Chapter 11: Contract Award and Subcontract Execution
Section 1: Subcontracts
In accordance with TxDOT Standard Specifications, the prime contractor must submit a copy of the executed subcontract agreement or purchase order for all DBE subcontracts including all tiered DBE subcontracts on federal-aid projects.
Subcontract Agreement
The prime contractor must incorporate the following TxDOT
provisions in all subcontract agreements or material purchase agreements:
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise in Federal-Aid Contracts (000-394)
- Special Provision Measurement and Payment (009-009)
- Contract Assurance (49 CFR, Part 26.13)
The prime contractor should review these provisions with the
DBE.
It is considered a best practice to include language into
the subcontract regarding the ability of a DBE to perform a CUF.
Advise the DBE that it is expected to manage, supervise, and perform
its work, with its own organization and resources. A DBE’s failure
to perform a CUF is considered by TxDOT as a valid cause for termination.
For more information regarding the CUF requirements, please refer
to Chapter 6 of this Guide and 49 CFR, Part 26.55.
Multiple Tier Subcontracts
The prime contractor is ultimately responsible for the actions
of its subcontractors and any second tiered DBE subcontractors.
The prime contractor should, therefore, ensure that any subcontract between
a first tier subcontractor and a DBE subcontractor contains language
that the DBE goals are to be met and that the DBE performs a CUF.
Additionally, the prime contractor should be certain that the first
tier subcontractors understand the process of terminating a DBE
subcontractor.
Submitted Contracts
The District will check the following is present in all DBE
subcontracts:
- DBE certification is valid at the time of subcontract execution
- Signature of prime contractor and DBE subcontractor
- The dollar amount of DBE subcontract is equal or greater than the commitment and the scope of work does not differ from the commitment