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2. What is the difference between the DBE and SBE programs? Why are there two separate programs?
The NTTA BOPP created the DBE and SBE programs. Both programs were designed to assure that minority, women owned and small businesses have full access to business opportunities with the NTTA.
One major difference between the programs is that the DBE program applies only when the contract and/or project involves Federal assistance, which means where the funds used to pay for the contract or project that are part of a loan or grant from the Federal government.
The SBE program applies to all procurements that do not involve Federal assistance, which means everything else. The reason the programs are different is that the DBE program is required by Federal law and specific Federal regulations control the program. Those laws and regulations do not govern procurements that do not involve Federal assistance.
For example, only firms specifically certified as DBEs may be recognized in the DBE program. The SBE program is not restricted to certified DBEs. Firms that are certified as a DBE, MBE, WBE, HUB or SBE through the Texas Unified Certification Program, TxDOT's SBE Program, the State of Texas' Historically Under-utilized Business (HUB) Program and/or the North Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (“NCTRCA”) are accepted as SBEs by the NTTA. Similar certifications from other states may also be accepted by the NTTA. You should check with the NTTA BOPP Liaison, at 214-461-2007 to find out what certifications are accepted. |