Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- Am I eligible for DBE certification?
- A
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A firm (including its affiliates) must meet the requirements of 49 CFR part 26, Subpart D, concerning group membership or individual disadvantage, business size, ownership and control.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- What's the difference between DBE, MBE, FBE, WBE and PBE?
- A
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DBE, MBE, FBE, WBE and PBE are acronyms for various state/county/local agency programs that provide contractual opportunities for disadvantaged, minority, female and woman-owned business enterprises.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- Once I'm certified, how do other firms find me?
- A
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Your certified DBE firm is listed in a directory.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- Once I'm certified, how long does the certification last?
- A
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A firm's certification is for the life of the firm unless an adverse decision is rendered to remove the firm's eligibility.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- How long does it take to become certified as a DBE?
- A
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The certification process takes approximately 90 days after receipt of the completed application and all supporting documentation.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- If I need help filling out the application and other paperwork, who can I contact?
- A
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Pace's DBE Department is here to help.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- What if I am interested in DBE work with agencies other than Pace?
- A
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Pace participates in a unified certification process.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- Does USDOT's DBE program have a size cap?
- A
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Yes, governed by 49 CFR Sec. 26.65.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- Should I apply for DBE certification?
- A
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You do not have to be DBE-certified to perform work on PACE contracts; however, opportunities may increase if you are certified.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
- Q
- What is the DBE program?
- A
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The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a federally mandated program intended to ensure nondiscriminatory contracting opportunities for small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the United States Department of Transportation's (USDOT) highway, mass transit and airport financial assistance programs.
