For the 2008 Federal Fiscal Year, Metra has established an overall DBE goal of 21%.

Click here to view Metra's DBE Objectives/Policy Statement

What is an Eligible DBE?

DBE means a for-profit small business concern:

1. That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both social and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and
2. Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

Illinois Unified Certification Program

Pursuant to the requirements of the USDOT federal regulations, all recipients of USDOT financial assistance must implement a "one-stop" certification process for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). As a result of this requirement, the following five USDOT funded agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), City of Chicago, CTA, Metra and Pace, have established the Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP).

The IL UCP is based on the concept of reciprocity among the agencies. "One Stop" shopping will be provided to DBE program applicants, such that an applicant need only apply once for DBE certification that will be honored by all participating agencies in the IL UCP.

The Certification Application linked below has been developed to determine whether your firm is eligible in accordance with the eligibility standards established by U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation 49 C.F.R. Part 26. To download the Certification Application, click here. When completed, send the application with all of the required support documentation to:

If you have any questions regarding Metra's DBE Program, please contact the Office of DBE Administration at (312) 322-6323.

Other resources:

Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 26

DBE Size Cap Raised to 20,410,000

Metra's Business Opportunities

ILUCP Directory of Certified DBE Firms

Title VI Policy Statement