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Economic Opportunity Program

It is the policy of VIA Metropolitan Transit that VIA will never exclude any person from participation in, deny any person the benefits of, or otherwise discriminate against anyone in connection with the award and performance of any contract on the basis of race, color, sex, or national origin.

In administering its Economic Opportunity program, VIA will not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, use criteria or methods of administration that have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the Economic Opportunity program with respect to individuals of a particular race, color, sex, or national origin.

Purpose

VIA’s Economic Opportunity program is designed to create a level playing field on which disadvantaged/minority/woman-owned/small business enterprises (D/M/W/SBEs) can compete fairly in all facets of VIA’s contracting, professional services, and purchasing activities. VIA’s Economic Opportunity program will not be used to discriminate against any company or group of companies. VIA’s Economic Opportunity program does not utilize quotas for contracts or permit the use of set-asides. However, VIA accepts the premise that special efforts must be made to remove barriers to include D/M/W/SBEs in the local economic mainstream, thereby promoting economic competition within the free enterprise system. To this end, VIA is committed to providing D/M/W/SBEs with a fair opportunity to participate in VIA’s business opportunities as well as assisting the development of D/M/W/SBEs that can successfully compete outside VIA’s Economic Opportunity program.

Exceptions to VIA’s Economic Opportunity program may only be made when applicable federal or state law and/or regulations prescribe or permit an exception or waiver of a particular provision(s).

Programs

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
• Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
• Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE)
• Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
• Vendor Outreach

Questions regarding these programs may be directed to VIA’s Economic Opportunity staff.