If my company is minority- or woman-owned, can I automatically consider myself a DBE business?
No. A firm must meet certain DOT certification guidelines to qualify as a DBE.
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How do I know if I qualify?
You must apply for and then go through a certification process. The T uses the certification service provided by the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (NCTRCA) located in Arlington, Texas. The certification service is free and an application can be obtained from the NCTRCA by calling them at 817.640.0606. Their website is www.nctrca.org.
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Once I am certified, will that guarantee that I get business from The T?
No. Even if you are certified, you must still market your business, offer competitive prices, and offer goods and services that the T solicits. Since The T is a small public transit agency, the amount and frequency of opportunities will be significantly smaller than the larger public agencies in the area and the competition will be greater.
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If my company is minority or woman-owned, am I required to be certified as a DBE company to compete for and do business with The T?
No. DBE certification is not a requirement. Any minority or woman-owned company can compete for and do business With The T, just like a majority owned company, without being certified as a DBE firm. The only requirements for any company is be a responsible and viable company that can cost effectively and efficiently provide the goods and/or services solicited.
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How will a DBE certification improve my opportunities to compete for business with The T?
A DBE status makes it easier to identify and ensure that minority- and women owned firms are solicited for bids and proposals. Also, on applicable solicitations that are anticipated to exceed $25,000, a DBE subcontracting goal is assigned. Prime contractors must then seek to meet the DBE subcontracting goal or establish that good faith efforts were made to do so.
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If I am a non-DBE business, how can I locate DBE firms to compete for subcontracting opportunities?
The T's Contract Administration and Procurement Department has computer access to the NCTRCA's database of DBE firms (approximately 3,000 firms) and can provide, upon request, listings of DBE firms by type of work performed (i.e. electrical contractors, engineering firms, security firms, marketing consultants, attorneys, construction, etc.). Various chambers of commerce, technical assistance organizations, newspaper advertising, trade and professional organizations, etc. are others ways to locate DBE or potential DBE firms.
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Do you accept other types of certifications like HUBs or DBE certifications performed by an agency other than the NCTRCA?
No. Since The T receives federal funding from the DOT, only the DBE certification will be accepted. Further, if a company is certified as a DBE by another agency, that company must still go through the NCTRCA's certification process to be accepted by The T. DBE certification from another agency may, however, speed up the certification process for the NCTRCA.
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What do I need to do to participate in The T's DBE program?
To participate in The T's DBE program, first get certified as a DBE through the NCTRCA. Their website is www.nctrca.org.
Next, send The T's Contract Administration and Procurement Department information on your company for inclusion in our purchasing vendor database. Then, market your company to The T and also look in the Metroplex newspapers for solicitation advertisements. Finally, be persistent.
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