Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

Elevate Your Business with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise DBE Certification

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, also known as DBE, aims to help small businesses from minority and underserved communities get contracts. Developed by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), this program aims to help socially and economically disadvantaged  businesses to actively engage in DOT-supported contracting within three main branches: the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

To start  seizing the opportunities of DOT-assisted contacts. your business must undergo a certification process. 

And we are here to help!

Demystifying DBE Certification

FGA is here to support your DBE certification process every step of the way.

We offer assistance in understanding the eligibility criteria, initiating the certification process with accurate documentation and form completion, and ensuring your business presents the necessary documents, including proof of ownership and financial statements, effectively.

Our team of experts specializes in guiding your business through the intricate certification requirements, helping you stay compliant, and keeping you informed about any updates.

Our advisors go the extra mile by reviewing your completed applications before submission, ensuring you achieve the certification status that unlocks the benefits this designation offers.

 

Meeting DBE Certification Requirements

The DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification offers several benefits to eligible businesses:

• Access to Government Contracts: DBE-certified businesses gain access to a broader range of government contracts, particularly those funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This can include contracts with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
• Contracting Opportunities: Government agencies often set aside a portion of their contracts specifically for DBEs, providing more opportunities for these businesses to secure contracts.
• Networking and Collaboration: DBE certification often involves inclusion in directories and databases of certified firms. This can lead to increased visibility and networking opportunities within the industry.
• Mentorship and Training: Many programs offer training, technical assistance, and mentorship to DBEs, helping them build capacity and improve their competitiveness in the marketplace.
• Financial Assistance: Some government contracts provide financial incentives, such as higher reimbursement rates, to prime contractors who hire DBEs as subcontractors.
• Business Development Support: DBE programs may offer support in areas like marketing, bonding, and financial management to help certified businesses grow and thrive.
• Diversity Goals: Government agencies often have diversity and inclusion goals, and working with DBEs helps them meet these objectives, making DBE-certified firms more attractive to prime contractors.
• Competitive Advantage: Having DBE certification can be a competitive advantage when bidding on contracts, as it demonstrates a commitment to diversity and may be a requirement for certain projects.
• Community and Economic Impact: Supporting DBE-certified businesses can have a positive impact on disadvantaged communities by creating jobs and promoting economic development.
• Access to Resources: DBE-certified firms may have access to resources, such as financial assistance programs or specialized training, that are not available to non-certified businesses.

It’s important to note that the specific benefits and opportunities can vary by location and program, so businesses should research and understand the details of the DBE certification program in their area.

DBE Certification Made Simple

To get DBE certified you need to comply with the eligibility criteria. In short, you need to comply with these are the key requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.
• Be “for-profit,” with at least 51% ownership by individuals classified as socially and economically disadvantaged by the SBA.
• Belong to a Social and Economic Disadvantaged ethnic groups such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, Women, or others recognized as disadvantaged by the SBA. However,  if you’re not part of these groups, you can still qualify by individually demonstrating your social and economic disadvantages.
• Have a net worth under $1.32 million, excluding ownership interest in the firm and equity in their primary residence. Different rules apply for airport concessionaires according to 49 CFR Part 23.
• Do not exceed SBA size standards or have annual gross receipts exceeding $30.4 million in the past three years.
• Operate independently without relying on factors that might compromise its independent status.
• Show  expertise and authority to guide the business’s management and policies related to its industry.