DBE Business Development Program
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has had in effect for more than 25 years a policy of helping small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minorities and women, in participating in contracting opportunities created by DOT financial assistance programs.
In 1983, Congress enacted the first disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) statutory provision. This provision required the Department to ensure that at least 10% of the funds authorized for the highway and transit financial assistance programs be expended with DBEs. In 1987, Congress re-authorized and amended the statutory DBE program. In the transportation legislation of that year, Congress, among other changes, added women to the groups presumed to be disadvantaged. Since 1987 DOT has established a single DBE goal, encompassing both firms owned by women and minority group members.
The Alabama SBDC and APEX Accelerator cannot register you for this program; your Business Advisor or Procurement Advisor can provide additional information on this program.
Additional details coming soon.
Companies interested in competing for federal, state, or local contracts should register and talk with one of our certified APEX Accelerator Procurement Advisors.