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DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

DBE

DBE Certification is through the U.S. Dept. of Transportation allowing businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by economically and socially disadvantaged individual(s) to participate in DOT assisted contracting.

The purpose of the DBE Certification is to provide opportunities for disadvantaged, minority-owned businesses
to access DOT-related contracts from its three primary branches: 

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

DBE Certification Benefits

DBE Certification makes your business more appealing for working on DOT-related projects. In addition, large corporations typically have supplier diversity programs to ensure that a percentage of their budgets are used to buy products/services from DBE Certified businesses for DOT-related projects

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  • Access to Contract Opportunities

    Access to government and private sector contracts that are specifically set aside for small businesses. This can open doors to new business and revenue streams that may not have been available otherwise.

  • Competitive Edge

    Gives you a competitive edge when bidding for contracts, as it demonstrates that you meet certain standards and criteria, making you a preferred choice among buyers.

  • Building Block for Federal Contracting

    The DBE Certification offers more accessible qualification criteria than some federal certifications making it ideal for businesses that do not yet meet these requirements, as well as gain contracting performance history.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Provides opportunities to connect with other small businesses and potential clients through various events and networking opportunities. This can help you build new relationships and network with industry contacts.

  • Access to Training and Resources

    Access to training and resources, such as webinars, loans, grants, purchasing networks, and training programs, which can help your business grow and succeed.

  • Improved Credibility

    Improve the credibility of your business, as it demonstrates that you have been independently verified as small business and meet certain standards, instilling trust and confidence among clients and partners.

DBE Eligibility

Qualification Criteria for the DBE Program based on Regulations from 49 CFR Part 26

  • Business owner must be a U.S. Citizen operating a for-profit business.

  • 51% owned, operated, and controlled by an individual(s) classified as economically and socially disadvantaged.

  • Personal net worth of economically disadvantaged persons should not exceed $1.32 million, excluding ownership interest in the firm and equity in their primary residence. More exclusions apply for airport concessionaires per 49 CFR Part 23.

  • Business size, including its affiliates, should not exceed the SBA size standards or have annual gross receipts beyond $30.4 million in the past three years.

  • Business should operate independently without reliance that might jeopardize its independent status.

  • The disadvantaged business owner must have the expertise and authority to guide the business’s management and policies relevant to its industry.

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DBE Logo

*Economically Disadvantaged Individuals are defined as those for whom impaired access to financial opportunities has hampered the ability to compete in the free enterprise system, in contrast to people in similar businesses not identified as socially disadvantaged.

*Socially Disadvantaged Individuals are defined as those who have been historically subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within the larger American culture. Identified groups: African Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans, Women, and others deemed disadvantaged by the SBA.

FAQ's

Where can I find more information on the DBE Program?
The DOT has additional information on the DBE Program on their website.
Am I eligible for certification if I recently started my business?
Yes, DBE Certification guidelines do not preclude emerging or start-up businesses from being certified, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
I am a resident alien/green card holder, am I eligible for DBE Certification?
No, unfortunately not. Resident aliens or green cardholders do not qualify to for DBE Certification.
Is there a submission fee paid directly to the certifying agency for my DBE Certification?
No, there is no additional submission fee paid directly from you to the DOT.
Does my DBE Certification have to be renewed annually?
Yes, you must renew your certification every year and keep your information updated once your company is DBE certified.
What is the DBE Unified Certification Program (UCP)?
The UCP acts as a unified platform where once disadvantaged businesses fulfill the DBE certification criteria, they can contribute towards DBE goal requirements for any project funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). This streamlined system ensures that businesses don’t have to seek multiple state DBE certifications for projects associated with the USDOT. The DBE UCP Certifying Members are entrusted with making certification decisions for all state recipients, aligning with participation standards set by the USDOT’s DBE Program.
What is the DOT spending goal with DBE businesses?
10% – Congress established an aspirational nationwide goal for recipients to collectively spend at least 10% of those funds on small, disadvantaged businesses through specified DOT assisted aviation, highway, and transit contracting projects. The term “collectively” means that each recipient is not required to separately spend at least 10 percent. Rather, the total nationwide expenditure among all recipients should be at least 10 percent.
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