The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), as the designated recipient of Federal and State funding for transportation planning and program administration for the Valley Transit District, has prepared a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Goal. NVCOG. In accordance with US Department of Transportation Regulations 49 CFR Part 26, announces a proposed Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal of 2% percent for Federal Fiscal Years 2026, 2027, and 2028.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 25 at 5:00 p.m., at 49 Leavenworth Street, 3rd Floor, Waterbury, CT 06702. A virtual option is available through Zoom at https://bit.ly/DBE-PIM. Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling +1 929 205 6099 and entering the Meeting ID when prompted: 871 4456 4408. The public is welcome and encouraged to review and comment on the Draft DBE Goal.
Draft DBE Goal is available online at www.nvcogct.gov and www.valleytransit.org and at the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments offices located at 49 Leavenworth Street, 3rd Floor, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702 and at the Valley Transit District (VTD) located at 41 Main Street, Derby, Connecticut 06418.
The DBE Program and Goal is designed to: (1) ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts; (2) create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts; (3) ensure that the DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law; (4) ensure that only firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs; (5) help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts; (6) assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program
The proposed goal and its rationale are available for public review for the next 30 days during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. During this period, the Draft Plan will be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the NVCOG offices and Valley Transit District offices. Written comments should be sent to Desira Blanchard, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator, NVCOG, 49 Leavenworth St, 3rd Floor, Waterbury, Connecticut 06702 (203)-757-0535 or via email at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov.
Language assistance is available. Requests for language assistance should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting by contacting dblanchard@nvcogct.gov or call 203-757-0535.
