The Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) has announced it will be using Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goals for its contracts going forward. This goal is for 0.95% of its contracts to be with certified DBE firms. It has been established per DBE and Federal Transit Administration regulations.

Meeting DBE goals will puts CAT's contracts in compliance with federal transit funding and is expected to be fulfilled through the federal fiscal years of 2023 to 2025. 

State agencies hold procurement activities under this policy to increase the participation of women and minority-owned businesses. 

The idea is to support businesses of disadvantaged communities such as Latinos, Asian Americans, African-Americans, and women. The program helps subcontractors and suppliers to secure government related construction and procurement contracts.

As mentioned in the policy, officials in Charlottesville will now follow this goal when procuring facilities, supplies, equipment, and other services.

They will have to ensure that the procurement process is carried out fairly and competently. This exercise will be carried on in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. 

Methodologies to establish the proposal are available for review by the public at Charlottesville Area Transit, 1545 Avon Street Extended, Charlottesville, VA., between Monday and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Charlottesville Area Transit is seeking public suggestions on this goal proposed for DBEs.