Interested in DBE or SBE Certification
The DBE & SBE Programs provide business assistance to contribute the growth and self-sufficiency of businesses in the transportation industry. Services include business skill development and training, networking opportunities, bonding assistance, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
The DBE & SBE Programs have many eligibility requirements that must be met. Below is not an all-inclusive list. For questions regarding program requirements, please contact us.
DBE & SBE Program Criteria:
- Business Size: A firm (including affiliates) must be a small business as defined by SBA standards. Find the table of size standards based on your business’s work type (NAICS Code) here.
- Personal Net Worth: The majority owner(s) of the company must have a personal net worth under $1.32 million (excluding equity in applicant/certified business and primary residence).
- For-Profit: Firm must be organized for profit. Not-for-profit organizations are not eligible.
- Citizenship: Majority owner(s) must be a citizen (or lawfully admitted permanent resident) of the United States.
In addition, DBEs must meet the following:
Disadvantaged: The majority owner(s) must have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society because of his or her identity as a member of groups without regard to his or her individual qualities. The social disadvantage must stem from circumstances beyond the individual’s control. The following groups are rebuttably presumed to be disadvantaged:
- Black Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Native Americans
- Asian-Pacific Americans
- Subcontinent Asian Americans
- Women
- Any additional groups whose members are designated as socially and economically disadvantaged by the SBA, at such time as the SBA designation becomes effective.
Claims of disadvantage by persons who belong to groups not listed above are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. An individual must demonstrate that he or she has held himself or herself out, as a member of a designated group and show by a preponderance of evidence that they are socially and economically disadvantaged.
How Do I Apply?
Submit certification documents to Janene Shepherd via the File Transfer Service: https://transfer.mt.gov
In State Applicants
Complete the forms below and provide the supporting documentation listed at the end of the application.
DBE Program Forms (note: DBEs are automatically eligible for the SBE Program. Do not fill out both sets of forms)
DBE Application
DBE Personal Net Worth Form
SBE Program Forms
SBE Application
SBE Personal Net Worth Form
Out of State Applicants
Provide a complete copy of your file from your home state including all correspondence to and from your home state regarding your certification status and any correspondence with any other state regarding certification. In addition, submit the form below.
Already DBE/SBE Certified
Reimbursements
In-state, highway related businesses are eligible for up to $2,500 per year for bonding, training, professional memberships, travel costs associated with training. Fill out the form here: Reimbursement Request Form
Business Development Program (BDP)
If you are DBE or SBE certified but haven’t been able to break into contracting with MDT as a prime or subcontractor or consultant, the BDP may be for you. Participants of the BDP work with our Supportive Services Specialist to put together an individualized business plan that includes steps to help you succeed. This may include meeting with MDT staff to provide information on bidding, RFP scoring, testing standards, certified payroll requirements, etc. or it may include a technical training that your staff need. Participants of the BDP are eligible for an additional $1,000 in reimbursement funding (for a potential total of $3,500).
Reporting Changes & Annual Documentation
You must report changes that may impact your eligibility.
DBE Change Report – Print and fill out
DBE Change Report – Fill out online
Certified firms are required to submit a No Change Affidavit and a copy of their most recent business taxes on their anniversary date.
If you would like to end your participation in the DBE or SBE Program, please submit the form below: