Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)

Interested in applying for DBE certification or want to learn more? Check out program information listed below.

Need Assistance?

If you would like to talk to a representative, call the DBE Help Desk at (404) 631-1273.

2024 DBE Marketplace

Thursday, December 5 | 9am - 12pm

The DBE Marketplace highlights a group of DBE firms that provide services supporting small businesses. Register now to network and meet potential business partners seeking to do business with Georgia DOT.

FTA Tri-ennial Goal Setting Meeting

Every three years, Georgia DOT is called upon to submit an overall agency goal for its DBE Program. This year Georgia DOT will host two meetings to discuss the process of establishing that goal relative to FTA project activity.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
10 AM - Noon
One Georgia Center - Room 403

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
10 AM - Noon
Virtual Meeting (Stay tuned for registration information)

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Participation

Georgia DOT held a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation teleconference for FAA-funded contracts/agreements on July 31, 2023. The conference provided information to stakeholders pertaining to projects occurring in federal fiscal years 2024 through 2026.

DBE Program & Goal (Aviation)

Programs

Supportive Services

If you have questions pertaining to DBE certification or if your firm is already a Georgia Certified DBE and has questions related to your certification, need assistance identifying work with GDOT, need bonding assistance, or have other training needs please contact the GDOT Supportive Services Provider, Construction Estimating Institute at (404) 631-1273.

SSFP Business Help Center

A Business Help Center is open to eligible GDOT certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, registered small businesses and veteran-owned small businesses that have an interest in working on GDOT’s State Funded Projects. The Center provides training, consulting, targeted matchmaking, one-on-one assistance, and meeting space and computer access.

P3 Division DBE Team

If your firm is a certified DBE or interested in pursuing P3 Division project opportunities, the P3 Division DBE Team is here to help. Request a personalized consultation, attend future workshop/events, and subscribe to receive news. Our dedicated team can help navigate the complexities of doing business on major projects and facilitate building meaningful connections with industry partners.

Contact the P3 Division DBE Team at DBEMMIP@dot.ga.gov. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on P3 Division events and opportunities that may be of interest to you.

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Resources

How Can I Become DBE Certified

Learn how to apply for DBE certification.

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I'm Certified Now What?

Learn how to how to qualify to work for Georgia DOT.

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Application	Description
DBE Certification Application	Firms located in all Georgia counties, except Fulton, DeKalb, or Clayton, and firms located outside of the State.
DBE Interstate Notice - Checklist and Application	Firms already certified in their home state and seeking certification in Georgia.
DBE Personal Net Worth Statement	Form for DBE/ACDBE Program Eligibility.
MARTA Application	Firms located in Fulton, DeKalb, or Clayton County must submit their applications electronically.

Program Documents
Annual Affidavit of No Change
Criteria for Acceptability
Denial / Appeal Process
Joint Check Affidavit
Joint Check Policy
Joint Check Request Form
Notice of Voluntary Removal
Request for NAICS Code Modification

Goals
2025-2027 DBE Goal FTA
2022-2024 DBE Goal FTA
2022-2024 DBE Goal FHWA
2019 - 2021 DBE Goal FTA
2019 - 2021 DBE Goal FHWA
2016 - 2018 DBE Goal FTA
2013-2024 Historical DBE Semi-Annual Reporting Goal Participation

Plans
2019 DBE Program Plan
2012 DBE Program Plan
2009 DBE Program Plan
2004 DBE Program Plan

Studies
DBE Disparity Study: 2016 (Overview Presentation)
DBE Disparity Study: 2016
DBE Disparity Study: 2012

Reports
Contractor Prompt Payment Report
Contractor Prompt Payment Report: Instructions
DBE Participant Report Double Page
DBE Participant Report Single Page
GDOT Highway Construction DBE Availability Report
Professional Services Vendor Availability Report

Regulations
Code of Federal Regulations Title 49: Part 23 Airport Concession
Code of Federal Regulations Title 49: Part 26 Airport Concession
NAICS Code Search

2016 Disparity Study

Annual Affidavit Update

U.S. DOT has recently provided certain clarification to the Annual Affidavit of No Change process. The clarifying guidance reduces the documentation necessary for submission. This is effective July 1, 2014 for all DBEs/ACDBEs.

Submission Requirements

Annual Affidavit of No Change
A complete signed copy (including all schedules/attachments) of current year business tax return. If business tax return is filed with personal return then a complete signed copy (including all schedules/attachments) of the current year personal tax return must be submitted.

At three (3) year intervals, all firms will be subject to a “full review”. At that time, the certifying agency will request additional documentation necessary to complete the review.

Certification Status

In 2011 the USDOT enacted a rule change (49 CFR 26.83) that requires, once a firm is certified it shall remain certified until and unless it is de-certified.

As a result, DBE/ ACDBE certification letters do not contain an expiration date. An “Affidavit of No Change” confirming that the firm is still eligible to participate in the DBE/ACDBE program is required every year on the anniversary. Firms no longer receive annual certification letters. The DBE Directory confirms the continued certification status of a firm including the assigned NAICS work codes. A copy of a printout from the DBE Directory should be sufficient proof of a firm’s certification.

DBE Certification Letters

DBE firms no longer receive annual certification letters. The DBE Directory confirms the continued certification status of a firm, including the assigned NAICS work codes. Once a firm is certified it remains certified until and unless it is de-certified. Firms are still required to submit an "Affidavit of No Change" confirming its continued eligibility to participate in the DBE/ACDBE program every year on its anniversary. The certifying agency makes every effort to contact the firm through telephone, email, or US mail, only if the annual "Affidavit" is not received.

New DBE Certification

On 10/02/2014 the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Final Rule amending its disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program regulations to improve program implementation in the areas of certification standards, forms and data collection, certification procedures, goal setting and good faith efforts, and program administration. The final rule becomes effective on November 3rd, 2014. View Detailed Information

Are my taxes and other personal information secure?

The Georgia DOT DBE Program must comply with confidentiality requirements and we take this responsibility seriously. All files are kept behind locked doors, in offices with access restricted to DBE Certification staff.

Are there other resources available to DBEs? Where can I receive technical assistance?

Georgia DOT periodically retains a supportive services consultant to support the successful business growth of DBE firms. We understand that there is much for business owners to learn about the agency and the transportation industry to be successful. Regularly scheduled workshops provide:

Information about how to obtain project bidding documents and plans;
Assistance in reading project design plans;
Assistance in working with and for prime contractors;
Information about relevant Georgia DOT policies, procedures and office contacts;
Assistance in developing loan packages and financial statements;
Other assistance from our consulting firm when requested and approved.

Can I use the DBE application form to apply for airport concession as well?

Yes, the same application form is used for Airport Concession DBEs (ACDBE). The applicant must indicate ACDBE in the firm’s primary description.

Do I have appeal rights if I am denied DBE certification?

You may appeal a decision if you feel all the facts have not been duly considered. To do so, please respond in writing within 90 days from the date of your denial letter to:

U.S. Department of Transportation
Departmental Office of Civil Rights W78 338
External Civil Rights Programs
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20590
Attn: Samuel Brooks

Your letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation must contain the following:

information and arguments concerning why Georgia DOT’s decision should be reversed; and
the name and address of any other U.S. DOT recipient/agency which has certified the firm, or which has rejected an application for certification from the firm, or removed the firms’ eligibility within one year prior to the date of the appeal, or before which an application for certification or a removal of eligibility is pending.

Do you have a separate WBE/MBE Program?

No, it all falls under the same umbrella as the DBE Program.

Does a firm's DBE certification guarantee that it will be awarded contracts?

No, it does not guarantee work to a firm. The DBE Program is design to assist the development of disadvantaged small businesses, and to guarantee them fair opportunities to compete for Georgia business. To be successful as a DBE, you must market yourself, your personnel and the quality of your services.

Does certification guarantee that I will receive a state contract?

No, obtaining Georgia DOT DBE certification does not serve as a guarantee of work or that you’ll receive a contract. The program provides the tools for your business to effectively compete and remove any barriers or limitations in the state procurement process for small, women- and minority-owned businesses. You will still need to aggressively market your business, network, and competitively bid for projects or contracts.

Does my firm have to be certified as a DBE to do business with Georgia DOT?

No. Any firm may compete for any Georgia DOT contract as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor, regardless of whether or not the firm is a certified DBE. However, if your firm seeks to perform work on a contract as a DBE, you must first obtain DBE certification through the Georgia DOT Uniform Certification Program.

How do I become certified?

To become certified, you must file an application with the Georgia DOT Uniform Certification Program (UCP) and go through a review process. Georgia DOT staff decides whether you are eligible after a thorough review of your firm's ownership, control, financial and managerial documents, and whether you have the equipment needed to do the work of a given contract. As part of the review, Georgia DOT staff will conduct a site visit to your firm's office unless the firm is located out of state In this case, Georgia DOT will contact your home state DOT office to request a copy of the most recent site visit.

How does DBE certification help my firm get Georgia DOT business?

When Georgia DOT establishes a contract goal for DBE participation, prime contractors seek out qualified DBE firms to meet contract goals. In general, prime contractors look for firms that are already Georgia DOT-certified as DBEs.

Being a Georgia DOT-certified DBE provides your firm with opportunities for future growth by making it easier to market your services to other Georgia DOT contractors, including listing your firm’s capabilities in the Georgia DOT Directory of Certified DBE Firms. Many contractors use this directory to identify DBEs for participation in their contracts.

How long does it take to become certified?

On the average, it takes 90 days to process an application for certification after all required information and documents are submitted. It is helpful if the applicant provides concise and complete answers to all questions.

In fairness to all applicants, we must process each application in the order received. If time is a factor, please contact a certification analyst for more details by calling (404) 631-1972. However, the file analyst can only make an eligibility recommendation to the DBE Administrator after all requested documentation has been received. The process also requires an on-site visit to the business premises to assess managerial and operational aspects of the firm.

I’m DBE certified in my home state. Do I need to complete a new application for Georgia?

A DBE Certification is only valid in the state in which the certification was issued. Once you have obtained certification in your home state, you should contact the DBE Liasion Officer from the state in which you want to obtain certification.

Is there a cost to become DBE certified?

No. There is no cost for the certification process.

Should I apply for DBE certification?

Certification is a way for your business to participate in Georgia’s DBE Program. Certification gives groups that have been historically under-represented in the construction contracting industry a chance to work on Georgia DOT federally funded highway projects; each of these projects have goals for DBE business participation.

The main reason to become certified is so that your firm can bid and compete on contracts and subcontracts in a fair, competitive environment. By obtaining DBE certification through Georgia DOT, your participation on some DOT-assisted contracts will count toward the established DBE participation goal. DBE goals are established for projects funded by the federal government. If your company is interested in these contracts, you should apply for DBE certification with Georgia DOT or MARTA with the Georgia Uniform Certification Program (UCP). If your firm is certified at Georgia DOT, it is not necessary to apply or reapply with MARTA.

What are the criteria for DBE certification?

A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or DBE is a for-profit small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned by one individual or at least two individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged. In the case of a corporation, 51 percent of the stock must be owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. In addition, the business management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

The complete list of eligibility requirements for DBE certification is stated in 49 CFR, Part 26 and can be viewed online at https://www.ecfr.gov/ . The following six requirements must be proved by a DBE applicant; please note that these do not cover all the requirements found in 49 CFR, Part 26.

Social and Economic Disadvantage: A DBE owner must be a U.S. Citizen (or resident alien) and meet the federal definition of socially and economically disadvantaged as defined in 49 CFR Part 26.67. Presumptive groups include women, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian-Americans or other minorities found to be disadvantaged by the federal regulations. Other individuals may be found to be socially and economically disadvantaged on a case-by-case basis.
Personal Net Worth: The US Department of Transportation requires proof that participating DBE owners have a net worth not to exceed $1,320,000. When an individual's net worth exceeds the $1,320,000 threshold, the individual is no longer eligible to participate in the DBE Program. Net worth excludes the value of the business and the primary residence of the owner.
Business Size Standard: The DBE firm (including affiliates) must be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Its annual gross receipts for the three previous fiscal years cannot have exceeded $23.98 million (or $56.42 million for airport concessions in general with some exceptions). Depending on the type of work the business performs, other size standards may apply.
Ownership: The DBE must be a for-profit small business concern where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least 51 percent interest and control management and daily business operations.
Independence: The DBE must not be affiliated with another firm in such a way as to compromise its independence and control. Independence should be achieved in areas including, but not limited to, personnel, facilities, equipment, financial and/or bonding support, and other resources.
Management and Control: The DBE owner (s) must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm and to make day-to-day decisions, as well as long-term decisions on matters of management, policy and operations.

What does the certification process involve?

The certification application is first reviewed to ensure all information is complete. If all required documents from the checklist are submitted as required, the application is assigned to a Georgia DOT DBE Coordinator who reviews the file and schedules and conducts a site visit to the business. Based on all submitted information and the site visit, the DBE Coordinator issues a recommendation to accept or deny the application for DBE eligibility. If your firm’s application is approved, a Certification Letter is issued to the applicant. If your firm is denied certification, the applicant is given an opportunity to appeal the denial.

What is the Georgia Unified Certification Program?

The Georgia Unified Certification Program (UCP) is a cooperative effort in the state of Georgia to provide a one-stop shop of information for all DBE firms and those seeking business opportunities with DBE certified firms.

The Georgia UCP is comprised of the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Georgia DOT and MARTA accept DBE certification applications and conduct certification reviews. Once reviews are completed, eligible firms are DBE certified. Your certification will be valid for all of the agencies in the UCP.

What is the mission of the Georgia DBE Program?

In an effort to eliminate inequalities and disparities between entities that do business with DOTs in each state, each state DOT administers the DBE program with one DBE officer presiding as a liaison officer. Here in Georgia, that DBE liaison officer is Kimberly King, Director. her staff has a dedicated goal to help eligible businesses become DBE-certified so they can become part of the Georgia Unified Certification Program and bid on federally funded highway construction and other projects on equal footing with larger corporations.

What is the purpose of an “On-site Visit”?

The main purpose of the on-site visit as part of the certification process is to confirm information in the application and supporting documentation. It gives us a chance to see the business facilities, understand the daily management processes, and answer any remaining questions we have about a company’s eligibility. It also gives the company owners the chance to talk face-to-face with someone who knows about the DBE Program and can answer questions or give other information.

What is the threshold for personal net worth?

The threshold for each owner(s) shall be no greater than $1,320,000. Only disadvantaged persons having a personal net worth of less than $1,320,000.00 can be considered as a potential qualified DBE. Items excluded from a person's net worth calculation include an individual's ownership interest in the applicant firm, and his or her equity in their primary residence.

When filling out the PFS, should I include my primary residence even though it is excluded from the net worth calculations?

Yes, you must indicate the current market value of your primary residence on the PFS form together with any debt you owe against it. However, the equity in your primary residence does not count toward the allowed $1,320,000 net worth; the adjustment will be made by your certification analyst.

Where can I get a copy of the directory of certified businesses?

Each month the directory is updated. The public can view the directory in the following formats

Where can I locate the Federal DBE Regulations?

The Federal DBE Regulation information can be found online at: http://osdbuweb.dot.gov/DBEProgram

Where do I find more information about becoming a Georgia DOT certified DBE?

For more information, contact Georgia DOT by any of the following options:

Kimberly A. King, EEO Director
One Georgia Center
600 West Peachtree Street, NW (7th Floor)
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: (404) 631-1972
Fax: (404) 631-1943
Website

Where do I mail the application?

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
Equal Employment Opportunity Division
Georgia Department of Transportation
600 W. Peachtree Street, N.W., 7th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30308

Where do I obtain an application?

Hard copies of the DBE certification application are available on the 7th Floor at One Georgia Center, 600 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303 or you can visit our website at http://www.dot.ga.gov download the pdf application, complete and submit.

For certification applications or additional information about the certification process, please contact Georgia DOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity at 404-631-1972.

Which business owner should fill out the Personal Financial Statement (PFS)?

The majority disadvantaged owner(s) whose ownership and control is/are being relied upon for DBE certification should complete a Personal Financial Statement (PFS). Usually this is the person who owns 51 percent or more of the firm. If two disadvantaged owners make up a majority of 51 percent ownership, both will be required to complete the PFS. For example, if Owner A owns 33 percent; Owner B owns 33 percent; and Owner C owns 34 percent, the two disadvantaged owners whose ownership and control is being relied upon must complete the PFS.

Why is it required to have an on-site evaluation of my business?

The on-site evaluation is a regulatory requirement. The Federal regulations states in 49 CFR Part 26.83 subpart C, section 1:

“Perform an on-site visit to the offices of the firm. You must interview the principal officers of the firm and review their résumés and/or work histories. You must also perform an on-site visit to job sites if there are such sites on which the firm is working at the time of the eligibility investigation in your jurisdiction or local area. You may rely upon the site visit report of any other recipient with respect to a firm applying for certification.”

Will the certification application be processed if all answers are not provided?

Yes. However, submitting an incomplete application will take longer to process and will delay your achievement of DBE certification. If the submitted application is missing more than three (3) required documents, the application will be returned to the applicant requesting the additional information before processing continues. It is important that all answers be accurate and complete. If a question is not applicable, then indicate "not applicable" or "n/a".

Will the GDOT/UCP DBE certification be accepted by other agencies?

Yes, the DBE certification will allow you to participate on federally funded transportation projects with other agencies, local governments and MARTA.

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