DBE/EEO/
Title VI
MAX’s (DBE) Program
MAX has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
View the Authority’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program for Fiscal Years 2022-2024:
For information on obtaining DBE certification, contact
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Office of Business Development
PO BOX 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
Telephone: 866-323-1264
The Michigan Unified Certification Program page of MDOT’s DBE website can be found at:
https://mdotjboss.state.mi.us/MUCPWeb/welcome.htm
Small Business Program (SBP)
If you are currently certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) in Michigan, you are automatically included in the SBP and do not need to submit an application.
MAX has incorporated a race- and gender-neutral small business element into its DBE Program, per 49 CFR Part 26.39, to facilitate participation with not only DBEs, but also non-DBE small businesses (SBPs/SBEs). MAX is committed to providing equal and open access for small businesses, and ensuring that all small business designations receive adequate opportunities to participate in contracting and procurement activities.
For information on Michigan Department of Transportation’s Small Business Program (SBP), please click here.
Additional Small Business support is available through the following organizational links:
Types of Purchases
MAX purchases buses and other service vehicles, automotive parts, office and janitorial supplies, and a wide variety of materials and services for the maintenance, repair, and operation of the transit authority. Procurements are made in accordance with the MAX Purchasing Policy & Manual, and applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Federal Requirements
MAX receives federal grants from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to fund a portion of its operations and some capital expenditures, therefore certain FTA procurement regulations may apply to specific procurements. Vendors bidding on MAX FTA-funded contracts must carefully review and consider the FTA-required contract terms and conditions commonly referred to as the Federal Clauses.
Bid Protests
Any bidder or offeror that has submitted a formal bid, quote, or proposal to MAX and who is adversely affected by an intended decision with respect to the award of the formal bid, quote, or proposal reserves the right to file a bid protest. The written procedure for filing such an action can be found by accessing MAX’s Purchasing Policy & Manual shown above, or by clicking here.
Vendor Responsibility Record
MAX will only contract with responsible contractors. Vendors are encouraged to maintain a responsible performance record by adhering to all contract terms and specifications. If a contractor’s past performance on MAX contracts is unsatisfactory, MAX has the authority to suspend or debar that contractor from bidding on any future MAX solicitations.
Current Solicitations
To view current solicitations, please select RFPs.
It is the policy of the MAX Transportation Authority to comply with all applicable requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246, Office of Federal Contracts and Compliance (OFCC) Order No. 4 (revised), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and the Michigan Handicappers Act, as amended.
Title VI Compliance
Section 601 of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states:
“No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
In compliance with Title VI, the Macatawa Area Express Transportation Authority will, on an ongoing basis, ensure that: any programs, services, or benefits are equally distributed without regard to race, color, or national origin; and opportunities to participate in the planning and decision making processes are provided to persons without regard to race, color, or national origin.
Limited English Proficiency Policy
The Macatawa Area Express Transportation Authority has in place a Limited English Proficiency Policy. The contents of the plan are consistent with the guidance on an effective language implementation plan expressed in Section VII of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Policy Guidance Concerning Recipients’ Responsibilities to Limited English Proficient (LEP) Persons [Federal Register: December 14, 2005] (Volume 70, Number 239).