The Regional Transportation District has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. The Regional Transportation District (hereinafter referred to as "RTD") has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, RTD has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.
It is the policy of the RTD 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 our policy:
- To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts;
- To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts;
- To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
- To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to
participate as DBEs; - To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts;
- To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside
the DBE Program.
Kenn Hardin, Senior Manager of the Civil Rights Division, has been delegated the responsibility and designated as the DBE Liaison Officer. In that capacity, Kenn Hardin is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the RTD DBE Program. Implementation of the RTD DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by the RTD in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.
RTD has disseminated this Policy Statement to the Board of Directors and all of the components of our organization. We have distributed this statement to DBE and non-DBE business communities that perform work for us on DOT- assisted contracts. Answers to any questions may be obtained by contacting the Civil Rights Division at (303) 299-2126 or by contacting Kenn Hardin at kenn.hardin@rtd-denver.com. All related correspondence can be sent to RTD Civil Right Division 1600 Blake Street, BLK-31, Denver, CO 80202.
