Bonding Assistance Program
The Department of Transportation's mission is to ensure fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.
Program Accomplishments
During the last 3 fiscal years, an average of 70 performance and payment bonds were issued annually, averaging a total of $15 million a year.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The bonds are issued in support of transportation-related contracts.
Transportation-related means a contract for the maintenance, rehabilitation, restructuring, improvement, or revitalization of any of the Nation's modes of transportation with any public or commercial provider of transportation or any Federal, State or local transportation agency.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
The recipient of a bond must be a certified DBE, minority-owned business enterprise or women-owned business enterprise.
These certifications must be performed by an agency using DOT guidelines, 49 CFR Part 26.
All firms certified by the Small Business Administration as 8(a) companies are eligible to participate in the DOT Bonding program.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Certified minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises.
Credentials/Documentation
Application and supplemental information, including a certification letter from the recipient agency(s), using DOT guidelines 49 CFR Part 26.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Information and consultation is available from the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), Telephone: (202) 366-1169.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Completed applications should be submitted to Pilot Bonding Program Agents for underwriting and bonds are issued by one of DOT's Participating Sureties. Applicants may obtain a copy of the application and a list for the Pilot Bonding Agents on the OSDBU internet site at: http://osdbuweb.dot.gov or by contacting OSDBU.
Award Procedures
All bonds are approved and issued directly to the DBE by the Sureties.
Deadlines
Based upon bid or contract documents.
Authorization
Public Law 97-449, 49 U.S.C. 332.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Bonds are issued on-site by local agents as representatives of the Sureties.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Bonds are issued on a project by project basis.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Not applicable.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Guarantees run to termination of bond (usually 1 year after completion of contract).
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Monthly, internal OSDBU reports; Reports to the Secretary of Transportation on all bond approvals.
Audits
DOT has the right to audit its accounts with the Participating Sureties.
Records
OSDBU and the surety agents maintain records of current applicant files, such as approvals. Bond approvals will be maintained by the participating sureties, with a copy provided to DOT.
Financial Information
Account Identification
69-0102-0-1-407.
Obigations
FY 07 est not available; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Average dollar amount of bonds issued is $330,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Public Law 97-449, 49 U.S.C.332.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Not applicable.
Headquarters Office
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, S-40, Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Contact: Bonding Manager. Telephone: (800) 532-1169 or (202) 366-2852. Website: http://osdbuweb.dot.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
