Supplier Diversity

For current inquiries, please call 314-982-1400 x1492 or send an email to dbe@metrostlouis.org.

Application and Guidelines


Links to Unified Certification Partners

Overall DBE goal for FY 2008

Policy

Metro is committed to diversifying the suppliers of its contracted goods and services and has elected to do so by maximizing the opportunities for small minority, women and disadvantaged business enterprises to participate in Metro's contracts.

Metro has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. Since Metro receives Federal financial assistance from DOT, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, Metro has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of Metro to ensure that DBEs, as defined in 49 CFR Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts. It is also Metro's policy:

  1. To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts;
  2. To create a level playing field on which DBE's can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts;
  3. To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
  4. To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;
  5. To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts; and;
  6. To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.

Metro also receives non-federal funds for its operating and capital programs from local sales taxes levied in Metro's service area. These tax proceeds are used to fund the cost of Metro's capital programs and public transportation services. For procurements that use non-federal funds, Metro utilizes a Minority and Womens Enterprises (M/WBE) program.

Definitions

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firm is defined as a business, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or any other business or professional entity:

  1. Which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of all classes of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and
  2. Whose management, policies, major decisions and daily business operations are independently managed and controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.
  3. Which is a Small Business Enterprise as defined by the U. S. Small Business Administration regulations (13 CFR Part 121), averaged over a three-year period:
  4. Which is doing business in the Agency's marketplace;
  5. Which is certified by Metro as a DBE.
  6. Additionally, the person(s) meeting the criteria, as socially and economically disadvantaged, cannot have a personal net value over $750,000.00.

A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is defined as a business, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or any other business or professional entity:

  1. That is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or corporation that is at least 51 percent owned operated and controlled by a minority group member(s).
  2. The minority group member(s) must have day-to-day operational and managerial control, and an interest in capital and earnings commensurate with the percentage of ownership
  3. A minority is defined as: A person legally residing in the United States who is either African-American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Hispanic American, Asian Pacific American and members of other groups, or other individuals, found to be economically and socially disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, as amended [15 U.S.C. 673 (a)].
  4. Which is a Small Business Enterprise as defined by the U. S. Small Business Administration regulations (13 CFR Part 121), averaged over a three-year period.

Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) is defined as a small business concern as defined by the U. S. Small Business Administration regulations (13 CFR Part 121), averaged over a three year period:

  1. That is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation that is at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a woman (women).
  2. The woman (women) must have day-to-day operational and managerial control, and interest in capital and earnings commensurate with her (their) percentage of ownership.

Certification

Only the participation of firms certified as minority, women or disadvantaged can be counted toward the satisfaction of the goal. If you are a small, minority, woman- owned, or disadvantaged business, you are especially encouraged to participate in Metro's business opportunities. To be certified you must meet the above definitions for the category for which you are seeking certification.

A DBE firm certified in conformance with 49 CFR Part 26 is eligible for certification as a MBE or WBE or a M/WBE by Metro.

Metro accepts DBE certifications from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Lambert St. Louis International Airport. In order to be certified under this reciprocity program firms must complete an "Authorization to Release Information" form.

"DBE" firms certified by Missouri DOT and Lambert Airport will be allowed to participate in the Metro M/WBE Program. These firms will receive reciprocity provided they complete and sign the “Authorization to Release Information” form. The "Authorization to Release Information" form allows their current certification information/file to be released to Metro. Therefore, for purposes of the goal attainment, a "DBE" certified firm with Missouri DOT or Lambert Airport will be counted toward Metro's M/W/DBE participation goals in the same manner as a Metro-certified M/W/DBE firm. Prime contractors are encouraged to communicate this information to their non-M/W/DBE subcontractors.

Applications for certification and the "Authorization to Release Information" form be obtained from:

Office of Supplier Diversity
Metro
707 N. First St., Mail Stop 132
St. Louis, MO 63102
314-982-1400 x1352


Goal Setting

The Office of Supplier Diversity reviews certain procurements to determine whether they present any opportunities for DBEs or M/WBEs. Based on federal guidelines promulgated in 49 CFR Part 26, the Office of Supplier Diversity may set goals for the participation of DBEs or M/WBEs for a contracting opportunity; help the prime contractor find qualified DBE or M/WBE subcontractors; and monitor the performance of the prime contractor to ensure that it is using good faith efforts to meet the participation goals.

Regardless of whether or not an M/W/DBE goal is established for a contracting opportunity, Metro encourages the full participation of qualified minority, women and disadvantaged businesses.

 

©2008 Bi-State Development Agency