Performance of DBE Contractors, and Other DBE Subcontractors/Suppliers a. A DBE does not perform a commercially useful function if its role is limited to that of an extra participant in a transaction, Preconstruction Services Contract, or project through which funds are passed in order to obtain the appearance of DBE participation. In determining whether a DBE is such an extra participant, examine similar transactions, particularly those in which DBEs do not participate.
Performance of DBE Contractors, and Other DBE Subcontractors/Suppliers. A. A DBE performs a Commercially Useful Function (CUF) when it is responsible for execution of the work of the Agreement and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved. To perform a CUF, the DBE must also be responsible for materials and supplies used on the Agreement, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the material, and installing (where applicable) and paying for the material itself. To determine whether a DBE is performing a CUF, evaluate the amount of work subcontracted, industry practices, whether the amount the firm is to be paid under the Agreement is commensurate with the work it is actually performing, and other relevant factors.
Performance of DBE Contractors, and Other DBE Subcontractors/Suppliers. A DBE performs a commercially useful function when it is responsible for execution of the work of the Agreement and is carrying out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved. To perform a commercially useful function, the DBE must also be responsible with respect to materials and supplies used on the Agreement, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the material, and installing (where applicable) and paying for the material itself. To determine whether a DBE is performing a commercially useful function, evaluate the amount of work subcontracted, industry practices; whether the amount the firm is to be paid under the Agreement is commensurate with the work it is actually performing, and other relevant factors. A DBE does not perform a commercially useful function if its role is limited to that of an extra participant in a transaction, Agreement, or project through which funds are passed in order to obtain the appearance of DBE participation. In determining whether a DBE is such an extra participant, examine similar transactions, particularly those in which DBEs do not participate. If a DBE does not perform or exercise responsibility for at least thirty percent of the total cost of its Agreement with its own work force, or the DBE subcontracts a greater portion of the work of the Agreement than would be expected on the basis of normal industry practice for the type of work involved, it will be presumed that it is not performing a commercially useful function.
