Getting Started as a DBE
To participate as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, a firm must:
- Meet certain qualifying criteria
- Receive certification as a DBE
- Prequalify as a VDOT contractor.
Step 1. Qualify as a DBE
Firms that qualify as a DBE must:
- Be a small business as defined by the Small Business Administration
- Be at least 51% owned by minorities, women and/or socially and economically disadvantaged adults
- Have its day-to-day operations controlled by women or minorities.
Step 2. Become Certified
A firm must apply for certification through the Virginia's Department of Minority Business Enterprise.
For information about certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or Small, Woman- and Minority-owned business, contact the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (VDMBE) (804) 786-5560 or (800) 235-0671 .
Step 3. Prequalify
In order to determine that the firms have the resources (equipment, personnel and financial capability) to perform, the firms are required to be prequalified as well. If you have questions about the DBE Program, please contact:
Suzanne Lucas
Scheduling and Contract Division, Prequalification Section
(804) 786-2941
Find Work the Easy Way
If you're ready to do business with VDOT, we're ready to hear from you. And the best way to get our attention is also the easiest. It's Virginia's electronic commerce initiative, or eVA. By registering your company on the eVA Web site, you'll be able to stay up-to-date on all of VDOT's procurement opportunities and bid on the jobs your company wants most. And because eVA is a statewide application, registering just once will allow you to compete for jobs not only from VDOT, but from all other state agencies as well.
In just over a year, more than $150 million in state purchases have already been awarded through eVA -- register now to get this work headed your way.
