Keolis Commuter Services announced Sept. 17 that it has exceeded its 15 percent participation goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in its first year.
A DBE is defined as a for-profit business 51 percent owned by a person who may be socially or economically disadvantaged under federal guidelines. The DBE program is intended to “level the playing field” and provide opportunities for all businesses.
“Keolis is committed to working to ensure that DBEs can successfully do business with us and we can do business with them,” said Gerald C. Francis, general manager of Keolis Commuter Services. “After a year of operation, Keolis’ DBE participation is at 15 percent and growing, showing our commitment to operate MBTA commuter rail in a way that reflects the inclusiveness of our corporate culture and the diversity of the communities we serve.”
Keolis currently does business with 44 DBEs, several of which are new to the commuter rail system. And Keolis will be actively reaching out to the DBE community, providing them with training and mentoring to help them grow their capacity to do business with Keolis.
To participate in business opportunities with U.S. Department of Transportation-funded contracts, businesses must apply for DBE certification. Keolis does not guarantee contracts to any company, but is committed to providing opportunities for DBEs to compete for and to participate in contract opportunities.
