How does a firm become certified as a DBE?
The 49 CFR 23 places the primary responsibility for certifying DBE’s upon the State Department of Transportation Agencies (State DOT). There are instances, however, in which another State or local agency or authority other than the State DOT has been assigned this responsibility by State law. Nonetheless, the State DOT will take the lead role in ensuring that only certifiable DBE’s are to participate in Federally-assisted highway projects. The State’s process for handling the application by prospective DBEs for entrance into the program (including a full disclosure of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities connected thereto) should be explicitly detailed in the State’s program document. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide the information deemed necessary by the certifying agency to ascertain eligibility. The burden to prove eligibility is upon the applicant, not upon the State. The following guidelines will help to clarify the application process: • The State’s p
