What Is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise?
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “a 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.”
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program is a federal initiative that "seeks to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts in the Department’s highway, transit, and airport financial assistance programs and to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for DOT-assisted contracts" (FTA). In other words, the DBE program is intended to provide an opportunity for businesses that are historically disadvantaged. All DOT funding recipients, including UTA, UDOT, and the Salt Lake Airport, are required to participate in the DBE program.
A small business must meet the following qualifications to be considered a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise:
- The business’s 3-year average gross income must not exceed $32.82 million.
- Personal income must not exceed 2.047 million. This income does not include retirement and residential properties.
- The business must be owned 51% or more by a Social and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDO).
Examples of eligible DBEs include but are not limited to: construction, professional services, surveying, trucking/hauling, and concessions.
All DBEs are required to provide an Annual Declaration of Eligibility every year to maintain their certification.
Utah Businesses
In order to qualify as a State of Utah DBE, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete the UUPC application
- Complete the Personal Net Worth Statement
- Complete the Declaration of Eligibility
Once these items are collected, apply here.
Out-of-State Businesses
Any DBE that is not located in Utah must request an interstate status.
DBE must provide us with the following materials:
- A letter of interest stating why you are requesting interstate status in Utah
- Your DBE certification from your initial (home) state
- A screenshot of your initial (home) state DBE directory showing your business
Once these items are collected, submit your application by emailing:
Kenya Fail
KFail@rideuta.com
General Questions
If you have any other questions about UTA’s DBE program, email DBELO@rideuta.com.
Looking for certified vendors? Click the button below to visit Utah’s DBE Directory portal. Information within the directory is not a guarantee of the DBE's capacity and ability to perform work.