Businesses wishing to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must go through the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program. Once certified, a DBE is eligible to participate in any Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, or Federal Transit Administration funded contract as a DBE; meaning that participation goals on such projects are established, and prime contractors must make a good faith effort to reach the DBE participation goal. An application to become a DBE must be mailed or physically delivered to one of: the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT), the Port Authority in Pittsburgh, the City of Philadelphia, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), or the Allegheny County Dept. of MBE/WBE/DBE.
Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Automatic reciprocal certifications for firms applying for interstate certification may be granted at the certifying agency's discretion, however, this process is not automatic.
Does this certification expire? DBEs must submit an annual affidavit of no change in order to retain their certification.
Are there multiple agencies that offer this certification in the state? Yes. Members of the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program can be learned about at https://www.dotsbe.pa.gov/PAUCPWeb/paucp/viewHome.do.
Does this program require bidders attempt to make a good-faith effort to meet participation goals? Yes, businesses must make a good-faith effort to meet DBE participation goals on projects with such goals attached.
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