Description

The DBE program is promulgated pursuant to 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26. It includes all contracts for construction, professional services, and procurement which are funded in whole or in part by federal dollars. This also includes certain concessions operations at the airport. In fiscal year 2001, the overall goal for DBE participation has been set at 27% in construction and professional services, 35% for non-rental car concessions and 30.5% for rental car.

Any business that desires to participate as a DBE is required to complete and submit an application to Mr. Sean C. Hunter, Acting DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) at the NOIA. The DBELO then conducts a site visit to verify status and issue a decision. NOAB will certify only those businesses which are at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned and controlled by persons who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

An eligible DBE must be an independent business where ownership and control by minorities or women are real, substantial and continuing. The DBE owners must share in the risks and profits commensurate with their ownership interests, and must also possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the day-to-day management and major decisions of the firm. There cannot be any restrictions which prevent the DBE owners from making a business decision without the cooperation or vote of the non-DBE owners. If non-DBE members of the firm are disproportionately responsible for the operation of the firm, then the firm will not be certified. Currently, 302 firms are DBE certified by NOAB.

State and Local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Description

In this program, a participation goal of 27% of all public works projects funded by state and local dollars was established for SLDBE certified firms.  Unlike the DBE program where the DBELO makes the certification decisions, an independent panel of sociologists and economists are responsible for approving or rejecting applications for SLDBE certification.

A firm is certifiable under this program if it is at least 51% owned and controlled by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged and where the firm is not dominant in its industry. There are no presumptions of disadvantaged status for any racial, ethnic group or gender.  Each individual must supply evidence of both historic and continuing economic and social disadvantage which is considered by the panel, along with the results of a site visit.  The burden of proof must be borne by the applicant. One hundred and two firms are currently certified under the SLDBE program.  Certification is reciprocal for the DBE program administered by the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.

Public Notice of Goal Setting Methodology & Calculation for FY 2009

Goal Setting Methodology & Calculations for Fiscal Year 2009
(October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009)