POLICY STATEMENT

The Central New York Regional Transit Authority (“CNYRTA”) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation  (“DOT”), 49 CFR Part 26. CNYRTA has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, CNYRTA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.  It is the policy of CNYRTA to ensure that DBEs, as defined in 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; and
• To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.

The Director of Procurement has been delegated as the DBE Liaison Officer.  The DBE Liaison Officer is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE program. Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by CNYRTA in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

CNYRTA will never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract covered by 49 CFR Part 26 on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.

In administering its DBE program, CNYRTA will not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, use criteria or methods of administration that have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the DBE program with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, sex, or national origin.