Pace's DBE Department is responsible for administering the federally-mandated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. The DBE program is intended to provide contracting opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Pace is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in the conduct of its business, including the procurement of goods and services. Pace recognizes its responsibilities to the communities in which it operates and to the society it serves and reaffirms that commitment through the operation of its DBE program and Pace's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Policy Statement.

For more information on Pace's DBE program, contact the DBE Department at (847) 228-4257.

Who is an Eligible Disadvantaged Business Enterprise?
Applicant firms must be found eligible to be certified as a DBE under the federal regulations contained in 49 CFR part 26. The eligibility standards include that the firm must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Also, the firm must be controlled and managed on a daily basis by the disadvantaged owner(s).

A firm must also be a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations in 13 CFR part 121. In addition, 49 CFR part 26 provides a cap of $22.41 million average gross receipts over a three year period. Size standards will differ for different types of firms.

Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 26

Minority, Women, & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Services