For all states the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) process is similar. This is because the DBE program is a federal program that is administered by the 50 U.S. states. The firm must register individually with each state as a DBE in order to be certified with that state.
The process for obtaining a DBE certification is similar to the 8(a) certification process with many of the same restrictions for certification. The business owner will be checked for independence in making decisions for the firm. The business owner must also be active in the day-to-day operations of the firm.
Most states utilize their department of transportation for certification because the majority of work in which DBE’s perform is working on roadway construction, airport services and airport construction. The following are some of the criteria that are key elements for becoming DBE certified.
| DBE | ACDBE – airport (i.e. concessions) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership & Control | At least 51% of the enterprise must be owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) | At least 51% of the enterprise must be owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) |
| Qualifying Owner’s Personal Net Worth Limit: | Less than $1.32 million excluding primary residence and the value of the business. | Less than $750,000 excluding primary residence and the value of the business. For airport concessions this amount is increased to $3 million. |
| Size Standards | Vary State by State (see below) | Vary State by State (see below) |
| Type of Business | Any for-profit business that is independent working as either a primary or subcontractor. | Any for-profit business that is independent working as either a primary or subcontractor. |
| Type of Contract | Federal DOT funded contracts (highway, bridge, airport or other transit projects) | Airport facility concessions contracts |
| Participation Goals | DBE goals are set on a per-contract basis. | ACDBE goals are set on a per-contract basis. |
| Who can apply | African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific -Islander Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, Physical/Mental Disabled People, Caucasian Females | African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific -Islander Americans, Subcontinent Asian Americans, Physical/Mental Disabled People, Caucasian Females |
| On-site Inspection | Required for most in-state located firms | Required for most in-state located firms |
| Years in business required to apply | Business must be actively working in for-profit activity | Business must be actively working in for-profit activity |
| Franchise Eligibility | Franchises are ineligible for this program | Franchises are ineligible for this program |
Package Details
Our DBE Certification Package includes the following:
- We ask you over 75 questions in a free initial consultation to ensure we do not waste your time or energy on a project that does not have a high likelihood of success.
- We will send you a checklist of the items that we need in order to complete your DBE application.
- We have a team of analysts who will work on your DBE application immediately upon submission to us. Submitting the document checklist to us will immediately get your DBE application moving towards certification.
- We will very thoroughly inspect every item you submit for any potential problems. The DOT at most states has strict federal guidelines they must follow in order to complete your application.
- We will communicate with you (by email and phone) all the way through the DBE application process so you will never be left wondering where your application is in the process.
- A professional writer conducts interviews with you to prepare the economically and socially disadvantaged narrative(s) if required. These narratives can make or break a DBE application.
- We will compile the entire application, double-checking all documents to be submitted to be certain it meets all DBE guidelines. The DBE application package (usually 3 -4 inches thick) will be provided in a binder with a table of contents and tabs for every DBE section. The package is accompanied by a cover letter.
- Finally, we will label all the locations in the DBE application where a signature is necessary and will send the completed DBE package to you so you can sign and forward it to the SBA.
- When we send it, your DBE certification application is ready for the State DOT to review.
Socially Disadvantage Narrative
The DBE certification managed through the Department of Transportation now requires a socially disadvantaged narrative in order to enter the program. The applicant is required to provide a preponderance of evidence of both chronic and substantial disadvantage in American society due to their membership in a group that has faced racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias, a woman, or a distinguishing feature such as a physical disability.
Key Elements to the narrative include:
- Identifying the characteristic like race, ethnic origin, gender or physical handicap
- Showcasing Personal Experiences in American society where the applicant has experienced bias or discrimination
- Explaining in detail the specifics of chronic and substantial disadvantage to show that it was not fleeting but rather ongoing and significant
- Connecting the discriminatory incidents to concrete obstacle’s in education, employment and/or business history to show the negative impacts on either your career or the growth of your business
Ez8a Narrative Services:
- Ez8a will send templates and guidelines to the applicant for an understanding of how the SBA wishes to see the narrative formatted and in order to get their rough draft started.
- Ez8a will review the clients rough draft narrative for accuracy and provide feedback, commentary, edits, and suggestions to the applicant regarding their rough draft.
- Ez8a will then include the owner’s feedback from the review to finalize the narrative and assist the client with answering any follow up questions from the SBA in the rare occurrence they ask for additional information pertaining to the narrative.
