The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is a comprehensive program developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which establishes guidelines for the participation of firms owned and operated by socially and economically disadvantaged persons in DOT-assisted contracting.
As a major provider of public transportation and whose employees have extensive daily contact with the public, JTA recognizes its responsibility to the community it serves and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination. The Authority has posted the Objectives/Policy Statement (26.1, 26.3) for the Public (read the DBE Policy Statement).
DBE Program Details
Objectives
- To create a level playing field on which such firms can compete fairly for JTA contracts;
- To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts;
- To increase participation of qualified firms that are owned, operated and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts;
- To help remove present and past barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts;
- To ensure that the Department’s DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;
- To ensure that only firms that fully meet the eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBE firms; and
- To assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program.
Goal
For Fiscal Years 2023-2025, JTA intends to expend at least 23.44% of its total DOT-assisted expenditures with qualified DBE firms.
Public Notice of DBE Goals – FY 2023-2025
DBE Program Plan 2023-2025
FY 2023-2025 DBE Goal Setting Report
Eligibility Requirements
Owner(s) must own 51% of the firm and be a member(s) of one of the following groups:
- Women
- Black Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Native Americans
- Asian-Pacific Americans
- Subcontinent Asian Americans
- Any additional groups whose members are designated as socially and economically disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and has a personal net worth not to exceed $2.047 million (excludes ownership interest in business, primary residence, and all retirement assets).
Common Questions
What does "socially disadvantaged" mean?
Socially disadvantaged individuals are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of their identities as members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities. Social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond their control. Evidence of individual social disadvantage must include the following elements:
- (A) At least one objective distinguishing feature that has contributed to social disadvantage, such as race, ethnic origin, gender, disability, long-term residence in an environment isolated from the mainstream of American society, or other similar causes not common to individuals who are not socially disadvantaged;
- (B) Personal experiences of substantial and chronic social disadvantage in American society, not in other countries; and
- (C) Negative impact on entry into or advancement in the business world because of the disadvantage.
What does "economically disadvantaged" mean?
Economically disadvantaged individuals are socially disadvantaged individuals whose ability to compete in the free enterprise system has been impaired due to diminished capital and credit opportunities as compared to others in the same or similar line of business who are not socially disadvantaged. Each individual claiming economic disadvantage must describe the conditions which are the basis for the claim in a narrative statement and must submit personal financial information.
Additional Questions
For a longer list of common questions and answers, visit our DBE FAQ page.
Apply for DBE Certification
Download DBE Application
The process is simple and fast.
- Go to the DBE System website.
- Under "Vendor Certification," select "Apply for Certification."
- To create a new account, click "Create Account" under "New Certification." Existing account holders can renew their certification by selecting "Login" under "Renew Your Certification."
- Follow all instructions. If you have any questions, call (904) 632-5298 for assistance.
Contact Information
For more information on the DBE program, to become DBE certified or to update your firm’s profile, contact JTA’s Office of Small Business & Community Impact by calling (904) 632-5298 or emailing DBE1@jtafla.com.
Additional Information
Duval County Government Procurement Divisions
Reference Links
- JTA Business Opportunities Procurement
- Certified DBE firms State of Florida FDOT
- Minority-Owned Financial Institutions Florida
- United States Code of Federal Regulations CFR
- North American Industry Classification System NAICS
Spanish Materials
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