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), 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 $23,980,000 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
To apply for certification in Pace's SBE program, complete the following forms:
Personal Net Worth Statement (SBE)
along with all the supporting documentation and send to:
Pace Suburban Bus
DBE Department
550 W. Algonquin Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
If you have questions regarding the SBE Program, please contact the DBE Department at (847) 228-4257 email us at DBEinfo@pacebus.com.
