Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Subrecipient Resources

All FTA Subrecipients through Alaska DOT&PF Alaska Community Transit are required under CFR 49 CFR 26 to include Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) the maximum opportunity to complete for and perform contracts and subcontracts while utilizing FTA Funds.

All FTA subrecipients under the Alaska DOT&PF Alaska Community Transit, as mandated by 49 CFR Part 26 are obligated to incorporate Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in their procurement processes. The primary objective is to afford DBEs the utmost opportunity to actively compete for and engage in contracts and subcontracts funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) within Alaska.

This regulatory framework is designed to promote diversity and inclusivity in the allocation of FTA funds, ensuring that businesses classified as DBEs have a fair chance to participate in the transportation-related projects. Subrecipients are expected to integrate measures that facilitate the involvement of DBEs in various stages of project development, procurement, and execution.

The inclusion of DBEs in contracting and subcontracting activities not only aligns with federal regulations but also contributes to fostering economic growth, job creation, and a more equitable distribution of opportunities within the Alaskan community. By adhering to these requirements, subrecipients play a vital role in advancing the overarching goals of promoting fair competition and reducing barriers for disadvantaged businesses in the transportation sector.

It is imperative for all stakeholders involved in FTA-funded projects to demonstrate a commitment to the principles outlined in 49 CFR Part 26, recognizing the significance of diversity and the value that DBEs bring to the overall success and sustainability of community transit initiatives in Alaska.

FTA Subrecipients are responsible for the following reporting requirements.

FTA DBE Goal Methodology and Utilization

The Alaska DOT&PF, as a recipient of FTA funding, is required to submit a DBE Goal Methodology every three years. This methodology outlines the process used by Alaska DOT&PF to determine its DBE goal for Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2025-2027.  This Goal Methodology has been developed following the criteria set forth in 49 CFR Part 26.45 and is based on demonstrable evidence of the availability of DBE firms that are ready, willing, and able to work on FTA-assisted contracts relative to all businesses that are capable of performing such work. For FFY 2025-2027, Alaska DOT&PF has established an overall DBE goal of 1.00%, which will be achieved through the use of race-neutral means.

• Alaska FTA DBE Goal Methodology FFY2025-2027

Alaska DBE/ACDBE Directory

FTA Subrecipients are encouraged to use the Alaska DBE/ACDBE Directory to support the inclusion of DBEs in contracting and subcontracting activities. Doing so not only ensures compliance with federal regulations but also promotes economic growth, job creation, and a more equitable distribution of opportunities within the Alaskan community.

Alaska Unified Certification Program (AUCP) Participation

The FTA Subrecipient is required to participate in the Alaska Unified Certification Program (AUCP). As recipients of USDOT funds, the undersigned organizations have agreed to take part in the AUCP, which handles all DBE certification decisions on behalf of all USDOT recipients within Alaska. The AUCP aims to provide "one-stop shopping" for applicants, ensuring that a firm only needs to apply once for DBE certification, which will then be honored by all federal recipients in the state. Under this program, a firm applies with the Alaska DOT&PF, and once approved, the certification is shared across all USDOT recipients in Alaska. The Subrecipient agrees to participate, submit a signed agreement when requested, provide procurement information, and attend annual meetings.

Uniform Report

FTA Subrecipients of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds must submit a semi-annual Uniform Report to the Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office biannually. This reporting requirement serves a crucial purpose within the framework of Department of Transportation (DOT) funds recipients' responsibilities.

Recipients of FTA funds are expected to maintain accurate and detailed data pertaining to contracting opportunities made available to businesses funded through FTA dollars. The Uniform Report plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with Part 26 regulations. Failure to submit comprehensive contracting data related to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program may lead to noncompliance with Part 26 standards.

The overarching objective of the Uniform Report is to capture and document information regarding the current actual payments made to DBEs for the work performed on ongoing federally-assisted contracts. By systematically recording these payments, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of the utilization of DBEs in projects funded by the FTA, facilitating transparency, accountability, and adherence to the established regulatory framework. FTA Subrecipients play a vital role in upholding the integrity of the DBE program by diligently submitting accurate and timely reports, thereby contributing to the overall success of federally-assisted transportation initiatives.

Resources:

• Blank copy of Uniform Report
• Instructions on completing the Uniform Report
• FTA Uniform Report Training Video May 17, 2024
• FTA Uniform Report Training Slides May 17, 2024

Reporting Period	Due to Alaska DOT&PF Civil Rights Office
December 1: April 1 – September 30	Due October 30th of every year
June 1: October 1 – March 31	Due April 30th of every year

Transit Vehicle Purchase

FTA Subrecipients receiving funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the acquisition of vehicles or ferries intended for paratransit services are required report purchase information. FTA Subrecipients must submit Transit Vehicle Purchase information within 15 days from the date of the contract award.

It is important to note that the scope of paratransit extends beyond the mere purchase of vehicles; it encompasses the broader category of entities involved in the production of vehicles, which subsequently undergo post-production alterations or retrofitting to render them suitable for public transportation purposes. This includes modifications that make the vehicles accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities.

Furthermore, the definition of paratransit excludes businesses engaged in the manufacturing of vehicles exclusively for personal use or for sale "off the lot," as stipulated in 49 CFR 26.5. Therefore, entities focused on crafting vehicles for general consumer use, without customization for public transportation or specialized transit purposes, are not considered transit vehicle manufacturers under these regulations.

The reporting requirement aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of FTA funds for paratransit-related vehicle acquisitions. This process facilitates effective oversight, allowing regulatory bodies to monitor and verify that funds are allocated and used appropriately within the defined parameters of paratransit services. Compliance with these reporting guidelines is essential for subrecipients to uphold the standards and regulations set forth by the FTA.

Resources:

• FTA Subrecipient Transit Vehicle Purchase Survey
• FTA Subrecipient Transit Vehicle Purchase Instructions

Nondiscrimination Requirements

FTA Subrecipients ensures that no individual will face discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, sex, or age in any program or activity funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) or the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). This includes transportation services and related benefits. The FTA subrecipient agrees to follow all relevant nondiscrimination regulations, including those outlined in 49 CFR 21, USDOT FTA Circular 4702.1B, and 49 USC 5332, as well as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This assurance applies to all project operations, facilities, and property acquisitions related to the project. 

Title VI and ADA Complaints

The FTA Subrecipient must have written procedures for handling complaints and will inform the public that ADA or Title VI complaints can be filed with the FTA Subrecipient, the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF), or the FTA. The Subrecipient also commits to promptly reporting any ADA and Title VI complaints it receives to the Alaska DOT&PF. 

Past Public Participation Events:

Previous Meeting Presentations:

Helpful Resources:

Questions related to DBE/ACDBE Program?

Contact: Zhenia C. Peterson
Title: DBE/ACDBE Program Manager
Email: zhenia.peterson@alaska.gov
Phone: 907-269-0844

Questions related to DBE Reporting?

Contact: Frank Keirn
Title: Research Analyst II
Email: frank.keirn@alaska.gov
Phone: 907-269-0846

Questions related to Title VI/ADA?

Contact: Robespierre Howard
Email: robespierre.howard@alaska.gov
Phone: 907-269-0852