OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Provides staff support to the Director, DBE Program Office in the day-to-day implementation, administration and evaluation of SEPTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with federal, state and local requirements. Ensures that socially and economically disadvantaged businesses are provided an equal opportunity to participate in SEPTA’s contracts and purchases through goal setting initiatives and outreach efforts.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides assistance and support to the DBE Program to ensure equal opportunity in SEPTA’s contracts and purchases in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
2. Functions as a primary program/project liaison on DBE program matters with other Departments.
3. Conducts in-depth reviews of DBE applications for certification and SBE applications for verification, including on-site reviews.  Prepares evaluation reports resulting from investigation to substantiate DBE certification/SBE verification determination.
4. Assists in outreach activities to recruit new firms owned, operated and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals capable of providing goods and services.
5. Reviews requisitions/requirements for contracts, goods and services to establish DBE participation goals.
6. Disseminates information and provides guidance to contractors/consultants regarding DBE program requirements and contract compliance at pre-bid, pre-construction, pre-proposal and post-award meetings.
7. Analyzes submitted bids/proposals to ensure compliance with DBE participation requirements and prepare bid evaluations.
8. Monitors all SEPTA projects with DBE goals to ensure post-contract award compliance, and progress towards goal achievement.
9. Maintains certification files and project files in accordance with established DBE Program requirements and procedures.
10. Assists with the development, publication, and dissemination of newsletters, informational brochures and hand books concerning the DBE Program. 
11. Provides technical assistance to internal and external customers on DBE Program issues.
12. Prepares correspondence relative to the DBE Program requirements and procedures.
13. Responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external sources.
14. Participates in outreach, training, technical assistance and network activities conducted by the DBE Program Office.
15. Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum of five (5) years project management, program management, business management, or direct people management experience.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post-high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above requirements.
• Strong presentation, writing, original communications research, records management, organizational and analytical skills required.
• Experience in small business development/technical assistance, contract monitoring/compliance, financial analysis, or auditing is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, and requirements of DBE utilization and/or similar programs preferred.
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