Fort Bend Disadvantaged Enterprise (DBE) Program

Category: Local

Fort Bend County has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program [PDF] in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26.

To be considered a DBE, a small business must be:

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by minorities, women, or other individuals who face economic obstacles in the marketplace. 
  • The owner(s) personal net worth cannot exceed $1.32 million, minus the equity in their business and primary residence, and
  • Meet the criteria of a small business per the Small Business Administration's guidelines for a small business and the company's gross receipts cannot exceed $22.41 million, averaged over a three-year period.   

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program:

  • Ensures equal opportunity in transportation contracting markets.
  • Addresses the effects of discrimination in transportation contracting.
  • Promotes increased participation in federally funded contracts by small, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, including minority and women-owned enterprises.

It is Fort Bend County's policy to:

  • Ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts.
  • Create a level playing field on which a DBE can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts.
  • Ensure that the DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law.
  • Ensure that only firms that meet 49 CFR part 26 eligibility standards can participate as a DBE.
  • Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted and locally funded contracts.
  • Assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program.

Contacts

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (DBELO)
Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department
3737 Bamore Road
Rosenberg, TX 77471
Phone: 281-633-7433   Fax: 866-751-8747
Transit@fortbendcountytx.gov
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