1. Florida Department of Transportation Equal Opportunity Office
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
Florida Department of Transportation
Equal Opportunity Office
2016

2. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
Governed by 49 CFR Part 26
Definition:
DBE means a for-profit small business concern
That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and
Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.

3. Minority Business Enterprise Program
Governed by Florida Statute (Chapter and )
Managed by the Department of Management Services Office of Supplier Diversity
The goal of the Office of Supplier Diversity is to increase the number of Florida Certified Business Enterprises - minority-owned (MBE), woman-owned (WBE) and Veteran-owned (VBE). They work with eligible business owners to process and grant their certification as well as to ensure they are informed of the benefits of certification. Their certification officers are responsible for identifying and certifying eligible small businesses  

5. DBE Certification Certification is not a prequalification
Certification is for Specific Types of Work
Burden of Proof on Applicant
Once Certified, Burden shifts to Us

6. Socially Disadvantaged
Presumed Groups
Women
Black Americans
Hispanic Americans
Native Americans
Asian-Pacific Americans
Subcontinent Asian Americans
Others if Documented

7. Socially Disadvantaged Individuals
Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien
Must Show Ownership
51% by Disadvantaged Owner
Real & Substantial; Not Just on Paper
Contribution of Capital or Expertise
Must Control Business
Independent – Does Not rely on Others
Makes Day to Day & Long Term Decisions

8. Economically Disadvantaged
Personal Net Worth At or Below $1.32M
Each Qualifying Owner
Exclude Ownership in Business
Exclude Equity in Primary Residence

9. Certified DBEs Black Americans 390 (26.42%)
Hispanic Americans 388 (26.29%)
Native Americans (1.83%)
Asian Pacific Americans (5.42%)
Subcontinent Asian (2.98%)
Women (36.45%)
Other (0.96%)
Total

10. Certified DBEs (By District)
Out of State 393 (26.63%)
Total

11. Race Neutral Program
The FDOT utilizes a race neutral approach in establishing its DBE goal. Ultimately, FDOT believes it can achieve its DBE goal on federally assisted contracts through normal competitive processes.
Most other states utilize a race conscience approach which places a mandatory DBE goal on each individual federally assisted contract as a requirement of award.
The overall goal for the DBE program for federal-funded highway contracts is established every three years.

12. Accomplishments Since Race Neutral
Federal DBE Federal % State % Combined %
Fiscal Year Goal Achieved Achieved Achieved
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
% % % %
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13. What the 2015 percentage means in $$
Federal DBE Federal % State % Combined %
Fiscal Year Goal Achieved Achieved Achieved
% % % %
$5,344,056,253 awarded for Federal & State projects
13.44% Committed to DBEs
$718,414,087 in DBE Participation

14. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

15. Business Development Initiative
BACKGROUND
Purpose:
to increase competition
move subs to primes
Began in July 2006 (District Two)
January 2007 in all districts
FHWA approved in March 2009
March 2012 became the Small Business Component of the DBE Program Plan

16. Business Development Initiative
STRATEGIES
Reserve contracts for small businesses
Contracts are up to $1,500,000
Modified pre-qualification requirements
Waive bonds on contracts of a non-critical nature

17. Business Development Initiative
ELIGIBILITY
Meet USDOT definition of a small business
FDOT small business size standards
Construction/Maintenance - $15.0M
Professional Services - $6.5M
Submit notarized affidavit
Provide references
Professional Services must still be prequalified

18. BDI REPORTING

19. BDI PROGRAM
For a list of reserved contracts, you can visit
For more information on the BDI, please visit or

20. Websites www.dot.state.fl.us/equalopportunityoffice/
DBE Certification Application & DBE Directory
Contractor & Consultant DBE Utilization Letter Grades
Business Development Initiative (BDI) Reserved Projects