Section 26.21 Who Must Have a DBE Program?

The only substantive comment concerning this provision asked that Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) programs be included. The Department is not including FRA programs under this rule because FRA does not have a specific DBE program statute parallel to those covering the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FTA, and FHWA. FRA could consider issuing a rule similar to part 26 under its own, separate statutory authority. The Department shortened paragraph (b)(1) to make it easier to understand. Within 180 days of the effective date of this rule, all recipients with existing programs must submit revised programs to the relevant OA for approval. The only changes from existing programs that recipients would have to make are changes needed to accommodate differences between former part 23 and part 26. Future new recipients would, of course, submit a DBE program as part of the approval process for financial assistance.