Per the federal regulations contained in 49 CFR Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, independent, for-profit firms which are 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) that control management and daily business operations are eligible to be certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs).
Eligibility
1. Socially Disadvantaged:
The majority owner(s) must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully permitted permanent resident who are women, Black American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, Subcontinent Asian American.
2. Economically Disadvantaged:
The majority owner(s) claiming social and economic disadvantaged, personal net worth must not exceed $1.32 million.
3. Small Business Concern:
A firm (including affiliates) must also be a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations.
- The firm must not have annual gross receipts over $30.40 million in the three previous years.
- The firm's average annual gross receipts for the previous five years cannot exceed the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code(s) based on the firm's primary work category.
The application process
Pursuant to the requirements of the federal regulations, 49 CFR part 26, all recipients of federal aid must implement a "one-stop" certification process for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. As a result of this requirement, the following five entities have established the Illinois Unified Certification Process (UCP): Illinois Department of Transportation, City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.
The IL UCP is based on the concept of reciprocity among the agencies. "One stop shopping" will be provided to applicants for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification, such that an applicant needs only to apply once for DBE certification that will be honored by all participating agencies in the state of Illinois.
Apply for certification online at Pace Diversity Compliance.
To apply by mail or email, please send the completed (printed) application and Personal Net Worth Statement along with all the supporting documentation to:
Pace Suburban Bus
DBE Department
550 W. Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
You many also email this information to DBEInfo@pacebus.com.
If you need assistance or have questions regarding completion of the application, please contact the DBE Department at (847) 228-4257 or email us at DBEInfo@pacebus.com.
