Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
Deciphering Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification is a federally initiated and mandated process established to ensure that only those firms meeting the prescribed standards receive the distinction as a DBE.
There is NO single all encompassing certification program for women and minority owned business. Certification is only required if a business desires to sell products or services to a government agency or private firm that requires certification as part of their contracting process. There are three different types of certification depending upon the type of contracting.
Federal Certification
(303) 844-2607 ext 226
For more information on federal contracts, go to www.FedBizOpps.gov
The 8(a) Program is intended to be used exclusively for business development purposes to help small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. For forms to apply for the 8(a) Program click here.
To apply for most federal opportunities, you will need to register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR). CCR is the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. Go to www.ccr.gov
Unified Certification Program
For many years, firms seeking DBE certification with CDOT and the City and County of Denver had to submit two separate applications. In 2002 CDOT and Denver entered into a Unified Certification Program (UCP). A firm wanting DBE certification with both agencies need now submit only one application to either agency and, if successful, will be recognized as an eligible DBE with both agencies.
State Office of Certification
4201 E. Arkansas Ave., Room 200
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 512-4145
The State of Colorado processes applications for:
ESB (Emerging Small Business)
DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
Bid Information and Distribution System (BIDS)
BIDS is a web site designed to notify interested vendors of the State of Colorado's intent to purchase goods or services competitively. Bids are updated on this website daily. If you register on this website (cost is $40) you will receive notices as opportunities come up in your industry.
http://www.dot.state.co.us/EEO/CERTIFICATION/ocindex.htm
Unified Certification Forms:
http://www.dot.state.co.us/EEO/CERTIFICATION/ApplicationForms.htm
City & County of Denver, Office of Economic Development
Division Small Business Opportunity
201 W Colfax, Dept 907
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 913-1999; FAX (720) 913-1803
http://www.denvergov.org/MOCC/
Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE)
Small Business Enterprise Concessions
Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
The Division Small Business Opportunity processes applications for two programs:
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) for Construction-related City & County of Denver contracts
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) for U.S. DOT federally-funded contracts in Colorado (including airport, highway and transit contracts).
Download and complete the application forms below then mail or deliver with supporting documents to the Division of Small Business Opportunity (DSBO) at 201 West Colfax, Dept. 907, Denver, Co. 80202. For questions call (720) 913-1999. To apply for each program you will need the following:
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