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Business Compliance Office

The JTA Business Compliance office is committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life within our community. Our mission is to support small businesses and community initiatives through a variety of programs and services designed to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and promote community development.

DBE Reevaluation Update

Statement:

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) revising certain requirements under the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) programs. These changes are significant and will impact certification, reporting, and compliance processes nationwide.

We want to clarify that the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is one of nine members of the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP). The Florida UCP is a cooperative effort among nine certifying agencies responsible for implementing the federal DBE and ACDBE programs consistently across the State of Florida. Because the IFR introduces new federal requirements, JTA must coordinate closely with the other Florida UCP members to determine a uniform approach for implementation. This coordination ensures that all certification and compliance procedures remain aligned statewide.

Those firms that are already DBE/ACDBE certified, JTA will begin accepting reevaluation applications for the next 60 days, from February 16, 2026, to April 16, 2026, which must include a Personal Net Worth Statement and Personal Narrative. Please note that JTA does not provide personal narrative statements training, but resources are available in our DBE/ACDBE Reevaluation Program page link is below. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at SBE1@jtafla.com.

Any firm desiring to become New DBE/ACDBE certified, the portal will be open beginning February 16, 2026, to apply. Keep in mind that all new applications for DBE/ACDBE certification will be required to submit their Personal Narrative, Personal Net Worth Statement and other application documents, to be considered.

All out-of-state DBE/ACDBE firms must be reevaluated by their home state first before they can reapply. Those firms should have their acceptance letter from their home state, when applying.

Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding as we work through these important federal program changes.

Reevaluation DBE/ACDBE Program

Key Objectives

Driving growth, fostering resilience, and building a future where businesses and communities thrive together.

Support Small Businesses

Provide resources and training, to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Economic Development

Promote initiatives that stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.

Community Engagement

Partner with local organizations to address community needs and enhance the overall well-being of residents.

Programs and Services

Empowering businesses and communities through targeted support, resources, and opportunities for growth.

Certification Programs

Certifying businesses for Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE), Micro LSBE, and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) to enhance their opportunities for growth and participation in public and private sector projects.

Workforce Development

Partnering with the City of Jacksonville to provide training and development opportunities.

Grant and Loan Programs

Providing financial assistance to eligible small businesses and community projects.

Mentorship and Networking

Connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and creating networking opportunities to foster collaboration.

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Impact

Since its inception, the JTA Business Compliance Office has successfully supported hundreds of small businesses, created numerous job opportunities, and contributed to the overall economic and social development of the community. Our commitment to community engagement ensures that our efforts have a lasting positive impact.

Program for contracts

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), as a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), is required to implement a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program for contracts in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 26. The JTA is committed to fostering small business participation in contracting opportunities in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26, revised as of April 2024, as may be amended.

Programs and Services

Empowering businesses and communities through targeted support, resources, and opportunities for growth.

Procurement

The JTA invites vendors, contractors, and consultants to collaborate on projects that advance our region’s transportation infrastructure. Our procurement process is designed to be transparent, competitive, and inclusive, with opportunities ranging from construction and professional services to technology and goods.

We prioritize fairness and diversity, actively encouraging participation from SBE/LSBE.

Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE)

The JTA LSBE Program is a public contracting initiative designed to support the development and sustainability of small and very small (micro) businesses within Northeast Florida, in the following counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE)

The JTA has established a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) element as one of its race-neutral methods of achieving small business participation, including disadvantaged business participation, on particular contracts with subcontracting opportunities. This SBE element applies to all District Contracts and Professional Service Agreements, regardless of funding source, where race-neutral and gender-neutral methods are employed.

It is the policy of the JTA to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of all contracts and to create a level playing field on which SBEs can compete fairly for contracts and subcontracts relating to the the JTA’s construction, procurement, and professional services activities.

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Link to Program Requirements & Outreach

Quick access to qualification details for each program - start your application today.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) Outreach and Upcoming Events Workforce Development - JTA MobilityWorks 2.0 Program Grant and Loan Programs

Requirements for Certification

To qualify for certification, your business must meet all of the following criteria:

The business must be for-profit.

Qualified owner(s)’ personal net worth must be less than $2.047 million.

Annual gross receipts must be less than $31.84 million (three-year average).

The qualifying owner(s) must be in control of management and daily business operations.

Qualified applicant(s) must own 51% of the business.

The applicant must be U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent residency.

Applicant must submit a complete application with all required supporting documentation.

To meet the social and economic disadvantage (SED) requirement for DBE/ACDBE certification or recertification, owners are required to submit a Personal Narrative (PN). However, we are currently not accepting Personal Narratives as we await guidelines from the FLUCP and USDOT. More information and updated guidelines will be released soon.

Application Submission

Start your certification journey today - a simple process with powerful benefits for your business.

  1. Apply for certification: https://jtafla.sbecompliance.com

  2. All new applications are subject to approval by the JTA staff.

Additional Information

There is no cost to apply for certification.

For any questions, don't hesitate to contact the JTA Business Compliance Office:

Email: sbe1@jtafla.com
Phone: 904-632-5298

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Community Impact

Creating meaningful connections and opportunities across generations through transportation, education, and inclusive partnerships.

High School Career Day

Future Leaders Career Day

Engage with high school students to inspire and inform them about career opportunities in transportation, business, and community development. Provide interactive workshops, career counseling, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Educate students about potential career paths, encourage interest in the transportation sector, and provide resources for career planning.

JTAC Meeting Partnering with Our Disabled Community

Accessibility and Inclusion Forum

The JTAC discuss accessibility improvements, gather feedback, and share updates on the JTA’s initiatives. The event will include presentations from accessibility experts and interactive sessions to address community concerns.

We foster an inclusive environment, improve accessibility in transportation services, and strengthen relationships with the disabled community.