OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Ensures SEPTA’s compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) through the development, implementation and monitoring of policies and procedures that will encourage and facilitate participation by DBEs/SBEs in procurement and contracting activities to a level consistent with availability statistics for the relevant geographical market areas. Develops and implements communication, marketing, and outreach initiatives in conjunction with internal and external partnerships in support of the Authority’s Customer Service and Sustainability Programs. Ensures that SEPTA policies, regulations and guidelines adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

BASIC ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participates in the development of policies in the immediate manager’s organization, and interprets such policies throughout the department.
2. Develops objectives, policies and procedures for the approval of immediate manager.
3. Interprets and administers programs and procedures in accordance with approved policies.
4. Performs special assignments for immediate manager as requested.
5. Reports performance to immediate manager.
6. Coordinates expense budget spending for department or activity to maintain performance within budget.
7. Develops a suitable successor and be responsible for training replacements at all levels within the department.
8. Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Directs and manages the daily activities of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and similar federal, state, or local programs in which the Authority may participate to ensure that DBEs and SBEs are provided equal and fair opportunity to participate in SEPTA’s procurement and contracting activities in the design, construction, operation and procurement of contracts, goods and services through goal setting initiatives and creative outreach efforts.
2. Develops, implements, and monitors SEPTA’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program to ensure maximum participation of SBEs in the Authority’s contracting and procurement activities.
3. Develops and implements objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure maximum effectiveness of staff in performing the functions and responsibilities of the department.
4. Serves as the Authority’s primary point of contact and representative in all matters pertaining to the DBE Program.
5. Directs and manages SEPTA’s participation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Unified Certification Program (PA UCP).
6. Serves as the Authority’s representative on the PA UCP Oversight Committee and DBE Certification Appeals Committee to ensure compliance with all aspects of 49 CFR Parts 23 and 26, preserving the Program’s integrity and conducting due-process hearings for firms appealing DBE certification denials/removals.
7. Ensures implementation and administration of effective DBE/SBE certification procedures. Interprets federal regulations pertaining to the DBE Program certification procedures, establishing annual goals, contract goals, DBE reporting requirements, and language/clauses for DBE/SBE participation compliance in Standard Form Contracts.
8. Develops, pursuant to applicable policy and federal regulations, the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Utilization Plan for the Authority.
9. Develops and recommends to immediate manager, appropriate changes in Contract Compliance, DBE/SBE Utilization.
10. Assists and advises SEPTA staff and contractors regarding compliance with policies and regulations related to Contract Compliance, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
11. Develops and manages outreach strategies and initiatives to increase awareness resources and awareness to DBE/SBEs.
12. Directs and manages all compliance monitoring activities to ensure that contractors adhere to the DBE regulatory requirements of their contracts, i.e., reporting, prompt payment and goal achievement.
13. Maintains permanent records of all compliance activities to facilitate program analysis and reports such information in a timely manner to management.
14. Develops and maintains a data collection system to measure and report program performance identify trends, analyze future needs, and to establish and maintain a DBE program directory.
15. Ensures preparation and timely dissemination/submission of all reports required by federal, state, and local agencies, including various ad hoc reports for internal/external stakeholders.

ADDITIONAL / DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develops and implements outreach initiatives to provide technical assistance, financial assistance, training, and resources for prime and DBE/SBE contractors for successful participation in the Authority’s contracts. Coordinates seminars, workshops and/or newsletters to inform small and disadvantaged businesses of opportunities and bidding procedures.
2. Develops procedures for the pre-award compliance review of contracts, and conduct pre-award reviews in coordination with all appropriate departments and divisions.
3. Assists contractors doing business with the Authority in developing and implementing acceptable DBE utilization plans and programs.
4. Develops, implements, or recommends implementation of procedures and processes for the resolution of any cases of DBE non-compliance by contractors doing business with the Authority; maintain complete records of all investigations and disposition of such cases.
5. Establishes and maintains rapport with the federal, state, and local governmental agencies, other transit agencies, minority advocacy groups and contractors for addressing barriers to DBE/SBE inclusion and strategies to accomplish DBE Program goals and objectives.
6. Establishes and maintains an aggressive liaison program with the Federal Transit Administration, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, PA Department of Transportation, and other governmental bodies, agencies, businesses, community groups, and contractors concerning all matters pertaining to DBE/SBE utilization.
7. Establishes and maintains rapport with internal customers to ensure compliance with DBE regulatory requirements and goal achievement through communication and training.
8. Develops and implements outreach programs to promote the Authority’s Customer Service and Social Sustainability Programs within the DBE community.
9. Assists in determination of contractors’ responsiveness/responsibility with respect to good faith efforts to DBE requirements.
10. Evaluates policies and procedures to assess effectiveness towards achievement of regulatory compliance standards; develops and implements appropriate “best practices” towards program objectives.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree, plus a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in a DBE, minority or small business development, relevant regulatory and technical assistance or grant management program, which includes supervisory, or lead role experience required.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and requirements pertaining to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise utilization and/or similar programs requirements required.
• Demonstrated project management skills required.
• Strong presentation, communication, writing, research, records management, organizational, and analytical skills required. Ability to effectively present information to senior management, board of directors and/or public groups required.