A DBE certification or a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification is a federal program designed to provide assistance to small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. As a certified DBE, your business would be enabled to participate in federally funded transportation projects.

The Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE) is a similar program for businesses transacting business via concessions at airports. It seeks to promote diversity in airport contracting opportunities and is overseen by eligibility goals similar to that of the DBE program.

The 8(a) program is administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and offers special assistance, gives access to procurement opportunities and provides focused training to participating 8(a) businesses, enabling qualified businesses to grow through federal contract work.

Most programs will require that the business be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. Individuals may be members of a minority group recognized as deprived of normal economic opportunity in the United States. This includes minorities, women or those who have experienced social or economic discrimination. Each program differs slightly in requirements but can be sorted through with the help of our dedicated legal team.

Typically the copies of the documents necessary for these certification applications include proof of ownership, operating agreements, personal financial statements, including tax returns (note, you will need business tax returns); and for 8a, a comprehensive business plan. Our legal firm assists clients with collecting and compiling these materials and reviewing the final documents.

Our attorneys will walk you through the process, starting with application review for legal compliance, and representing you in appeals when necessary. We prepare required business plans as well. From start to finish, we guide you through legal consultations and discussions, as well as document preparations, application reviews, submissions and appeals. Our team will always be able to point out which legal aspects apply to your situation, ensuring that potential eligibility issues are dealt with ahead of time.

The time frame can be a bit different for everyone however, DBE and ACDBE certifications typically take 60 to 90 days while 8(a) approvals may last up to six months. DBE and ACDBE certifications must be updated annually, but once obtained, the 8a certification lasts for nine years depending on continued compliance.

These certifications are important aspects of providing equal opportunity for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses to participate in government contracts and airport concession agreements. DBE certification is available for federal transportation related contracts; ACDBE certifications are for airport concessions; and 8(a) is a broad business development certification through the SBA.

Business ownership and control by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals is an absolute requirement for all three programs. Other factors include size requirements applicable to each program, a limit on your personal net worth, and self-documented proof that the business is under the active management of the disadvantaged owner.

We help businesses with appeals during all stages of application processing. If your application has been denied, we offer legal counsel that can make your appeal even stronger than if it were resting solely on your efforts.

Are you ready to get started? Reach out to us today at (629) 232-8247 or [email protected] for your personalized consultation and begin your certification process.