Keolis surpasses disadvantaged business participation goal at MBTA

Keolis Commuter Services exceeded its 15 percent participation goal for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) during the first year operating the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter-rail network, the company announced yesterday.

Keolis currently conducts business with 44 DBEs, several of which are new to the commuter-rail system, company officials said in a press release.

Additionally, Keolis plans to provide the DBE community with training and mentoring to help them grow their capacity to do business.

"Keolis is committed to working to ensure that DBEs can successfully do business with us and we can do business with them,” said Gerald Francis, the company's general manager.

While Keolis doesn't guarantee contracts to any company, it aims to provide opportunities for DBEs to compete for and participate in contract opportunities, company officials said.

Examples of services provided by these businesses include accounting, inspection services, environmental consulting, and supplying equipment and materials.

A DBE is defined as a for-profit business that is 51 percent owned by a person who is considered socially or economically disadvantaged under federal guidelines.

Keolis Commuter Service was first awarded a contract to oversee MBTA’s commuter-rail network in January 2014.