net worth of the majority 

owner(s) exceeds the $1.32 million cap at any time after 

your firm is certified, the firm is no longer eligible for 

certification. Should that occur, it is your responsibility to 

contact your certifying agency in writing to advise that your 

firm no longer qualifies as a DBE or ACDBE. You must fill 

out all line items on the Personal Net Worth Statement. If 

necessary, use additional sheets of paper to report all 

information and details. If you have any questions about 

completing this form, please contact one of the UCP 

certifying agencies.

Assets

All assets must be reported at their current fair market values 

as of the date of your statement. Assessor’s assessed value 

for real estate, for example, is not acceptable. Assets held 

in a trust generally should be included.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: In Section 1A Enter the total 

amount of cash or cash equivalents in bank accounts, 

including checking, savings, money market, certificates of 

deposit held domestic or foreign. Provide copies of the bank 

statement. 

Retirement Accounts, IRA, 401Ks, 403Bs, Pensions: 

Enter the total present value of all accounts (including Roth 

IRAs) and other retirement accounts, including any deferred 

compensation and pension plans in Section 1B.

Brokerage/Investment Accounts: Enter the name of 

brokerage firm and account number; type of account and 

current market value of the account as of the date of the 

PNW statement. 

Assets Held in Trust: Enter the specific assets held in trust, 

the names of beneficiaries and trustees, and other 

information. Complete Section 1D.

Securities Not Reported Above, including Shareholder 

Loans, Promissory Notes, and Other Receivables not 

listed: Enter amounts loaned to you from your firm, from or 

any other business entity in which you hold an ownership 

interest, and other receivables not listed above . Complete 

Section 1E.

Real Estate: Complete Section 2, beginning with your 

primary residence (be sure to identify it as your primary 

residence); enter the type of property, address, method of 

acquisition, date of acquired, names of deed, purchase price, 

present fair market value, source of market valuation, name 

and address of all mortgage holders, mortgage account 

number, mortgage balance, equity line of credit balance, and 

amount of payment, for all real estate held. Please ensure 

that this section contains all real estate owned, including 

rental properties, vacation properties, commercial properties,

personal property leased or rented for business purposes, 

farm properties and any other income producing properties, 

etc. Attach additional sheets if needed.
159

Life Insurance: Enter the name of the insurance company, 

the face value of the policy, cash surrender value, 

beneficiary names, and any loans on the policy in Section 3. 

Other Personal Property and Assets: Enter personal 

property and other assets owned in Section 4. Personal 

property includes motor vehicles, boats, trailers, jewelry, 

furniture, household goods, collectibles, clothing, and 

personally owned vehicles that are leased or rented to 

businesses or other individuals. Enter the present value of 

the personal property owned, amount of liabilities, and 

whether the asset is insured. For accounts and notes 

receivable, enter the total value of all monies owed to you 

personally, if any. This should include shareholder loans to 

the applicant firm, if any. If the asset is insured, please 

attach a copy of the policy. Also attach a copy of any liens 

or notes on the property and indicate in the space provided 

the terms of payment. Total the present value and liabilities 

at the bottom of the form. 

Other Business Investments/Other Businesses Owned 

Interests: Enter information concerning any businesses you 

hold an ownership interest in, such as sole proprietorships, 

partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, or limited liability 

corporations (other than the applicant firm) in Section 5. Do 

not reduce the value of these entries by any loans from the 

outside firm to the DBE/ACDBE applicant business.

Liabilities

Mortgages on Real Estate: Enter the total balance on all 

mortgages payable on real estate in section 2. 

Loans on Life Insurance: Enter the total value of all loans 

due on life insurance policies in Section 3.

Notes & Accounts Payable to Bank and Others: Enter the 

name of borrowers, noteholders, date of note, original and 

current balances, payment terms, and security/collateral 

information in Section 6. The entries should include 

automobile installment accounts. This should not, however, 

include any mortgage balances as this information is 

captured in section 2. Do not include loans for your business 

or mortgages for your properties in Section 6. Submit copy 

of note/security agreement, and the most recent account 

statement)

Other Liabilities: Enter the total value due on all other 

liabilities not classified in the previous entries. Report the 

name of the individual obligated, names of co-signers, a 

description of the liability, the name and address of the 

entity owed, the date of the obligation, payment amounts and 

terms. Note: Do not include contingent liabilities in this 

section. Contingent liabilities are liabilities that belong to 

you only if an event(s) should occur. For example, if you 

have co-signed on a relative’s loan, but you are not 

responsible for the debt until your relative defaults, that is a 

contingent liability. Contingent liabilities do not count 

toward your net worth until they become actual liabilities. 

Unpaid Taxes: Enter the total amount of all taxes that are 

currently due, but are unpaid in Section 8. Contingent tax 

liabilities or anticipated taxes for current year should not be 

included. Describe in detail the name of the individual 

obligated, names of co-signers, the type of unpaid tax, to 

whom the tax is payable, due date, amount, and to what 

property, if any, the tax lien attaches. If none, state “NONE.” 

You must include documentation, such as tax liens, to 

support the amounts.

Transfers of Assets:

Transfers of Assets: Detail all asset transfers (within 2 

years of the date of this personal net worth statement) to a 

spouse, domestic partner, relative, or entity in which you have an 

ownership or beneficial interest including a trust. Include a 

description of the asset; names of individuals on the deed, 

title, note or other instrument indicating ownership rights; 

the names of individuals receiving the assets and their 

relation to the transferor; the date of the transfer; and the 

value or consideration received. Submit documentation 

requested on the form related to the transfer. 

Affidavit

Be sure to sign and date at the statement. The Personal Net 

Worth Statement must be notarized