DBE Certification

What is DBE Certification?

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

DBEs are for-profit small businesses where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily operations. DOT DBE regulations require state and local transportation agencies that receive DOT financial assistance, to establish goals for the participation of DBEs. The DBE program is designed to remedy ongoing discrimination and the continuing effects of past discrimination in federally-assisted highway, transit, airport, and highway safety contracting markets nationwide.

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Why Should I Get Certified?

When the Ohio Department of Transportation sets a contract goal for DBE participation, prime contractors seek out qualified DBE firms to serve as subcontractors. In general, prime contractors look for firms that are already ODOT certified as DBEs.

Certification makes it easier to market your services to other ODOT contractors. Another advantage is being included in the DBE Directory. Many contractors use this directory to find DBEs to participate in their contracts.

Certified DBEs also have access to a wide range of Supportive Services.

Eligibility Requirements

Answer the questions below to determine your eligibility for DBE Certification.

Is the owner a member of a socially and economically disadvantaged presumptive group?

(This includes African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women.)

Does the socially and economically disadvantaged individual own at least 51% of the business?

Your firm must be a for-profit business that is at least 51%-owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) who also controls the firm.

Is the disadvantaged owner a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.?

Is your firm a small business that meets the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) size standard?

(Does not exceed $26.29 million in gross annual receipts.)

Is your personal net worth (PNW) less than $1.32 million?

If you answered "Yes" to all of the questions above, you may be eligible to participate in the ODOT DBE program!