DBE Certification Issues “State Prospective” by Carolyn Bell Mississippi Department of Transportation

Workshop Objectives Provide basic understanding of what is required to determine if a firm is eligible for DBE Certification Provide some actual techniques to meet the intentions of the regulations

Issues of Interest  Requirements to add other areas of certification  PNW Documentation: How Much??  Renouncing Spousal Ownership  Recertification Process: What should be included?  Internal Appeals: Good or Bad??  Manufacturer vs. Broker  Determining Control in Engineering Firms

Adding Areas to Certification Requirements Must request in writing Updated Resume Completed Contracts Documentation: Knowledge, expertise, equipment Onsite Visit

PNW Documentation: How much? Standard Completed PNW Form 3 years personal tax returns

PNW Documentation: How much? Additional Information Business tax returns Bank Statements Property tax statements Deeds Brokerage Statements Divorce statements Titles, invoices, affadavits

Renouncing Spousal Ownership Notarized Affidavit Any Legal Document (recorded and registered with the court) Prenuptial Agreement Separation agreement Divorce Decree Trust Agreement Estate Distribution Plan

Recertification Process Completed Application Current license(s) Updated PNW (w/tax returns) Business Financial Statements Loan Agreements (last 3 years) Board Minutes Onsite Review Proof of Certification in Home State

Internal Appeals Process Some states surveyed have an internal appeal process for initial certification All states surveyed have appeal process for removing certification

Manufacturer vs. Broker Manufacturer – Operates or maintains a factory or establishment that produces, on premises, the materials, supplies, etc. Broker – Carries no inventory and only orders and has item(s) shipped to job site and bills the customer

Engineering Firms Must be able to... Sign Engineering Plans Provide expert testimony as an engineer Engineering license through appropriate agency as required by state law

Resources USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Provides clarification on the intention of the regulations Information provided approved by The General Counsel of the Department of Transportation osdbuweb.dot.gov/business/dbe/DBEguidance.cfm

Resources DBE Exchange Website Allows open dialogue on issues of interest Provides a medium to share best practices, success stories and lessons learned Provides an event calendar

Carolyn Bell Civil Rights Director Mississippi Department of Transportation P.O. Box 1850 Jackson, MS (work) (fax)