The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced the launch of a new online Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification process, the NORTA Diversity Compliance System.
The cloud-based portal will be utilized to process DBE application certifications. The new system, which replaces the manual process, highlights the agency's efforts to use innovation and technology to increase efficiency and convenience for its riders and partners. The RTA is the first Louisiana Unified Certification Program (LAUCP) to offer online certification.
The RTA’s commitment to equity is proven by the fact that it awarded $7.3 million in contracts to disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in 2021, exceeding its 30% DBE utilization objective by more than 20%.
Through the new portal, businesses interested in working with RTA can submit online applications for DBE certification or re-certification, submit changes to DBE vendor profiles, address questions and issues in real or near real-time, access an enhanced online DBE directory with keyword search capabilities, and obtain access to online and web-based training for the use of the RTA Diversity Compliance System.
