Pa Unified Certification Program At a Glance

The Regulatory Perspective 49 CFR Part 26 Presented by Cameil D. Williams DBE Contract Compliance Officer September 16, 2014

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Overview of Presentation

• PA Unified Certification Program • Certification Partners • Certification Standards • Certification Process at a Glance • Benefits of Certification • Questions

What is the PA UCP

• The purpose of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP) is to provide “one-stop shopping” for firms seeking certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26 and as an Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) in accordance with 49 CFR Part 23. The PA UCP makes all certification decisions on behalf of all agencies and organizations in the Commonwealth with respect to participation in the DBE and ACDBE Programs. In other words, firms certified as a DBE or ACDBE with the PA UCP are eligible to participate on any Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) , Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funded contract as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.

Certifying Partners

• • • • •

Allegheny County Dep’t of MWDBE Pa Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) Port Authority of Allegheny County Southeastern PA Transportation Authority (SEPTA) City of Philadelphia

While not Certifying members, other Direct DOT Recipients and Sub-Recipients are Members of the PA UCP.

Certification Standards

• • • • • • Social and Economic Disadvantage Business Size Business Ownership and Control Business Control For Profit Status Applicant must Demonstrate that they meet Standards

Certification Standards cont’d

• • • • Presumed Groups Personal Networth U S Citizenship Economic Disadvantage Information must be Provided

DBE Certification Affords

• • Mandatory Reciprocity – PA UCP Agency Certifications are one in the same Interstate Certification – Benefit of DBE Certification – Must first have home state certification

All information is treated confidential and is safeguarded

Certification Process at a Glance

Certification Application •Must complete a PA UCP Certification Application •Must provide resumes •Personal Financial Statement • Tax Returns •Documented Proof of contributions used to acquire ownership •Signed Loan Agreements •Description of Real Estate •List of Equipment leased and owned Analysis and Verification •Analyze certification application and supporting documentation •Review all of the information carefully and verify that the submission is complete.

•Develop a list of questions/items to get clarification on prior to or during site visit.

Request for Additional Information •Request additional information within specified timeframe. from the applicant.

•Applicant gets an initial written request and a follow-up notification.

•Unresponsive requests will result in a final notification •Failure to respond can result in the certification file being closed.

•If the certification file is closed the applicant must reapply Site Visit •Certifying entity interviews DBE applicant at the firm’s office location.

•Certifying entity can elect to visit job sites for DBE applicants.

Certification/Denial •If all regulatory requirements are met certification is granted. •Agencies aim to certify within 90 days of a completed application •Applicants failing to meet the regulatory requirements in 49 CFR Part 26 will be denied certification.

•Applicants can appeal to the PA UCP Certification Appeals Board •Applicants can appeal directly to USDOT •IF the PA UCP Certification Appeals board upholds the denial, applicants can go to USDOT.

Benefits of DBE Certification

• • • One Stop Shopping State-wide marketing for your business through PA UCP web site Networking opportunities.

• • • Certification is Free Access to multiple governmental contract opportunities across the state.

Interstate Certification.

QUESTIONS