To qualify as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• The disadvantaged owner must be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident.
• The firm must meet USDOT size standards and be independent, viable and for profit. 
• The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual.
• Economic disadvantage is defined as a personal net worth under $2.047 million, excluding equity in the applicant business and the owner’s primary residence.

• Many KDOT highway projects, especially those with federal aid funds, have a DBE goal, meaning some work must be performed by a DBE certified in Kansas. 
• DBE certification can open opportunities to bid on projects that may not have been accessible previously.
• Other governmental agencies also have projects with DBE goals or encourage the use of DBEs.  

After receipt of your completed application form and requested documents, your application will be completed in 30 to 90 days. As part of the certification process, we will perform an on-site visit to your office or home as required by federal regulation.

• Business Consulting: Operation reviews, computer software support, and other professional services
• KDOT DBE workshops
• OSHA Safety training
• Newsletters: Small business and construction-related updates.
• Project proposals: Provided at no cost
• Project listings: Upcoming lettings, including quantities and contract goals
• Web page development

Motsinger CPA Tax & Accounting in Lawrence, Kansas, is the contracted provider for most supportive services. The Office of Civil Rights Compliance provides information on project lettings, future DBE workshops and OSHA Safety training. 

For project proposals, contact the Bureau of Construction and Materials.