The objective of the DBE Program is to insure non-
discrimination in the award and administration of DOT assisted contracts and create a level playing field on which DBE firms can compete fairly for and participate equitably. We do this by setting reasonable contract goals that prime contractors (primes) must make good faith efforts to achieve. The DBE Program is designed to accomplish this task.

Effective February 28, 2011, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) enacted new regulations in regard to Interstate Certification for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) applicants (section 26.85). These regulations were designed to decrease barriers to certification for out-of-state firms and to enhance the ability of DBE participants to pursue business opportunities outside of their home states. Nationwide compliance with the revised section 26.85 becomes mandatory January 1, 2012.

Any firm currently certified as a DBE by their home state Unified Certification Program may apply for DelDOT DBE certification. A detailed description of all application forms required by DelDOT ...    more

When a small business does not have a track record to demonstrate contacting performance, getting a foot in the door can sometimes be a challenging and frustrating process. Many small businesses claim, "How can I gain the experience if I can't get a shot at the opportunity?".

Whether the procurement opportunity is for professional services, commodities or public works, past performance and/or experience is an evaluation criteria used to determine if a business could handle the requirements of the contract. And in government contracting, past performance is most often a consideration in the evaluation of large or above threshold procurements - buys that require a formal bid process...  more