Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

I. Statement of Policy, Section(s) 26.1, 26.23

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

It is the policy of the IPTC to ensure that DBEs are defined in part 26, have equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT assisted contracts. It is also our policy:

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

Michael Reynolds, Director of Procurement has been delegated as the DBE Liaison Officer. In that capacity, Mr. Reynolds 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 the IPTC in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

IPTC has disseminated this policy statement to the IPTC 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.

Also, all department managers, supervisors and employees share in the responsibility for making this DBE program a success. The DBE Officer and other managers and supervisors will be evaluated on the success of this DBE program as an equally important part of their IPTC responsibilities.

The DBE Liaison Officer will provide a written report concerning DBE program activities on a quarterly basis to the CEO.

Copies of this policy statement shall be circulated to all IPTC managers, supervisors and employees, as well as posted conspicuously in all offices where minority and female entrepreneurs may have occasion to visit.

Michael Terry
President/CEO