Program Overview
Miami-Dade Transit's (MDT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Miami Dade Transit (MDT) is committed to carry out the DBE Program and to meet the stated objectives, including nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts in MDT's transit programs; creating a level playing field on which DBE firms can compete fairly, and ensuring that MDT's DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law.

Objectives
The objectives of Miami Dade Transit's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, and in accordance with 49 CFR 26, is to ensure a "level playing field" and to foster opportunities in DOT assisted contracts, improve the flexibility and efficiency of the DBE program and to reduce the burdens on small businesses, as well as to identify and help remove barriers to the participation of DBE contractors in DOT assisted contracts and ultimately to assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.

Resource Links

• DBE Outreach  It is the intent of Miami Dade Transit to offer those support system that will foster capacity building and the success of DBE firms.  Click the links below to access local and regional business development resources.
• Beacon Council
• FRMBC - Florida Regional Minority Business Council
• S.C.O.R.E.; Counselor's to America's Small Business
• Miami Chamber of Commerce Access to Special Programs and Seminars throughout the year for members to learn or extend their knowledge and opportunities for their business
• DBE Goal Methodology 
• DBE Monitoring 
• Certification Application
• Procurement
• Contract Financing Resources
  Financial resources are available to assist qualified firms to participate in transportation-related contracts.  For loan qualification information, lending procedures and criteria, review the listed programs to determine if these programs offer the financial support that firms may needs to be more competitive.
  
  1) United States Department of Transportation's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (DOT/OSDBU).  Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with OSDBU’s Small Business Transportation Resource  Centers.    For more information on the Short-Term Lendening Program please email STLPinfo@dot.gov., and
  
  2) DevCorp Contract Financing Facility, LLC.; this website provides contact information and live assistance.  This program offers contract financing for new firms with confirmed contractual agreements in place.

Program Goal
For Fiscal Year 2007-2008, MDT intends to expand at least 20% of its total DOT-assisted expenditures with qualified DBEs.

Eligibility Requirements
Owner(s) must own 51 percent of the firm and be a member(s) of one of the following groups:

• Women (Regardless of race)
• Black Americans
• Hispanic Americans
• Native Americans
• Asian-Pacific Americans
• Subcontinent Asian Americans
• Any additional groups whose members are designated as socially and economically disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and has a personal net worth not to exceed $750,000 (minus the value of their principal residence and interest in the business)

For additional information or help contact the DBE Program office at: 786-469-5481