In accordance with the requirements of USDOT 49 CFR 26.39, Pace has developed a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program to ensure that small businesses have additional opportunity to participate on federally-assisted projects. Pace's SBE program is open to all small business owners who meet the criteria, including non-minorities.
Pace′s Small Business Enterprise Program is designed to:
- Increase the number of competitively awarded contracts to small businesses
- Maximize contract opportunities
- Minimize contract bundling
If you are currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by one of the Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP) members (Pace, Metra, CTA, City of Chicago and Illinois Department of Transportation), you are automatically considered a SBE and do not have to complete the process for SBE verification.
Program requirements
Eligibility requirements for verification as a SBE are stated in 49 CFR Part 26.39. The following six requirements must be proven by a SBE applicant, but they do not cover all the requirements found in 49 CFR Part 26.39.
Economic Disadvantage: A disadvantaged owner must be a U.S. Citizen (or legal resident) and meet the federal definition of economically disadvantaged as defined in 49 CFR Part 26.67 or any individual found to be economically disadvantaged on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Net Worth: Only disadvantaged persons having a personal net worth (PNW) of less than $1,320,000 can be considered for SBE verification. Items excluded from a person's net worth calculations include an individual's ownership interest in the applicant firm and his or her equity in their primary residence.
Business Size Standard: A firm (including affiliates) must be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). It must not have annual gross receipts over $30,400,000 in the previous three years. Depending on the type of work the business performs, other size standards may apply.
Ownership: Must be a for-profit small business concern whose economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51% interest, control management AND daily business operations.
Independence: The business must not be affiliated with another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control. These include, but are not limited to, such areas as personnel, facilities, equipment, financial and/or bonding support, and other resources.
Management and Control: The economically disadvantaged owner(s) must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and polices of the firm and to make day-to-day decisions, as well as long-term decisions on matters of management, policy and operation.
Application process
Apply online for certification in Pace's SBE program at Pace Diversity Compliance.
To apply by mail or email, please complete the following forms:
along with all the supporting documentation and send 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 have questions regarding the SBE Program, please contact the DBE Department at (847) 228-4257 or email us at DBEinfo@pacebus.com.
