Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

The Spokane Transit Authority (hereinafter referred to as “STA”), recipient of federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration (hereinafter referred to as “FTA”) is committed to a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the intention of STA that all businesses have equal access to Spokane Transit’s contracts without discrimination and regardless of race, color, national origin or gender. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), as defined in part 26, shall have the maximum practicable opportunity to participate in the performance of work relating to all of STA’s activities.To this end, STA shall take all necessary steps in accordance with 49 CFR, Part 26, and as amended, to ensure Disadvantaged Business Enterprises an equal opportunity to receive and participate in DOT-assisted contracts.It is STA’s policy to:

1. Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts;
2. Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT assisted contracts;
3. Ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
4. Ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs; and
5. Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT assisted contracts.

In order to ensure equal participation, Spokane Transit Authority has established, and will review on an annual basis, an overall goal for participation by firms who are, in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26, socially or economically disadvantaged. Spokane Transit Authority will require that prime contractors make good faith efforts to utilize disadvantaged business enterprises and to remove obstacles to DBE participation on all procurement, construction, and consultant contracts for which federal funds are received.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program has been established for STA and is adopted by the STA Board of Directors.The program is reviewed and updated on an annual basis.The program outlines the overall goals established by STA for the contracting year, the review and update process, and how the program is administered.To assist in administration of the program, STA has designated a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison.The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison is responsible for provision of technical assistance to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms and will assist STA staff in their efforts to comply with STA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by the Spokane Transit Authority in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

Those disadvantaged businesses interested in receiving additional information or inclusion in STA’s program, community organizations or agencies interested in giving or receiving program information, and individuals interested in giving or receiving program information are invited to contact the STA Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison at the STA Administrative Office, 1230 West Boone Avenue, Spokane, Washington, 99201-2686, or telephone (509) 325-6032.

View STA’s DBE Program and Goals for fiscal years 2020, 2021 & 2022.