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	<title>DBE Certification &#124; DBE Certification Application Requirements</title>
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	<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com</link>
	<description>Do not hire a consultant to fill out your DBE Certification application until you read this. Information on DBE certification you should know.</description>
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		<title>What Is The DBE Certification Program</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe/what-is-the-dbe-certification-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe/what-is-the-dbe-certification-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:19:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P.H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Certification]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What is the DBE Certification Program? The DBE Certification is a program administered by the U.S Department of Transportation. The purpose of the DBE Certification program is to remedy past and current discriminatory practices against certain groups of individuals in obtaining government contracts. The DBE Certification Program provides a level playing field so that members [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>What is the DBE Certification Program?</strong></h1>
<p>The DBE Certification is a program administered by the U.S Department of Transportation. The purpose of the DBE Certification program is to remedy past and current discriminatory practices against certain groups of individuals in obtaining government contracts. The DBE Certification Program provides a level playing field so that members of these groups can bid on contracts that only businesses with a DBE Certification can bid on.</p>
<p>Companies who have obtained a DBE Certification are able to bid on contracts with the various highway agencies, airports, transit authorities and a number of other state agencies who receive funding from the Department of Transportation. These contracts are only available to companies who have obtained their DBE Certification.</p>
<p>The uniqueness of the DBE Certification program is that the contracts that you will be bidding on are only available to companies who have received their DBE Certification. Government contracts that require DBE certification can be worth anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several millions of dollars.</p>
<p>At Kleiner &amp; Cazeau, we have experience representing clients obtain their DBE certification. If your company is interested in applying for the DBE certification program please contact us at (305) 517-1392 ext. 102.</p>
<p>What is the DBE Certification Program</p>
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		<title>DBE Certification Texas</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-certification-texas/dbe-certification-texas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-certification-texas/dbe-certification-texas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:57:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Certification Texas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=320</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The U. S. Department of Transportation mandates that recipients of federal financial assistance must participate in a statewide UCP (Unified Certification Program).  The UCP is meant to be a “one-stop” shop for all firms seeking certification in a state. Once certified by a member the statewide UCP, a firm is certified throughout the state. The Texas [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The U. S. Department of Transportation mandates that recipients of federal financial assistance must participate in a statewide UCP (Unified Certification Program).  The UCP is meant to be a “one-stop” shop for all firms seeking certification in a state. Once certified by a member the statewide UCP, a firm is certified throughout the state.</p>
<p>The Texas Unified Certification Program has six certifying agencies. A business’ location determines where the firm’s DBE certification application must be<br />
submitted. The six certifying Texas DBE Certification agencies in Texas are the following:</p>
<p>City of Houston</p>
<p>City of Austin</p>
<p>Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority</p>
<p>North Central Texas Certification Agency</p>
<p>South Central Texas Certification Agency</p>
<p>Texas Department of Transportation</p>
<p>Go to the following  link to determine where your application must be submitted: <a href="http://www.dot.state.tx.us/cst/bop/tucp/cert_region_map.htm">http://www.dot.state.tx.us/cst/bop/tucp/cert_region_map.htm</a></p>
<p>All six agencies accept the Texas Unified Certification Program Application for DBE certification. Firms fill out the application and submit along with the supporting documents to the appropriate TUCP member. In addition to the hard copy application, the City of Houston accepts applications through<br />
their online system. The online system is actually the preferred method for firms submitting their applications to the City of Houston.</p>
<p>DBE Certification Texas</p>
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		<title>DBE Certification Illinois</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-certification-illinois/dbe-certification-illinois/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-certification-illinois/dbe-certification-illinois/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:38:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Certification Illinois]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=317</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP) provides “one-stop shopping” certification services to small, minority and women businesses seeking to participate in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. Certification services are offered to businesses seeking to obtain either DBE Certification in Illinois or airport concessionaire disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP) provides “one-stop shopping” certification services to small, minority and women businesses seeking to participate in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) <a href="http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/DBEProgram/index.cfm">Disadvantaged Business Enterprise</a> (DBE) Program. Certification services are offered to businesses seeking to obtain either DBE Certification in Illinois or airport concessionaire disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) status.</p>
<p>As mandated by USDOT in the DBE Program, Final Rule 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 23 and 26, all public agencies that receive USDOT<br />
federal financial assistance must participate in a statewide unified certification program. These public agencies, commonly referred to as “recipients” of USDOT funds, include municipalities, counties, special districts, airports, transit agencies, and the State Department of Transportation.</p>
<p>There are participants in the IL UCP. They are the Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Chicago, Pace, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and<br />
Metra. Each participant uses the standard DBE application forms but may have their own attachments and specialty areas. Below is the contact information and specialty areas of each participant.</p>
<p><strong>Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)</strong></p>
<p><strong>2300 South<br />
Dirksen Parkway</strong></p>
<p><strong>Springfield, IL<br />
62764</strong></p>
<p><strong>217/782</strong><strong>‐</strong><strong>5490</strong></p>
<p><strong>www.dot.state.il.us</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>217/782</strong><strong>‐</strong><strong>5490</strong></p>
<p><strong>www.dot.state.il.us</strong></p>
<p>IDOT contracting opportunities include statewide highway, bridge, road and airport construction‐related services (non‐vertical), professional consultant services, material supply, equipment rental and trucking services.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>City of Chicago</strong></p>
<p><strong>Department of<br />
Procurement Services</strong></p>
<p><strong>121 North<br />
LaSalle Street, Room 403</strong></p>
<p><strong>Chicago, IL<br />
60602</strong><strong>‐</strong><strong>1284</strong></p>
<p><strong>312/742</strong><strong>‐</strong><strong>0766</strong></p>
<p><strong>www.cityofchicago.org</strong></p>
<p>City of Chicago provides roadway construction services, airport construction/concession‐related services and professional consulting services.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Metra</strong></p>
<p><strong>547 W. Jackson<br />
Blvd.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Chicago, IL<br />
60661</strong></p>
<p><strong>312/322</strong><strong>‐</strong><strong>6323</strong></p>
<p><strong>www.metrarail.com</strong></p>
<p>Metra oversees all commuter rail operations in the six county Northeast Illinois region. Metra offers the following areas in which there are contract opportunities:</p>
<p>Rolling stock (cars, locomotives)</p>
<p>Track and structure (bridges, retaining walls)</p>
<p>Facilities &amp; equipment (maintenance, vehicles, etc.)</p>
<p>Signal, electrical and communications</p>
<p>Stations and parking</p>
<p>Acquisitions‐extensions‐expansions</p>
<p>Construction and engineering</p>
<p>Miscellaneous commodities</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Pace</strong></p>
<p><strong>550<br />
W. Algonquin Road</strong></p>
<p><strong>Arlington<br />
Heights, IL 60005</strong></p>
<p><strong>847/228</strong><strong>‐</strong><strong>2439</strong></p>
<p><strong>www.pacebus.com</strong></p>
<p>Pace provides fixed bus routes, Dial‐a‐Ride services, vanpools, and special‐event buses throughout Chicago’s six county suburban region. Pace offers the following areas in which there are contract opportunities:</p>
<p>Automotive material</p>
<p>Fixed plant material</p>
<p>General use material</p>
<p>Contract services and repairs</p>
<p>Professional services</p>
<p>Scrap and surplus property<br />
disposal</p>
<p>Construction</p>
<p>Private<br />
carrier providers</p>
<p>DBE Certification Illinois</p>
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		<title>10 Tips for Women Owned Businesses Seeking DBE Certification</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/women-owned-small-business/10-tips-for-women-owned-businesses-seeking-dbe-certification/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/women-owned-small-business/10-tips-for-women-owned-businesses-seeking-dbe-certification/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:45:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Women Owned Small Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=312</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the last few years we have received scores of calls and have been retained by  numerous  women business owners attempting to certify their firms as  Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Often these firms are either facing  difficulties attempting to get certified or have been decertified for a number  of reasons. In our  experience, the most common [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Over the last few years we have received scores of calls and have been retained by  numerous  women business owners attempting to certify their firms as  Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Often these firms are either facing  difficulties attempting to get certified or have been decertified for a number  of reasons.</p>
<p>In our  experience, the most common reason for the denial or decertification of women  owned businesses is the involvement of non-economically disadvantaged individuals in the business as owners, managers or other high-level positions. Often these  non-economically disadvantaged individuals are the husbands of the female  owner, or male high level employees or qualifiers for the business.  If a  male individual is involved in the business, the reasons cited for denial can  be lack of independence, control or ownership. This is often disconcerting for  the woman owner because she often controls the day-to-day operations and the  managerial and bookkeeping aspects of the business. However, control of those  aspects of the business alone is not enough to show ownership, control and  independence as defined by the Department of Transportation (“DOT’).</p>
<p>The regulations  governing the DBE program specifically state that non-disadvantaged individuals  can be involved in the business. Unfortunately, what the regulations state and  how the rules are interpreted and enforced can be very different. The following  are 10 tips for the woman business owner on how to obtain and keep your DBE certification.</p>
<p>1. <strong>Know your business.</strong> Knowing your business means having the technical expertise and knowledge to run your  business. If, for example, you own a construction company, you will be expected  to have the licenses, educational background and job history to actually run  the business. Hiring personnel with the requisite expertise is not enough,  especially if those key employees are men. You must be able to show that you  can perform the work yourself. One key requirement that often trips up women business  owners is allowing others to handle estimating and bidding functions. Handing  these key functions overt to a male employee or owner is an almost guaranteed  way to have your firm’s certification denied.</p>
<p>2. <strong> Own your business.</strong><br />
Owning your business means showing the certifying agency that you, in fact, own  your business. Borrowing money to start your business from a non-economically  disadvantaged individual, subcontracting with only one male-owned company, and  being a party to overly restrictive agreements are all reasons for your firm to  be denied. The example we see most are firms that were once wholly owned by  men, which become women owned by various devices. Firms in this category must  be especially prudent in documenting how the woman owner came to own a  controlling share of the company.</p>
<p>3.<strong> Know the difference between “family owned” and “woman owned”.</strong> The DBE regulations provide that if a  certifying agency can’t tell if a business is owned and controlled by its  female owner or her family, that firm can be classified a “family owned business” and be denied DBE certification. The prime example we see are  companies owned jointly by husbands and wives. Even if the wife in such a company owns  51% of the company, the firm can be denied certification if the wife fails to  meet certain criteria such as having technical expertise, knowledge of the  business, control of finances and other decision making processes.</p>
<p>4. <strong>Control the finances of your  businesses.</strong> We have seen women owned business decertified or denied  certification simply because a male employee or owner has unrestricted access  to a firm’s bank accounts. As the owner of the company, the woman business  owner must have full control of the company’s finances. If you must share  signatory power on bank accounts with male employees or owners limit their  signatory power. Banks will allow you to limit signatory power to a certain  dollar amount, number of checks or other limitations. Having these limitations  in check can assist you in obtaining your DBE certification by showing that you  are in control of the firm’s finances.</p>
<p>5.  <strong>Pay yourself.</strong> The DBE regulations require that  the disadvantaged owner “must enjoy the customary incidents of ownership, and  share in the risks and profits commensurate with their ownership interests, as  demonstrated by the substance, not merely the form, of arrangements.” This has  been interpreted to mean that the woman business owner must be the highest paid  person in the firm. If the female owner is not the highest paid person the  burden is on her to show why this shouldn’t be held against her. If for some reason, you are not the highest paid  person at your firm, be prepared to explain why and have the documents to back  up your explanation.</p>
<p>6. <strong>Ensure that your corporate documents  reflect control and ownership by a woman. </strong>We have seen woman business  owners denied DBE certification because they relied on generic forms to create  their company. For example, if a woman owns 51% of a firm and a  non-disadvantaged individual owns 49% and the firm is managed by a board of  directors consisting of the two owners who each have an equal vote, the woman  owner will not deemed to be in control of the company. Generic corporate  documents such as bylaws and articles of organization often contain clauses that will guarantee you will be denied DBE certification. Its imperative  that  have an attorney who understands the requirements of the DBE program  prepare and/or review your corporate documents.</p>
<p>7. <strong>Keep your business independent. </strong> Sharing space, equipment or personnel with another firm, especially if the other firm is owned by a non-socially and economically disadvantaged  individual, can lead to a denial. We even caution our clients to stay away from home-based business if they are married. Independence also becomes an issue if  you only have one source of business, especially if that source of business is owned by a non-socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s). Your company should be self-reliant or you may deal with questions regarding whether your company is truly independent.</p>
<p>8. <strong>Avoid owning more than one company. </strong>The DBE regulations require that you devote your time to the DBE certified firm. Owning more than one company, even if that company is inactive, can cause your DBE certification to be denied or delayed. Additionally, your interest in any business other than the DBE firm will count towards your  Personal Net Worth. Depending on the number of businesses you own and their value, this could cause you to exceed the personal net worth requirement of  $1.32M and cause you to be denied DBE certification. If you own more than one business and plan to apply for DBE certification contact us to assist in you in structuring your business interests to meet the requirements of the DBE program.</p>
<p>9.<strong> Avoid full-time employment. </strong>Similarly, to number 8 above, having a full time job in a business other than the firm seeking DBE certification can cause your application to be denied.</p>
<p>10. <strong>Don’t engage in fraud.</strong> We have seen instances where female employees are asked by their employers to create firms so that the employer can take advantage of the DBE program and other certification programs. Don’t do it! First, it is illegal and can get you into serious trouble. Second, it is relatively easy to spot such companies. Remember, the burden is on the DBE applicant to prove that she meets the requirement of the program. The certifying agency will have access to various documents ncluding your corporate documents, tax returns, resumes and other information that can easily show whether your company is legitimate or not.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the tips provided above will assist you as you seek DBE certification for your  woman owned business. If you have any questions or need any assistance please feel free to call us at (305) 517-1392 ext. 102.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>New Rules for Interstate or Multi-State DBE Certification</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-requirements/interstate-dbe-certification/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-requirements/interstate-dbe-certification/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:05:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Requirements]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=305</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In January 2011, the Department of Transportation announced new changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program that would make it easier for DBE firms to get certified in other states.  Those new rules became effective on January 1, 2012. If you are a certified DBE in your home state (“State A”)and seek certification in another state (“State [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In January 2011, the Department of Transportation announced new changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program that would make it easier for DBE firms to get certified in other states.  Those new rules became effective on January 1, 2012.</p>
<p>If you are a certified DBE in your home state (“State A”)and seek certification in another state (“State B”) you must provide State B with a copy of your certification notice from State A. According to the new regulation, your certification notice from State A should be sufficient to allow State B to certify your firm.</p>
<p>However, we have already observed that certain states are requiring more information from applicants. This is because the new rule also provides a second method for interstate certification which is considerably more burdensome for applicants. Specifically, the new rule states that “in any situation in which State B chooses not to accept State A’s certification”<br />
applicants must provide the following required information (“Required Information”):</p>
<p>(1) You must provide to State B a complete copy of the application form, all supporting documents, and any other information you have submitted to State A or any other state related to your firm&#8217;s certification. This includes affidavits of no change and any notices of changes that you have submitted to State A, as well as any correspondence you have had with State A&#8217;s  Unified Certification Program or any other recipient concerning your application or status as a DBE firm.</p>
<p>(2) You must also provide to State B any notices or correspondence from states other than State A relating to your status as an<br />
applicant or certified DBE in those states. For example, if you have been denied certification or decertified in State C, or subject to a decertification action there, you must inform State B of this fact and provide all documentation concerning this action to State B.</p>
<p>(3) If you have filed a certification appeal with DOT, you must inform State B of the fact and provide your letter of appeal and DOT&#8217;s response to State B.</p>
<p>(4) You must submit an affidavit sworn to by the firm&#8217;s owners before a person who is authorized by State law to administer<br />
oaths or an unsworn declaration executed under penalty of perjury of the laws of the United States.</p>
<p>Essentially, the new rule requires applicants to provide State B with their entire DBE Application and correspondence from State A as well as any correspondence from any other state in which the firm is certified.  Once an applicant submits all of this information, State B has 60 days to decide whether to certify the firm or determine that “good cause” exists not to grant<br />
certification. The new regulation provides the following reasons for determining that good cause exists:</p>
<p>(i) Evidence that State A&#8217;s certification was obtained by fraud;</p>
<p>(ii) New information, not available to State A at the time of its certification, showing that the firm does not meet all eligibility<br />
criteria;</p>
<p>(iii) State A&#8217;s certification was factually erroneous or was inconsistent with the requirements of this part;</p>
<p>(iv) The State law of State B requires a result different from that of the State law of State A.</p>
<p>(v) The information provided by the applicant firm did not meet the requirements of regulation (i.e. the Required Information<br />
discussed above).</p>
<p>If State B determines that good cause exists not to certify they applicant, they must notify the applicant in writing and provide specific reasons why the applicant could not be certified in State B. The applicant may respond to the denial letter by requesting an in-person  meeting with a decision maker at State B. The meeting must take place within 30 days of the applicant&#8217;s request. If after the meeting the applicant are still denied certification, the applicant may appeal the denial decision to the Department of Transportation.</p>
<p>Although the new interstate certification regulations are  a welcome move towards a more national program, it is very likely, at least in the near future, that the implementation of the new regulation will problematic. As mentioned above, although the new regulation allows certifying agencies to accept certifications from firm’s home states, most agencies will probably not choose that method. Rather they will require firms to provide all of the Required Information as provided in the regulation. This may unduly burden applicants.</p>
<p>In addition, many agencies already have considerable difficulty in meeting the 90 day requirement for certifying new applicants. Under the new regulation, agencies have only 60 days to review interstate applications and 30 days to schedule an in person meeting if an applicant who has been denied requests such a meeting. Depending on the volume applications, the process may become very cumbersome in some states and lead to improperly denied applications and delay. The most disconcerting aspect of the new regulation is that firms denied interstate certification must be entered into the Department of Transportation Office of<br />
Civil Rights&#8217; (“DOCR”) Ineligibility Determination Online Database. Entry into this database could serve as the basis for decertification procedures in a firm’s home state or be the basis for a future bid protest.</p>
<p>At Kleiner &amp; Cazeau, we have considerable experience in representing clients seeking interstate DBE certifications. Although the new regulations are a welcome step towards a national DBE certification, we believe that the in the near future there will be difficulties as state UCP’s try to navigate the new rule. Do not let your firm become negatively impacted my agencies that don’t understand the new regulations. Call us to assist you in obtaining your interstate DBE certification at (305) 517-1392 ext 102.</p>
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		<title>What is a Concession under the ACDBE regulations?</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/uncategorized/what-is-a-concession-under-the-acdbe-regulations/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/uncategorized/what-is-a-concession-under-the-acdbe-regulations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:50:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=291</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Regulations that govern the ACDBE program define &#8220;Concession&#8221; to mean one or more of the following types of for-profit businesses: (1) A business, located in an airport, that is engaged in the sale of consumer goods or services to the public under an agreement with the airport, another concessionaire, or the owner or lessee of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Regulations that govern the ACDBE program define &#8220;Concession&#8221; to mean one or more of the following types of for-profit businesses:</p>
<p>(1) A business, located in an airport, that is engaged in the sale of consumer goods or services to the public under an agreement with the airport, another concessionaire, or the owner or lessee of a terminal, if other than the airport.</p>
<p>(2) A business conducting one or more of the following covered activities, even if it does not maintain an office, store, or other business location on an airport, as long as the activities take place on the airport: Management contracts and subcontracts, a web-based or other electronic business in a terminal or which passengers can access at the terminal, an advertising business that provides advertising displays or messages to the public on the airport, or a business that provides goods and services to concessionaires.</p>
<p>The Regulation provides the following example to paragraph (2):   A supplier of goods or a management contractor maintains its office or primary place of business off the airport. However the supplier provides goods to a retail establishment in the airport; or the management contractor operates the parking facility on the airport. These businesses are considered concessions for purposes of ACDBE program.</p>
<p>(3) A business is not considered to be “located on the airport” solely because it picks up and/or delivers customers under a permit, license, or other agreement. For example, providers of taxi, limousine, car rental, or hotel services are not considered to be located on the airport just because they send shuttles onto airport grounds to pick up passengers or drop them off. A business is considered to be “located on the airport,” however, if it has an on-airport facility. Such facilities include in the case of a taxi operator, a dispatcher; in the case of a limousine, a booth selling tickets to the public; in the case of a car rental company, a counter at which its services are sold to the public or a ready return facility; and in the case of a hotel operator, a hotel located anywhere on airport property.</p>
<p>(4) A concession may be operated under various types of agreements, including but not limited to the following:</p>
<p>(i) Leases.</p>
<p>(ii) Subleases.</p>
<p>(iii) Permits.</p>
<p>(iv) Contracts or subcontracts.</p>
<p>(v) Other instruments or arrangements.</p>
<p>(5) The conduct of an aeronautical activity is not necessarily considered a concession for  purposes of the ACDBE program. Aeronautical activities include scheduled and non-scheduled air carriers, air taxis, air charters, and air couriers, in their normal passenger or freight carrying capacities; fixed base operators; flight schools; recreational service providers ( e.g., sky-diving, parachute-jumping, flying guides); and air tour services.</p>
<p>(6) Other examples of entities that do not meet the definition of a concession include flight kitchens and in-flight caterers servicing air carriers, government agencies, industrial plants, farm leases, individuals leasing hangar space, custodial and security contracts, telephone and electric service to the airport facility, holding companies, and skycap services under contract with an air carrier or airport.</p>
<p>At Kleiner &amp; Cazeau we are prepared to assist eligible firms in obtaining ACDBE certification, appealing certification denials, defending eligible firms in bid protests or initiating bid protests against firms not eligible to participate in the program. If you are interested in obtaining ACDBE certification or have questions or concerns about the program please call us at (305) 517-1392 ext 102.</p>
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		<title>What Is An ACDBE?</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/uncategorized/what-is-an-acdbe/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/uncategorized/what-is-an-acdbe/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:41:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=285</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ACDBE is an acronym for Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The ACDBE Program is similar to the DBE program in that it is a Department of Transportation (DOT) program designed to level the playing field for small businesses who wish to participate in contracting opportunities at airports. To be an ACDBE a firm must meet [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>ACDBE is an acronym for Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The ACDBE Program is similar to the DBE program in that it is a Department of Transportation (DOT) program designed to level the playing field for small businesses who wish to participate in contracting opportunities at airports.</p>
<p>To be an ACDBE a firm must meet the following criteria:</p>
<p>1)  Operate as a for-profit business concern (no non-profits).</p>
<p>2) Be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration</p>
<p>3) Be at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals</p>
<p>4) An ACDBE’s management and daily business operations must be controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.</p>
<p>5) Owners must be a citizen or citizen (or lawfully admitted permanent resident) of the United States.</p>
<p><em>Socially and economically disadvantaged individual </em>means any individual who is a and who is—</p>
<p>1) Any individual in the following groups, members of which are rebuttably presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged:</p>
<p>(i) “Black Americans,” which includes persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa;</p>
<p>(ii) “Hispanic Americans,” which includes persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican, Central or South American, or other Spanish or Portuguese culture or origin, regardless of race;</p>
<p>(iii) “Native Americans,” which includes persons who are American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, or Native Hawaiians;</p>
<p>(iv) “Asian-Pacific Americans,” which includes persons whose origins are from Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia (Kampuchea), Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands (Republic of Palau), the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Macao, Fiji, Tonga, Kirbati, Juvalu, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia, or Hong Kong;</p>
<p>(v) “Subcontinent Asian Americans,” which includes persons whose origins are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives Islands, Nepal or Sri Lanka;</p>
<p>(vi) Women;</p>
<p>(vii) Any additional groups whose members are designated as socially and economically disadvantaged by the SBA, at such time as the SBA designation becomes effective.</p>
<p>(viii) Any individual determined by a recipient to be a socially and economically disadvantaged individual on a case-by-case basis.</p>
<p>At Kleiner &amp; Cazeau we are prepared to assist eligible firms in obtaining ACDBE certification, appealing certification denials, defending eligible firms in bid protests or initiating bid protests against firms not eligible to participate in the program. If you are interested in obtaining ACDBE certification or have questions or concerns about the program please call us at (305) 517-1392 ext 102.</p>
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		<title>DBE Certification New York</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-application/dbe-certification-new-york/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe-application/dbe-certification-new-york/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:02:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Application]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=267</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) regulation requires that each state have a &#8220;one-stop shopping&#8221; certification process. This means firms apply to only one agency for DBE certification, and that agency&#8217;s decision is honored by all other DBE certifying agencies (see below) and all entities within the state that receive funds from the United States Department [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) regulation requires that each state have a &#8220;one-stop shopping&#8221; certification process. This means firms apply to only one agency for DBE certification, and that agency&#8217;s decision is honored by all other DBE certifying agencies (see below) and all entities within the state that receive funds from the United States Department of Transportation. The  New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP) began to operate November 30, 2005. There are four agencies in New York State that administer a DBE certification program. They are:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.mta.info/" target="_blank">The Metropolitan Transportation Authority</a>     </li>
</ul>
<p>          Office of Civil Rights<br />
          2 Broadway, 16th Floor<br />
          New York, NY 10004-9256<br />
          Telephone: (646) 252-1378<br />
          Fax: (646) 252-1350<br />
          <a href="mailto:cgreene@mtahq.org">cgreene@mtahq.org</a></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.panynj.com/" target="_blank">The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey</a></li>
</ul>
<p>          Small Business Programs<br />
          New York, NY 10003<br />
          Telephone: (212) 435-7817<br />
          Fax: (212) 435-7828<br />
         </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nfta.com/" target="_blank">The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority</a></li>
</ul>
<p>          Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Development Department<br />
          181 Ellicott Street<br />
          Buffalo, NY 14203<br />
          Telephone: (716) 855-7489<br />
          Fax: (716) 855-7657<br />
          <a href="mailto:linda_seay@nfta.com">linda_seay@nfta.com</a></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nysdot.gov/main/business-center/civil-rights/general-info/dbe-certification">The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT DBE Certification Unit page)</a></li>
</ul>
<p>          Contract Audit Bureau<br />
          DBE Certification<br />
          50 Wolf Road, 1st Floor<br />
          Albany, NY 12232<br />
          Telephone: (518) 457-3180<br />
          Fax: (518) 457-1675 <br />
          <a href="mailto:jejones@dot.state.ny.us">jejones@dot.state.ny.us</a></p>
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		<title>DBE Certification Louisiana</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe/dbe-certification-louisiana/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe/dbe-certification-louisiana/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:59:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Certification]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=264</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DBE Certification Louisiana The federal regulation governing the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program requires recipients of federal transportation dollars in Louisiana, who will award prime contracts of greater than $250,000, to establish a uniform  method for certifying small socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in Louisiana. In Louisiana, a firm applying for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>DBE Certification Louisiana </strong></p>
<p>The federal regulation governing the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program requires recipients of federal transportation dollars in Louisiana, who will award prime contracts of greater than $250,000, to establish a uniform  method for certifying small socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in Louisiana.</p>
<p>In Louisiana, a firm applying for DBE certification is only required to apply with one agency. Once certifcation is granted, the firms is considered to certified throughout the state. All firms may apply with the Louisiana Department of Transporation and Development (Region 1).  Firms can also apply for certification with the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International  Airport, Orleans Levee District, or Regional Transit Authority (Region 2).</p>
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		<title>DBE Certification California</title>
		<link>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe/dbe-certification-california/</link>
		<comments>http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/dbe/dbe-certification-california/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:56:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jeff P. H. Cazeau</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DBE Certification]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.dbecertificationguide.com/?p=260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) provides “one-stop shopping” certification services to small, minority and women businesses seeking to participate in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. Certification services are offered to businesses seeking to obtain either DBE or airport concessionaire disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) status. As mandated by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) provides “one-stop shopping” certification services to small, minority and women businesses seeking to participate in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) <a href="http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/DBEProgram/index.cfm">Disadvantaged Business Enterprise</a> (DBE) Program. Certification services are offered to businesses seeking to obtain either DBE or airport concessionaire disadvantaged business enterprise (ACDBE) status.</p>
<p>As mandated by USDOT, all public agencies that receive USDOT federal financial assistance must participate in a statewide unified certification program. These public agencies, commonly referred to as “recipients” of USDOT funds, include municipalities, counties, special districts, airports, transit agencies, and the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans).</p>
<p>The California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) went into effect on January 1, 2002. It is a “One-Stop Shopping” certification program that eliminates the need for a DBE or ACDBE firm to obtain certifications from multiple agencies within the State. A business certified as a DBE or ACDBE through the CUCP is automatically accepted by all USDOT recipients in California.</p>
<p>The CUCP is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the certification activities performed by various certifying agencies, and compiling and maintaining a single Statewide database of certified DBEs. The Database is intended to expand the use of DBE and ACDBE firms by maintaining complete and current information on those businesses and the products and services they can provide to all USDOT recipients in California. Select the <a href="javascript:ajaxpage('cucpDirectory.htm',%20'bodyRightPan');loadobjs('styles.css')">“Directory”</a> link on the top to access the Statewide database.</p>
<p>The CUCP <a href="javascript:ajaxpage('cucpAgencies.htm',%20'bodyRightPan');loadobjs('styles.css')">certifying agencies</a> are responsible for certifying DBE firms. You only need to apply for DBE certification at one agency. If your firm meets the General Criteria for DBE certification as provided on the Application Package, submit your completed application, along with the requested documentation, to one of the Certifying Agencies serving the geographical area where your firm has its principal place of business.</p>
<p>CUCP agencies include over 400 municipalities, counties, special districts, airports, transit agencies, and the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) that administer and award contracts funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). CUCP agencies are classified as certifying and non-certifying members.</p>
<p>A certifying agency performs Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE and/or ACDBE) certification on behalf of the State of California and this certification applies to all USDOT funded contracts. Certification activities performed by a certifying member include, among others, processing DBE or ACDBE applications, performing site interviews, making certification decisions, investigating certification complaints and appeals, and maintaining a single Statewide directory of certified DBEs and ACDBEs. Contact a certifying member, if you have a question about DBE or ACDBE certification.</p>
<p>A non-certifying agency adheres to all aspects of the USDOT DBE program, except it does not perform DBE certification activities. A non-certifying member accepts all firms certified as a DBE by a certifying member. Accordingly, the DBEs listed on the CUCP DBE directory are eligible to participate on all U.S. DOT funded contracts administered by a CUCP participant. Contact a CUCP participant, both certifying and non-certifying, about contract opportunities. A list of these agencies is provided below.</p>
<h3>Certifying UCP Member Agencies</h3>
<div><strong>For certification inquiries for Imperial, Riverside, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Diego counties, contact one of the agencies listed below:</strong></div>
<div><strong> </strong></div>
<div><strong>CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)</strong><br />
Civil Rights MS 79<br />
1823 14th Street<br />
Sacramento, CA 95814<br />
Phone: (916) 324-1700 or (866) 810-6346<br />
Fax: (916) 324-1862<br />
<a href="http://www.caltrans.ca.gov/hq/bep/index.htm">caltrans.ca.gov</a></div>
<p><strong>CITY OF LOS ANGELES</strong><br />
Office of Contract Compliance<br />
Centralized Certification<br />
1149 S. Broadway Street, Suite 300<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90015<br />
Phone:(213) 847-6480<br />
Fax: (213) 847-5566<br />
<a href="http://bca.lacity.org/">bca.lacity.org</a></p>
<p><strong>LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (METRO)</strong><br />
Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department<br />
One Gateway Plaza<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90012<br />
Phone: (213) 922-2600<br />
Fax: (213) 922-7660<br />
<a href="http://www.mta.net/">mta.net</a></p>
<div><strong>For Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties, contact one of the agencies listed below:</strong></div>
<p><strong>CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CCCTA)</strong><br />
Office of Civil Rights<br />
2477 Arnold Industrial Way<br />
Concord, CA 94520-5327<br />
Phone: (925) 676-1976<br />
Fax: (925) 686-2630<br />
<a href="http://www.cccta.org/">cccta.org</a></p>
<p><strong>CITY OF FRESNO</strong><br />
DBE Program<br />
2101 G Street, Building A<br />
Fresno, CA 93706<br />
Phone: (559) 621-1182<br />
Fax: (559) 488-1069<br />
<a href="http://www.ci.fresno.ca.us/">ci.fresno.ca.us</a></p>
<p><strong>S.F. BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT (BART)</strong><br />
Office of Civil Rights<br />
300 Lakeside Drive<br />
18th Floor<br />
Oakland, CA 94612<br />
Phone: (510) 464-7580<br />
Fax: (510) 464-7587<br />
<a href="http://www.bart.gov/">bart.gov</a></p>
<p><strong>SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY (SFMTA)</strong><br />
Contract Compliance Office<br />
San Francisco Municipal Railway<br />
1 South Van Ness Avenue, 3rd Floor<br />
San Francisco, CA 94103<br />
Phone: (415) 701-4443<br />
Fax: (415) 701-4347<br />
<a href="http://www.sfmta.com/">sfmta.com</a></p>
<p><strong>SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT (SAMTRANS)/<br />
PENINSULA CORRIDOR JOINT POWERS BOARD (JPB)</strong><br />
DBE Office<br />
1250 San Carlos Avenue<br />
San Carlos, CA 94070<br />
Phone: (650) 508-7939<br />
Fax: (650) 508-7738<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:DBEinfo@samtrans.com">DBEinfo@samtrans.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.samtrans.com/rfppub/vendordbe.aspx">samtrans.com</a></p>
<p><strong>SANTA CLARA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (VTA)</strong><br />
Small &amp; Disadvantaged Businesses<br />
3331 North First Street<br />
San Jose, CA 95134-1906<br />
Phone: (408) 321-5962<br />
Fax: (408) 955-9729<br />
<a href="http://www.vta.org/">vta.org</a></p>
<div><strong>For Alpine, Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, and Yuba counties, contact one of the agencies listed below:</strong></div>
<div><strong>CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)</strong><br />
Civil Rights MS 79<br />
1823 14th Street<br />
Sacramento, CA 95814<br />
Phone: (916) 324-1700 or (866) 810-6346<br />
Fax: (916) 324-1862<br />
<a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/">dot.ca.gov</a></div>
<p><strong>YOLO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT (YOLOBUS)</strong><br />
DBE Programs<br />
350 Industrial Way<br />
Woodland, CA 95776<br />
Phone: (530) 661-0816<br />
Fax: (530) 661-1732<br />
<a href="http://www.yctd.org/">yctd.org</a></p>
<h3>Airport Concessions (ACDBE) Certification</h3>
<div><strong>CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)</strong><br />
Civil Rights MS 79<br />
1823 14th Street<br />
Sacramento, CA 95814<br />
Phone: (916) 324-1700 or (866) 810-6346<br />
Fax: (916) 324-1862<br />
<a href="http://www.dot.ca.gov/">dot.ca.gov</a></div>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, SAN BERNARDINO, VENTURA, IMPERIAL, AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES:</span><br />
CITY OF LOS ANGELES</strong><br />
Office of Contract Compliance<br />
Centralized Certification<br />
1149 S. Broadway Street, Suite 300<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90015<br />
Phone:(213) 847-6480<br />
Fax: (213) 847-5566<br />
<a href="http://bca.lacity.org/">bca.lacity.org</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">SAN DIEGO AIRPORT CONCESSIONS ONLY:</span><br />
SAN DIEGO COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY</strong><br />
Small Business Development Department<br />
P.O. Box 82776<br />
San Diego, CA 92138-2776<br />
Phone: (619) 400-2569<br />
Fax: (619) 400-2566<br />
<a href="http://www.san.org/">san.org</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT CONCESSIONS ONLY:</span><br />
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT</strong><br />
Airport Small Business Affairs Office<br />
P.O. Box 8097<br />
San Francisco, CA 94128<br />
Phone: (650) 821-5021<br />
Fax: (650) 821-5146<br />
SFO.ASBAO@flysfo.com<br />
flysfo.com</p>
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