Section 26.1 What Are the Objectives of This Part?

There were relatively few comments on this section of the SNPRM, most of which agreed with the proposed language. We have adopted the suggestion of some commenters that specific reference be made to the role of the DBE program in helping DBEs overcome barriers (e.g., access to capital and bonding) to equal participation. We have also added a specific reference to the role of the program in creating a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts. Some non-DBE contractors urged that language be added to explicitly oppose ``reverse discrimination.'' The rule clearly states that nondiscrimination is the program's first objective and the Department reiterates here that it opposes unlawful discrimination of any kind.