The DBELO is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the DBE program, in coordination with other appropriate officials. The duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. Gathers and reports statistical data and other information as required by FAA or DOT.
2. Reviews third party contracts for compliance with this program.
3. Works with SMAA's Department of Engineering and Environmental Affairs to set overall goals and contract goals.
4. Ensures that, when applicable, bid notices and requests for proposals are available to DBEs in a timely manner.
5. Identifies contracts and procurements so that, when applicable, DBE goals are included in solicitations.
6. Analyzes SMAA's progress toward attainment of DBE goals and identifies ways to improve DBE participation.
7. Participates in pre-bid meetings.
8. Advises the CEO on DBE matters and goal achievement.
9. Consults with SMAA's Engineering and Environmental Affairs Department to foster small business participation on DOT-funded airport projects.
10. Determines contractor compliance with good faith efforts.
11. Provides DBEs with information and assistance in preparing bids, obtaining bonding and insurance.
12. Acts as liaison to the Uniform Certification Program (UCP) in Florida.
13. Provides outreach to DBEs and community organizations to advise them of opportunities.

DBE Financial Institutions

It is the policy of SMAA to periodically review the Sarasota-Manatee market for the existence of financial institutions owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, to investigate the full extent of services offered by such institutions, to make reasonable efforts to use these institutions, and to encourage prime contractors on DOT-assisted contracts to make use of these institutions. Presently, there are no such institutions in the Sarasota-Manatee market.

Prompt Payment Mechanisms

As part of its DBE Program, SMAA has established a contract clause to require prime contractors to pay subcontractors promptly for the satisfactory performance of their contracts.

Furthermore, we will ensure prompt and full payment of retainage from the prime contractor to the subcontractor. We will hold retainage from prime contractors and provide for prompt and regular incremental acceptances of portions of the prime contract, pay retainage to prime contractors based on these acceptances, and require a contract clause obligating the prime contractor to pay all retainage owed to the subcontractor for satisfactory completion of the accepted work within 10 days after our payment to the prime contractor.