(A) The DBE office has been established under the direction of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Director who reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
(B) Among the specific duties of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Officer and his or her staff are:
(1) To develop, monitor implementation of and provide continuing evaluation of the CRD Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. The DBE Director will work closely with those persons responsible for making management decisions regarding procurement and contracting;
(2) To maintain and constantly update a directory of bona fide minority and female owned businesses with specific information on expertise, work performance and other data. The DBE Director will verify the status of ownership of disadvantaged businesses and female owned firms;
(3) To assist in securing management and technical assistance resources for minority and female owned businesses as requested or needed;
(4) To publicize business opportunities with CRD to minority and female owned businesses and to refer such businesses to assistance resources for aid in bidding on CRD contracts and subcontracts;
(5) To attend pre-proposal, pre-bid, pre-award and pre-construction meetings to explain CRD requirements;
(6) To monitor contractors’ and subcontractors’ compliance with all applicable requirements for DBE participation;
(7) To plan, foster and participate in training sessions, workshops, seminars and the like, for the purpose of informing potential bidders/ proposers of the DBE program and of business opportunities with CRD. These workshops shall be designed and scheduled so as to accommodate a sufficient number of entrepreneurs in compatible business enterprises. It is expected that the frequency of such workshops shall be quarterly and participation shall include Purchasing Department personnel and others responsible for procurement;
(8) To serve as liaison with agencies supporting economic development in the minority community;
(9) To maintain accurate and up-to-date records demonstrating DBE office efforts and progress;
(10) To report regularly to the Chief Executive Officer on progress being made in the implementation of the DBE program and to recommend program modifications where deemed appropriate. The DBE Director will also be responsible for the timely submission of reports required by the Department of Transportation on the MBE program, in accord with 49 C.F.R. part 26;
(11) To maintain open lines of communication with the minority and female business communities and thereby maintain the credibility of the Commuter Rail Division;
(12) To ensure that successful bidders/proposers for goods and/or services are in compliance with applicable federal, state and CRD Board enacted laws and ordinances with respect to the participation of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals;
(13) To certify or deny certification of firms claiming disadvantaged business enterprise status in accord with the rules and regulations established therefor; and
(14) To provide assistance to CRD funded carriers in establishing Affirmative Action Plans (including DBE program commitments) and monitoring performance in this area.
(Ord. CRB 84-42, passed 9-14-1984)