Commercially Useful Function A prime consultant can credit expenditures to a DBE subconsultant toward DBE goals only if the DBE performs a Commercially Useful Function (CUF). A DBE performs a CUF when it is responsible for execution of the work of a contract and carries out its responsibilities by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved. To perform a commercially useful function, the DBE must also be responsible, with respect to materials and supplies on the contract, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the material, and installing (where applicable) and paying for the material itself that it uses on the project. To determine whether a DBE is performing a commercially useful function, the Department will evaluate the amount of work subcontracted, industry practices, whether the amount the firm is to be paid under the contract is commensurate with the work it is actually performing and the DBE credit claimed for its performance of the work, and other relevant factors. A DBE will not be considered to perform a commercially useful function if its role is limited to that of an extra participant in a transaction, contract, or project through which funds are passed in order to obtain the appearance of DBE participation. In determining whether a DBE is such an extra participant, the Department will examine similar transactions, particularly those in which DBEs do not participate. If a DBE does not perform or exercise responsibility for at least 30 percent of the total cost of its contract with its own work force, or if the DBE subcontracts a greater portion of the work of a contract than would be expected on the basis of normal industry practice for the type of work involved, the Department will presume that the DBE is not performing a commercially useful function. When a DBE is presumed not to be performing a commercially useful function as provided above, the DBE may present evidence to rebut this presumption. The Department will determine if the firm is performing a CUF given the type of work involved and normal industry practices. The Department will notify the consultant, in writing, if it determines that the consultant’s DBE subconsultant is not performing a CUF. The consultant will be notified within seven calendar days of the Department’s decision. Decisions on CUF may be appealed to the ADOT State Engineer. The appeal must be in writing and personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the State Engineer. The appeal must be received by the State Engineer no later than seven calendar days after the decision of XXXX. XXXX’s decision remains in place unless and until the State Engineer reverses or modifies BECO’s decision. ADOT State Engineer will promptly consider any appeals under this subsection and notify the consultant of ADOT’s State Engineer findings and decisions. Decisions on CUF matters are not administratively appealable to USDOT. The BECO may conduct project site visits on the contract to confirm that DBEs are performing a CUF. The consultant shall cooperate during the site visits and the BECO’s staff will make every effort not to disrupt work on the project.
