According to 49 CFR, Part 26, Appendix A, it is appropriate for prime contractors to provide assistance to DBEs in a variety of areas, such as bonding, credit, insurance, equipment, materials, and supplies.

In providing such assistance, a prime contractor should be careful not to provide so much assistance to a particular DBE in so many areas that TxDOT would conclude that the DBE is not viable without the relationship to the prime contractor. This assistance should be transparent and arms-length. As part of its contract performance oversight functions, TxDOT will continue to scrutinize the independence of DBEs as they work on projects.