26.1—What are the objectives of this part?
         This part seeks to achieve several objectives:
    
    
        
        (a) 
         To ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Department's highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs;
    
    
    
        
        (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;
    
    
    
        
        (f) 
         To assist the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE program; and
    
    
        
        (g) 
         To provide appropriate flexibility to recipients of Federal financial assistance in establishing and providing opportunities for DBEs.