Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

The Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), 49 CFR Part 26. GTA has received Federal financial assistance from the Department of Transportation, and as a condition of receiving this assistance, GTA has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR Part 26.

It is the policy of GTA to ensure that DBEs, as defined in Part 26, have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in USDOT–assisted contracts. It is also our policy: 1) To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of USDOT – assisted contracts; 2) To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for USDOT-assisted contracts; 3) To ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law; 4) To ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs; 5) To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in USDOT assisted contracts; 6) To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the DBE Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:   What is a DBE?

A:    Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or DBE means a for-profit small business concern—

  1. That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and
  2. Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

Q:   Where can I find a copy of GTA’s DBE program?

A:    Download the current 2022-2024 DBE program.

Q:   I want to help GTA develop its goals next time. How do I sign up?

A:    If you would like to be put on the contact list for updates to the DBE program, please email your name, company name, contact information, and a brief description of the services you offer to Kayleigh Sullivan at ksullivan@greenvillesc.gov. 

Please note that you do not have to be certified to assist with our program development. 

Q:   What is GTA’s current DBE goal?

A:    GTA intends to use race-neutral means to increase DBE participation.  These measures include: training for staff involved in procurement processes, soliciting new DBEs to participate in GTA procurements, and assisting those eligible for DBE status with registering. GTA’s current and future overall DBE participation goals can be found below.

FY22-FY24: 4.8%

Q:   How do I get information about potential opportunities to work with GTA?

A:    All of our procurement opportunities are handled by the City of Greenville.  You can register to receive text or email notifications of potential opportunities: https://www.greenvillesc.gov/list.aspx?Mode=Subscribe#bids. 

At times, GTA will request quotes for smaller projects.  If you would like to be put on the contact list for these projects, please email your name, company name, contact information, and a brief description of the services you offer to Kayleigh Sullivan at ksullivan@greenvillesc.gov. 

Q:   How do I get certified?

A:    The Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) is the member of a Unified Certification Program (SCUCP) administered by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). GTA will use and count for DBE credit only those DBE firms certified by South Carolina.

In order for DOT agencies to meet these goals, disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to apply to the State for certification to participate in the DBE Program. Applications are gathered, on-site reviews performed, certification meetings held, and certification status granted. if qualified.

For more information visit https://www.scdot.org/business/bus-development-dbe-certification.aspx.

Q:   I have more questions about your program. Who can I talk to?

A:    The Transit Planning Manager has been delegated as the DBE Liaison Officer. In that capacity, the Transit Planning Manager is responsible for implementing all aspects of the DBE program. Implementation of the DBE program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by GTA in its financial assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.

If you have any questions or would like further information regarding the DBE program, please contact: 

Kayleigh Cleek

Transit Planning Manager

GTA/Greenlink

100 W. McBee Avenue

Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 298-2753

kcleek@greenvillesc.gov 

Q:   Where can I find information about recent notices related to changes to your program? 

A:    Below is the most recent notice. Active notices will also be posted below. 

NOTICE:

The Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) dba Greenlink has established a goal of 4.8% for the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the provision of goods and services for FYs 22-24. All DBE firms are encouraged to participate in GTA contracts. Please contact Kayleigh Cleek at kcleek@greenvillesc.gov or 864-298-2753 for more information.