Diversity Programs

Diversity Programs Office

The Diversity Programs Office administers Sound Transit’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and performs a variety of tasks to provide information, increases contracting and employment opportunities, and maintain viable relationships with our regional partners.

Developing and Implementing Policies and Strategies

We develop policies and strategies that provide meaningful contract opportunities for small businesses, minority-owned and woman-owned businesses, and disadvantaged business enterprises. The Diversity Programs Office works with other Sound Transit departments to ensure that our contracts provide equal employment opportunities. We meet regularly with Sound Transit prime contractors and consultants to make sure everyone understands Sound Transit policies and procedures.

Monitoring

Bidders on major Sound Transit contracts are required to submit and implement diversity plans. Our office reviews these plans and assists in monitoring the successful bidder’s small business utilization activities. Regular meetings are held with prime contractors and construction management personnel to exchange information, share ideas and monitor contracting activities. The Diversity Programs Office also monitors Sound Transit's overall performance in meeting its diversity commitments.

Internal and External Communications

We provide information on Sound Transit's diversity program activities internally and to outside partners. Our publication, Sound Diversity, focuses on various aspects of diversity and how to access upcoming employment and contracting opportunities. We help disseminate contracting and policy information and host a variety of meetings and networking sessions

Compliance and Reporting

Sound Transit’s Diversity Programs Office works with other Sound Transit departments to collect and report contract award and workforce demographic information. We use this data to prepare and submit reports on Sound Transit contracting activities to the Federal Transit Administration and the US Department of Labor.

Sound Transit DBE Program Policy

Sound Transit has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with the regulations of the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) 49 CFR 26. Sound Transit has received Federal financial assistance from USDOT and as a condition of receiving this assistance, Sound Transit has signed an assurance that it will comply with 49 CFR 26. 

It is the policy of Sound Transit to ensure that DBEs as defined in 49 CFR 26 have an equal opportunity to receive and participate in USDOT-assisted contracts. It is also Sound Transit policy to:

1. Ensure non-discrimination in the award and administration of USDOT-assisted contracts;
2. Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for USDOT-assisted contracts;
3. Ensure that the Sound Transit DBE Program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable laws;
4. Ensure that only firms that fully meet eligibility standards as set forth in 49 CFR 26 are permitted to participate as DBEs;
5. Help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in USDOT-assisted contracts; and
6. Assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE Program.

Leslie Jones has been delegated as the DBE Liaison Officer for Sound Transit. The DBE Liaison is responsible for implementing all aspects of the Sound Transit DBE Program. Implementation of the Sound Transit DBE Program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations incurred by Sound Transit in its financial assistance agreements with USDOT.

Contact

Please call or email any Diversity Programs Office staff member if you have questions or need assistance.