XL EagleDBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
DBE stands for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program is a U.S. Department of Transportation program that applies to federally funded highway, transit, and airport projects. It is run under federal rules at 49 CFR Part 26 but certification is handled at the state level.
Each state has a Unified Certification Program, so one DBE certification is accepted by all DOT-funded recipients in that state, such as the state DOT, transit authorities, and airports. Projects often carry DBE goals that primes must meet or show good-faith efforts toward.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If you do trucking, traffic control, striping, erosion control, landscaping, or supply materials, DBE certification can make you a sought-after sub on road and transit jobs. Learn what counts toward DBE credit, because primes care about it a great deal.
Example
A certified DBE erosion control company is listed by a highway contractor on a state DOT bridge project with a DBE goal. The prime counts the sub's work toward the goal and submits the required commitment forms.
DBE: common questions
Where do I apply for DBE certification?
Apply through your state's Unified Certification Program, usually run by the state DOT or a partner agency.
Does DBE apply to non-transportation work?
No. DBE is tied to U.S. DOT funding. Non-transportation state and local contracts use other programs such as MBE, WBE, or HUB.
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