Section 26.1 - What are the objectives of this part?This part seeks to achieve several objectives:
(a) To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Department's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs;(b) To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;(c) To ensure that the Department's DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;(d) To ensure that only firms that fully meet this part's eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;(e) To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts;(f) To promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally-assisted contracts and procurement activities conducted by recipients.(g) To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program; and(h) To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.64 FR 5126, 2/2/1999, as amended at 79 FR 59592, 10/2/2014