Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
July 8 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The primary remedial goal and objective of the DBE program is to level the playing field by providing small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals a fair opportunity to compete for federally funded transportation contracts.
Definition of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
DBEs are for-profit small business concerns where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations.
Requirements for DBE Participation
To participate in the DBE program, a small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals must receive DBE certification from a state Unified Certification Program (UCP).
To be regarded as economically disadvantaged, an individual must have a personal net worth that does not exceed $ 2.047 million. To be seen as a small business, a firm must meet SBA size criteria AND must not have average annual gross receipts, over the previous 3 years, in excess of the DBE size limit. Size limits for the airport concessions DBE program are higher.
Roles and Responsibilities of State and Local Transportation Agencies
As recipients of DOT financial assistance, state and local transportation agencies are responsible to:
- Certify the eligibility of DBE firms to participate in their DOT-assisted contracts;
- Establish narrowly-tailored goals (not quotas or set-asides) for the participation of disadvantaged entrepreneurs; and
- Monitor their DOT-assisted contracts throughout the year.
Program run by DBE Manager at Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. Bonnie Yauilla.
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