Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

MACOG participates in the USDOT, Federal Transit Authority (FTA) "Disadvantaged Business Enterprise" Program (DBE Program), that encourages agencies, using federal funds, to use DBE-certified vendors to purchase goods and services. FTA requires that MACOG set goals for DBE expenditures every year. These goals are revised each year and are based on the projected use of federal funds.

This program is based on 49 CFR Part 26, Participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in Department of Transportation Programs, effective March 4, 1999.

Objectives/Policy Statement (26.1,26.23)
The Michiana Area Council of Governments ("MACOG") has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in compliance with 49 CFR Part 26. MACOG has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation (DOT), and as a condition of receiving this assistance, MACOG has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of MACOG 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 awarding 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.

Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by MACOG in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

MACOG has disseminated this policy statement to the Policy Board and all components of its organization. We have also distributed this statement to DBE and non-DBE business communities that perform work for us on DOT-assisted contracts. This distribution has been accomplished by sending the policy to certified contractors and by using the MACOGazette newsletter to notify other interested parties. The MACOG will work with local transit agencies, Chambers of Commerce, Minority Development Business Councils, and INDOT to assist in distribution of this policy.

Nondiscrimination (26.7)
MACOG does not exclude persons 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, MACOG 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.

DBE Program Updates (26.21)
MACOG will continue to carry out this program until all funds from DOT financial assistance have been expended. We will provide to DOT updates representing significant changes in the program.

Quotas (26.43)
MACOG does not use quotas in any way in the administration of this DBE program.

DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) (26.45)
MACOG has a designated DBE Liaison Officer. Please address questions to the attention of :

The Michiana Area Council of Governments
DBE Liaison Officer
227 West Jefferson Blvd-- Room 1120
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 287-1829

All attachments referred to in this document can be obtained from MACOG at the above-mentioned office.

2008 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goals

The Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) has set a FY 2008 DBE goal of 4.65% of the Federal financial assistance we will expend in Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contracts, exclusive of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to be used for the purchase of transit vehicles.

The amount of DOT-assisted contracts MACOG expects to let during this fiscal year is $402,841. The FTA share of this amount is $339,373. The 4.65% goal results in $15,795 anticipated to be expended with DBE’s during the fiscal year.

Methodology for FY2008 Goal

If you have any questions, please contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894, or e-mail us at macogdir@macog.com.