Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

 

Detroit Department of Transportation

Federal Transit Administration
PROPOSED DBE GOAL FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2023-2025
Federally Funded Contracts Only

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) has prepared its revised proposed overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26.45(g) for the triennial period between October through September 30, 2023.
 

The DBE Overall goal of 11% represents the percentage of work anticipated to be performed by certified DBE firms on DDOT’s FTA funded projects during the triennial period.
 

The methodology document used to determine the proposed goal is available for public inspection on DDOT’s website here:
 

DBE Goal 2023-2025 Methodology


For additional information on DDOT’s Overall DBE Goal-Setting Methodology, please contact Alicia Miller, Compliance Manager via email at [email protected] or call 313-833-3658.

 

 

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is a comprehensive program developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which establishes guidelines for the participation of firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons in DOT-assisted contracting. Minority groups or persons presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged, determined by the Small Business Administration, include: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Native Americans and women. The DBE program provides opportunities for certified DBE companies creating a “level playing field” on which these firms can fairly compete for purchasing and contracting dollars.

To qualify for DBE status, a small business must be profit-based and meet the following criteria:

  • Average annual gross revenues of no more than $23.98 million over the past three years
  • Personal net worth of the owner(s) not exceeding $1.32 million
  • At least 51% owned and operated by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals

 

 

​​It is the policy of Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) to purchase the highest quality of goods and services at the best possible price. In so doing, DDOT will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the award and performance of any U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) assisted contract or in the administration of DDOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program or the requirements of the 49 CFR Part 26.
It is the policy of DDOT to create a level playing field for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, ensure the program is narrowly tailored to applicable law, ensure that only firms that meet eligibility standards participate in the program, and assist in the development of firms so they can compete successfully in the marketplace outside of the DBE program.
DDOT will take every necessary and reasonable steps under 49 CFR Part 26 to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of U.S. Department of Transportation assisted contracts.
It is the intent of DDOT, in compliance with Federal rules and regulations, to develop and implement a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program pursuant to 49 CFR Part 26. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program consists of small businesses that meet three basic criteria:

  • At least 51% owned and controlled by minorities, women or other individuals who face economic obstacles in the marketplace,
  • The owner(s) personal net worth cannot exceed $1.32 million, minus the equity in their business and primary residence and,
  • Meet the criteria of a small business per the Small Business Administration’s guidelines for a small business and the company’s gross receipts cannot exceed $23.98 million dollars, averaged over a three year period,

Certification into the DBE program involves completion of an application with appropriate supporting documentation, and an onsite interview by a certifying entity of the Michigan Unified Certification Program (MUCP). DDOT is a certifying entity of the Michigan Unified Certification Program. The MUCP conducts certifications for all DBE programs throughout the State of Michigan. This creates one DBE directory for the State of Michigan. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) provides the service for the directory and the link for the DBE directory is located below. The purpose for the MUCP is to provide for “one stop shopping” for DBE firms applying for certification in the State of Michigan.