Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy

NOTICE:

Effective October 3, 2025, and pursuant to United States Department of Transportation’s ("USDOT") 90 FR 47969, Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0897 which amended 49 CFR 26 ("USDOT DBE Policy"), Disadvantaged Business Entity ("DBE") contract goals shall not apply, and DBE participation shall not be counted toward DBE goals, for all federally funded projects until the applicable Unified Certification Program has completed the reevaluation process required under USDOT DBE Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has not withdrawn diverse business requirements for state funded projects where there is no federal funding.

It is the policy of Port Authority of Allegheny County d/b/a Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) to ensure Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), as defined in 49 CFR Part 26, as amended, have the opportunity to receive and participate in Department of Transportation (DOT)-assisted contracts. It is also our policy to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts. PRT's goals are: 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, as amended, eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs; to help remove barriers that hinder the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts; and to assist with the development of firms so they can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program.

The DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) from PRT’s Office of Small Business Engagement will administer the DBE Program. In this capacity, the DBELO is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE program. Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority and requires the same compliance as with all other legal obligations incurred by PRT. All other divisions and departments will assist the DBELO with implementing the policy.

PRT's Board of Directors has acted to improve upon the economic growth of the disadvantaged business enterprise community. PRT will persist in its commitment and efforts to seek opportunities to encourage increased participation.

The PRT Board of Directors hereby directs that this policy statement be circulated throughout the PRT and to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, local communities, and business organizations.

Revised November 2025