Support Mechanisms for Disadvantaged Businesses (20.903)
Program
20.903 Support Mechanisms for Disadvantaged Businesses
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Authorization
Public Law 97-449, 49 U.S.C. 332, 96 Stat. 2428.
Program Number
20.903
Last Known Status
Deleted 05/01/2006 (no longer being funded)
Objectives
To develop support mechanisms, including liaison and assistance programs, that will provide outreach and referrals for technical assistance to small disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) to successfully compete on transportation-related contracts. Recipients will provide a communications network link between the Department of Transportation; its grantees, recipients, contractors, subcontractors; and minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in order to increase their participation in existing DOT programs and DOT funded projects.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Financial assistance under this section may be given for projects which respond to needs as outlined in each respective program request for proposal. Assistance must provide a special level of effort or service in outreach, technical assistance, information dissemination and linkage to governmental entities. Also provide support for Department Short Term Lending & Bonding Assistance to certified minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs).
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Established 501 C(6) tax-exempt Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, Business Organizations, and For-Profit entities, which have the documented experience and capacity necessary to successfully operate and administer a coordinated, regional liaison outreach effort within a region of the United States.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Small businesses (minority and non- minority), socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and businesses which are owned and operated by women.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Consultation and assistance available at the OSDBU, Minority Business Resource Center. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Application proposal forwarded to Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedure
A review panel will review and score each application based upon the evaluation criteria included in the announcement. Final decisions on acceptance are made by the Director, OSDBU. The Director, OSDBU, notifies successful applicants by letter.
Deadlines
As announced within individual "Request for Application/Proposals."
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Variable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards are generally made for a minimum of 12 months. Extensions over a longer period are possible, contingent upon the needs of the OSDBU. Disbursements are made in partial payments based on activities successfully performed.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program and fiscal reports, as described in each award. A final report is required after completion of the agreement.
Audits
DOT's Inspector General and the Comptroller General of the United States may at all reasonable times investigate and audit in the offices of the grantee all documents, papers, books and records, relevant to the execution and implementation of the conditions of this agreement.
Records
Recipient is required to retain all documents, files, books, and records relevant to the execution and implementation of then conditions of this agreement for a period of not less than 3 years, except, if any litigation, dispute, exception, or audit is commenced, the records and other materials shall be retained until the litigation, dispute, exception, or audit is judicially or administratively made final.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2002 seven new cooperative agreements will be funded.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-0119-0-1-407.
Obligations
(Cooperative Agreements) FY 02 $1,100,500; FY 03 $1,100,000; and FY 04 est $1,100,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Average $134,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Not yet available.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, S-40, Office of the Secretary, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone (202) 366-1930. Toll-free (800) 532- 1169.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
As described in each announcement.
