Equity in Contracting

About Equity in Contracting

The SRA has developed strategies and policies to provide meaningful contracting opportunities to minority firms -- DBE, MBE and WBE -- and other small businesses. The aim is for these businesses to have equal opportunities to compete for contract work at the Springfield Union Station Intermodal Transportation Center project.

Why Become a DBE?

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program is a federal program operating under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The purpose of the program is to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts. The program's goals are to ensure a "level playing field" on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts; to improve the flexibility and efficiency of the DBE program, and to reduce burdens on small businesses. The SRA is receiving federal financial assistance from DOT for the Union Station project. To achieve its objectives, the SRA established DBE participation goals for the project, which is funded in part with federal funds. Non-DBE contractors who win large federal contracts are often required to subcontract with a DBE in order to comply with DOT regulations.

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a small business that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a minority or woman who is a socially and economically disadvantaged person.

The State Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) is charged with the responsibility of certifying DBEs and maintains a database of certified DBEs in Massachusetts. SDO provides a one-stop certification procedure through the Unified Certification Program (UCP); this eliminates the need for DBE firms to obtain certifications from multiple agencies within the Commonwealth.

The main reason to become certified is so that your firm can bid and compete on contracts and subcontracts in a fair, competitive environment. By obtaining DBE certification through the SDO, your participation will count toward the established DBE participation goal for the project.

The SRA's DBE Program

In compliance with its DBE Program, the SRA works to eliminate barriers for disadvantaged businesses. One way the SRA encourages diverse participation is through the development and strategic distribution of construction work packages. As a result of its efforts, the project has obtained strong participation, not only from the federally certified DBE firms, but also from state-certified women and minority firms (W/MBE).

The project's construction manager, Daniel O'Connell's Sons has been actively involved with the SRA in promoting contract equity. This has resulted in a strong participation rate by DBE firms, which is summarized below. The SRA's DBE goal for the projec was approved at 2.35%. As the project progresses, this information will be updated.

Project D/M/WBE Commitments
As of 3/31/15
DBE2.9%
M/WBE5.6%  
 

The SRA's DBE Program can be found at the following link:

FY13-15 DBE Program

MBE and WBE Certification

The SDO also certifies minority and woman-owned business enterprises. A Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is one that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a minority, including, but not limited to: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Portuguese Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, or Asian-Indian Americans. A Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) is one that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a woman.

DBE, MBE and WBE Certification information can be found at:

http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/procurement-info-and-res/procurement-prog-and-serv/sdo/state-cert-prog/

Title VI Program

A Title VI Program establishes and verifies compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its amendments, collectively known as Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal funds. The SRA through its implementation of its program is dedicated to ensuring meaningful language access to persons who have limited English proficiency. Please see the SRA's below approved Title VI Program and Complaint Forms, both in English and Spanish. For more information on the SRA's civil rights program and the procedures to file a complaint, contact Amanda Pham by phone at (413)787-7663, email at apham@springfieldcityhall.com, or by viewing the attached program and forms below.

Title VI Program

Title VI Complaint Procedure

Title VI Complaint Form

En Espanol

(LEP) Programa de Ejecucion de Ingles Limitado e Implementacion del Plan

Procedimiento de Quejas Titulo VI

Titulo VI Forma de Denuncia por Discriminacion









Page last updated:  Wednesday, August 17, 2016 08:44 am