Update

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (DBE)

If you certify as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) you can compete against larger organizations for contracts that might otherwise be unavailable to your company.

Credit
Karl Nielsen

If your company is socially or economically disadvantaged, or has less working capital than a larger company, MTC encourages you to get certified with the State as a DBE.

How to Qualify for DBE Contracts with MTC

Step #1: Get Certified as a DBE with the state.

You must first get certified on the Caltrans state website.

Visit the Caltrans DBE Certification Information page to find out if you are eligible. Then follow their steps for applying as a DBE.

Step #2: Register with MTC.

Once you have completed your DBE certification with the state, register as a DBE vendor with MTC.

Step #3: Search for Contract Opportunities.

After you have registered on the MTC contracts portal, check out the available Contract Opportunities.

Staff Contact

Michael Brinton, Assistant Director, Contract Compliance Manager
Phone: (415) 778-6727
Email: mbrinton@bayareametro.gov

Additional MTC Support

In addition to supporting government-regulated DBE certification, MTC extends our commitment to DBEs by:

  • Removing barriers to participate in contracts with the Department of Transportation
  • Assisting DBE firms in doing business with other Bay Area transportation agencies
  • Assisting the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program
MTC’s DBE Policy

It is the policy of MTC to:

  • Ensure nondiscrimination on the basis or race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, or marital status, in the award and administration of contracts
  • Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for contracts and subcontracts relating to MTC's procurement and professional, technical and operational services activities
  • Ensure that the DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law
  • Ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs
  • Help remove barriers to the participation of DBE's in DOT-assisted contracts
  • Assist DBE firms in doing business with other Bay Area transportation agencies
  • Assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program

The Executive Director is responsible for adherence to this policy. The DBE Liaison Officer, in coordination with the Office of General Counsel, is responsible for development, implementation and monitoring of this program.

It is the expectation of MTC's Commissioners and Executive Director that stipulations and provisions contained in this DBE program be adhered to both in the spirit and the letter by all MTC personnel.

This policy is circulated to all MTC employees and to members of the community that perform or are interested in performing work on MTC contracts.