How does MDOT determine which businesses can participate in the MBE Program?
A. MDOT has a very comprehensive certification process to determine the ownership and control of firms, which apply for MBE certification. There are many specific eligibility criteria for certification. In assessing ownership, investments by the minority owner are important. Control includes both managerial and operational control with technical knowledge of the firms’ major areas of work being an important component for assessing operational control. Applications are carefully reviewed and personal interviews are conducted by trained MBE Agents. Skilled construction personnel assist in the process, providing technical information when needed. Before becoming certified, applicants appear before the MBE Advisory Committee (MBEAC) to discuss their business and to respond to questions asked by the committee members. The MBEAC is a public meeting, which can be observed by prospective applicants. The committee makes recommendations to the MBEAC Chairperson who makes the certification decisi
