CIVIL RIGHTS
FTA’s Office of Civil Rights is responsible for ensuring public transit providers comply with all nondiscrimination requirements. FTA oversees the implementation of laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and age in the provision of services to the public. The office provides technical assistance and training and conducts complaint investigations and onsite compliance reviews to ensure public transit providers fulfill civil rights requirements. Major programs that FTA implements include:
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DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
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TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
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AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
- DBE Program Plan - June 2024
- Public Notice Goal Announcement 2023-2024-2025
- Public Notice Goal Announcement 2026-2027-2028
- DBE Plan Public Notice - June 2024
- Public Notice of DBE Meeting - Transit Facility 6.26.2024
Putnam County is proposing a 2023 - 2025 Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) Participation Goal of 29.7% percent and 2026 - 2028 Participation Goal of 8.79% for projects funded in part by Federal funds. To receive a copy of the goal, contact the Putnam County DBE Officer, Sean Bennett, by phone at (845) 878-3480 or by e-mail at
A. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through each State’s Unified Certification Program. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is one of four certifying members in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP). The NYSUCP members are responsible for determining if firms meet the DBE certification or Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) eligibility requirements, as detailed in Title 49 Part 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations or Title 49 Part 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations respectively. Only small businesses that are independently owned and controlled in both substance and form by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons are eligible for certification. In addition, each owner must have a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.
A. No. Any business may compete for any County contract, either as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, whether or not they are certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. However, if a firm is seeking to perform work on a contract as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise it must first obtain Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from a Certifying Partner in the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP).
A. The County reviews certain contracts to determine whether they present opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Based upon the funding source of contracts and the applicable federal regulation, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals may be established on certain contracts. Once Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contract goals have been established, only certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms may be used to meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals unless there are no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms willing or able to perform the required type of work.
A. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification provides businesses with the opportunity to be listed in an electronic directory of certified firms, which is used by agencies and contractors to identify Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms for participation on contracts. Being a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise may also open the door to opportunities for growing your business by making it easier for you to market your firm to government entities. If your firm is certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise by a Certifying Partner in the NYSUCP your Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification will be recognized and accepted by all agencies in New York State that require Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification. Additionally, your firm will be listed in the NYSUCP electronic directory.
A. The eligibility criteria for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification are specifically outlined in the governing Federal regulation at 49 CFR Part 26, Subpart D. In summary, a firm must be a small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by individuals who are citizens or permanent residents and who are also socially and economically disadvantaged. The firm must be an independent business and can only receive certification in the areas in which the socially and economically disadvantaged owners exercise control. Firms located outside of New York State must first receive Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification from their home state.
- Businesses interested in becoming certified should apply via the NYSUCP’s online system athttps://nysucp.newnycontracts.com The NYSUCP online system specifies the required documentation you must submit to apply and directs you through the process appropriate for your firm, e.g. in-state vs. interstate. For businesses located in New York State, the system will also guide you to the appropriate NYSUCP certifying member, who will be responsible for reviewing your application, based primarily on the location of your principal place of business. To apply for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification you may contact any one of the four NYSUCP Certifying Partners listed below.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
Department of Diversity and Civil Rights
2 Broadway – 16th Fl.
New York, NY 10004
Tel.: (646) 252-1378
E-mail:
New York State Department of Transportation
Contract Audit Bureau – Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
50 Wolf Rd. – 1st Fl.
Albany, NY 12232
E-mail:
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Small Business Programs
233 Park Ave. South – 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10003
Tel.: (212) 435-7828
E-mail:
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
EEO/Diversity Development Department
181 Ellicott St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
E-mail:
For more information on Putnam County’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program or potential county Disadvantaged Business Enterprise projects, contact:
Putnam County Planning, Development
and Public Transportation Department
841 Fair Street
Carmel, New York 10512
(845) 878-3480
F.A.Q.s
NOTICE OF PROTECTIONS UNDER TITLE VI FOR PUTNAM COUNTY TRANSIT OPERATIONS
Putnam County operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Any person who believes they have been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with the County of Putnam. For more information on the Putnam County’s civil rights program, and the procedures to file a complaint, please contact the Civil Rights Officer at 845-878-3480; email
AVISO DE PROTECCIONES BAJO EL TÍTULO VI PARA LAS OPERACIONES DE TRÁNSITO DEL CONDADO DE PUTNAM
El Condado de Putnam opera sus programas y servicios sin tener en cuenta la raza, el color y el origen nacional de acuerdo con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles. Cualquier persona que crea que ella o él ha sido agraviado por cualquier práctica discriminatoria ilegal bajo el Título VI puede presentar una queja ante el Condado de Putnam. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de derechos civiles del condado de Putnam, y los procedimientos para presentar una queja, comuníquese con el Oficial de Derechos Civiles al 845-878-3480; envíe un correo electrónico a
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities.
Putnam County complies with all federal requirements to ensure nondiscriminatory transportation in support of our mission to enhance the social and economic quality of life for all Americans. The FTA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure nondiscriminatory provision of public transit services.
For further information, contact the Department of Planning, Development, and Public Transportation, at (845) 878-3480 or
Americans with Disabilities Act
Equal Employment Opportunity
Putnam County is an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. The Federal Transit Laws, 49 U.S.C. 5332(b), provide that “no person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any project, program or activity funded in whole or in part through financial assistance under this Act.” This applies to employment and business opportunities and is considered to be in addition to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Putnam County, as a recipient of federal funding, is required to develop, implement, and monitor an effective Equal Employment Opportunity Program to ensure that recipients do not discriminate against any employees or applicants for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age or national origin. For further information, For more information, please contact the Civil Rights Officer at (845) 878-3480 or
Donald B. Smith County Government Campus
110 Old Route 6 – Building #3
Carmel, NY 10512
(845) 808-1650