Diverse Business Program Presented By: Dwan Lee – PennDOT Bureau of Equal Opportunity Anthony Stever – PennDOT Bureau of Public Transportation Kenyon Holley – Cheyney University Diverse Business Supportive Services

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM Created by Act 89 of 2013 Applies to 100% state funded (non-federally funded) projects. –Construction –Professional Services Applicable to PennDOT, the PA Turnpike, and Local Transportation Organizations No contract or overall DB goals. Good Faith Efforts (GFEs) required through out the life of project.

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM If the apparent low bidder has failed to make acceptable good faith efforts, the bid will be rejected and the apparent low bidder will be notified of the rejection. Good faith efforts exist for the life of the project. Primes don’t need approval before substituting DB’s. They need only let the transit agency know of the change. Central Office IRT team will evaluate the Good Faith Effort made by the prime as part of the project closeout process.

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM DB Good Faith Effort The bidder may elect to self perform 100% of the work. If subcontracting a portion of the work, the bidder must make a good faith effort to select portions of the work to be performed by DBs. If the apparent low bidder submits acceptable good faith efforts by the deadline and meets all other contract requirements, the Department will approve the submission.

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM Contact Information Dwan Lee DBE/DB Program Administrator Phone:

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM When does the DB requirement apply to transit systems? Only applicable to projects that do not include federal funding Only applicable to construction and professional services contracts –Examples of professional services: Engineering and Design, Legal, Auditing/Accounting/Actuarial, Advertising/Public Relations, Security, IT

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM Agencies shall “…seek to maximize participation by diverse businesses.” –Contract/Solicitation Language Require Prime Contractors to document and submit Good Faith Efforts during the IFB/RFP process Require winning bidder/offeror to provide the name and business address of each Diverse Business that will provide construction or professional service as part of the contract Include language encouraging bidders/offerors to utilize and give consideration to contractors offering to utilize DB’s –Designate an individual to be responsible for your agency’s compliance with the Diverse Business Program

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM DB Reporting Requirements Required at the end of each Fiscal Year –Reminder will be sent in July Two areas: 1.Percentage of Participation (payments) by Diverse Businesses 2.Total value of all contracts executed which include participation by diverse businesses

DIVERSE BUSINESS PROGRAM Contact Information Anthony Stever Bureau of Public Transportation Phone:

Diverse Business Supportive Services Diverse Business Supportive Services Center The Diverse Business Supportive Services Center (DBSSC) was established July 1, 2014 consistent with Section 303 of Title 74 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues. The function of the DBSSC is to assist in maximizing the participation of DBs on one-hundred percent (100%) state funded transportation related construction and professional services contracts.

Diverse Business Supportive Services Diverse Business Supportive Services Center Identifying DBs A Diverse Business is a business entity that is at least 51 percent owned and operated by one of the following constituent groups: Veteran or disabled Veteran Women Minority (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Alaskans or Pacific Islanders)

Diverse Business Supportive Services Diverse Business Supportive Services Center Program Goals Increase the number of certified and registered DBs Manage and maintain a database of certified DBs Foster relationships between DB subcontractors and Primes Create networking opportunities for DB Primes

Diverse Business Supportive Services Diverse Business Supportive Services Center Strategies for working with Agencies Know your demographics and cater to them I.Women/Minorities/ Veterans and Disabled Veterans Maker sure that you advertise your solicitations to local media outlets, add to your website etc. Create partnerships I.Contact your local PTAC Offices, Chambers, Vendor fairs etc.

Diverse Business Supportive Services Diverse Business Supportive Services Center Strategies for working with Agencies  The SSCs Maintain a database of firms throughout the state that can be used to connect firms ( primes, subs and consultants) with other firms that are looking for DB participation. So keep us informed!  Diverse Business SSC Monthly Newsletter I.Send us information  Support the SSCs on collaborative efforts such as “Getting Ready for Primetime” and the Business Conference (Pittsburgh)

Diverse Business Supportive Services Diverse Business Supportive Services Center Cheyney University Toll Free: Like us on Diverse Business Supportive Services Center