§34.3. Definitions. — Inbound Citations

(D) A description of all actions that will be taken to provide the maximum practicable opportunity for MBE's and FBE's to participate in the construction and operation of the ANGTS including the following:

(1) The appointment of a liaison officer who will administer the MBE and FBE program, the identification of that officer, and a description of the officer's duties and authority;

(2) Identification of steps that will be taken to insure timely and full consideration of MBE's and FBE's in all procurement and contracting decisions, and the identification of how those procedures will be implemented. This shall include procedures relevant to (i) the arrangement of solicitations, (ii) time for preparation of bids, (iii) quantity requirements, (iv) determination of specifications, (v) determination of delivery schedules, (vi) the determination of the manner of contracting, and (vii) breaking out contracts into smaller subcontracts;

(3) An identification of contracting arrangements that will be adopted to increase the use of MBE's and FBE's, including analysis of the circumstances in which and the extent to which the following types of contracting practices can be used: (i) Noncompetitive contracting, (ii) contracting based upon competition between a limited number of enterprises, and (iii) negotiated contracts;

(4) Specific procedures for identifying capable MBE's and FBE's and for the dissemination of information on business opportunities and procurement practices to minority and women's business organizations and associations, in sufficient detail, and affording sufficient time, to offer full opportunities for participation by MBE's and FBE's;

(5) An identification of financial assistance, such as investment in Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Companies (MESBIC) and direct investment in MBE's and FBE's, that the recipient, contractor, or subcontractor determines to be feasible and financially appropriate to offer MBE's and FBE's;

(6) The identification and elimination of non-essential technical requirements and procedures, including non-essential bonding and insurance requirements;

(7) Holding regularly scheduled meetings with procurement and contracting officials of the recipient, contractor, or subcontractor to explain MBE and FBE policies and procedures;

(8) Identification of specific procedures for certifying and verifying ownership and control of companies identified as MBE's and FBE's. The plan shall include the requirements that firms submit affidavits as to their status as MBE's and FBE's as defined in § 34.3.