Definition of Terms 
The terms used have the same meanings as defined in the regulations of the U. S. Department of Transportation, 49 CFR Part 26.

Objectives/Policy Statement (26.1, 26.23) 
The City of Alexandria (COA) has established a Diversity in Action Initiative that is designed to increase the number and improve the quality of small and emerging businesses. One of the components, the Alexandria Fairness, Equality, Accessibility & Teamwork (A.F.E.A.T.) Program, has been written to comply with the regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. These regulations were chosen because they have consistently prevailed when legally challenged.  

It is the policy of the City to ensure that COA-certified minority and women-owned businesses (MBEs/WBEs), as defined in the City’s criteria, have an equal opportunity to participate in the process related to the awarding of City contracts and purchasing. Minority-owned businesses are those owned and operated by members of the following groups: African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian Pacific-American, Asian Indian-American, and Native American. 
It is also our policy to

• Ensure nondiscrimination in the awarding of City contracts;
• Create a level playing field on which MBEs/WBEs can compete fairly for City contracts;
• Ensure that only those firms that fully meet 49 CFR Part 26 eligibility standards are permitted to participate as MBEs/WBEs;
• Help remove barriers to the participation of MBEs/WBEs in being awarded City contracts; and
• Assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the market place outside the MBE/WBE Program.

The City will disseminate this policy to all COA Departments, through Small Business Coordinators, and all the other divisions of its Organization. The COA will distribute this statement to the MBE/WBE and non-MBE/WBE business community that performs work through COA contracts. This policy will be disseminated in the following manner:

• Public notice in local newspapers
• Bid specifications for all City contracts