(a) To ensure nondiscrimination in the award of contracts under EPA financial assistance agreements. To that end, implementation of this rule with respect to grantees, sub-grantees, loan recipients, prime contractors, or subcontractors in particular States or locales - notably those where there is no apparent history of relevant discrimination - must comply with equal protection standards at that level, apart from the EPA DBE Rule's constitutional compliance as a national matter;

(b) To harmonize EPA's DBE Program objectives with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, 515 U.S. 200 (1995);

(c) To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in the award of contracts under EPA financial assistance agreements; and

(d) To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of EPA financial assistance in establishing and providing contracting opportunities for DBEs.