(a) To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Department's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs;

(b) To create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts;

(c) To ensure that the Department's DBE program is narrowly tailored in accordance with applicable law;

(d) To ensure that only firms that fully meet this part's eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs;

(e) To help remove barriers to the participation of DBEs in DOT-assisted contracts;

(f) To promote the use of DBEs in all types of federally-assisted contracts and procurement activities conducted by recipients.

(g) To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program; and

(h) To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.