Policy
The Puerto
Rico Highway and Transportation Authority of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico acting through the Secretary of Transportation, hereby expresses
its commitment to support the policy of providing the fullest possible
participation of firms owned and controlled by socially and economically
disadvantaged individuals in programs and projects receiving assistance
under the DOT programs. It is the policy of the PRHTA that no person
shall be excluded from participation, denied the benefits of, or otherwise
discriminated against in relation with the award and performance of
any contract covered by this Program, on the grounds of race, color,
sex, or national origin. In this regard, the PRHTA is committed to a
program of providing equal opportunity and affirmative action to disadvantaged
business enterprises as defined under DOT's Regulation. Implementation
of the DBE Program by the PRHTA is a legal obligation and failure to
carry out its terms shall be treated as a violation whereby sanctions
may be imposed as provided under 49 CFR Part 26. In administering the
DBE Program, the PRHTA shall not use criteria or methods that would
have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishments
of the objectives of the program with respect to individuals of a particular
race, color, sex, or national origin.
The PRHTA
DBE Policy Statement will be circulated through the Department among
its personnel in the different levels of supervision as well as local
governmental units, business organizations, the DBE and non-DBE business
communities that perform work for us on DOT assisted contract and to
the general public. This Policy Statement shall be published through
the appropriate media and fully incorporated into the procurement process.
From time to time PRHTA shall receive interpretations from USDOT, which
shall be binding on PRHTA, sub-recipients, and contractors.
The purpose
of the program is to implement the provision of 49 CFR Part 26, other
pertinent regulations, and source legislation. These objectives are:
a. To
ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of USDOT-assisted
contracts in the USDOT's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance
programs;
b. To
create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for
USDOT- assisted contracts;
c. To
ensure that USDOT's DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance
with applicable law;
d. To
ensure that only firms that fully meet the eligibility standards specified
in 49 CFR Part 26 are permitted to participate as DBEs;
e. To
help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in USDOT-assisted
contract;
f. To
assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the
marketplace outside the DBE program; and,
g. To
provide appropriate flexibility to recipient of federal financial
assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.
The PRHTA
shall work to establish a level playing field for DBE contractors to
compete for federally assisted highway construction and transportation
projects as prime contractors, subcontractors and consultants. It is
intended to provide opportunities to DBEs so they can graduate from
the DBE program and perform as prime or as subcontractors without DBE
program assistance.
Ana A.
Olivencia, Esq., Director of Civil Rights Office, has been delegated
as the DBE Liaison Officer. In this capacity Ana A. Olivencia or her
designee 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 the PRTHA in its financial
assistance agreements with the Department of Transportation.
As Executive
Director of the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority, I
have distributed this Policy Statement to DBE and non-DBE business communities
that perform work for us on DOT-assisted contracts throught the general
media to all department key personnel and bureaus.
Jack
T. Allison, Ph.D., Executive Director
Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority
Date: April-09-2003