Ohio DBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 08/07/2018. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has developed a Unified Certification Program (UCP) in cooperation with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) for those businesses seeking to be certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The program seeks to assist the fullest feasible participation of DBEs in the bidding process for DOT-assisted projects. Becoming certified as a DBE allows one to be counted towards the participation goal for those projects, ensuring that prime contractors must make a good-faith effort to secure the participation of DBEs. Other benefits, such as listing in the ODOT directory of DBEs, also apply.

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Out-of-state firms seeking Ohio DBE certification must use the provided Interstate Certification application - reciprocity is not automatic.

Does this certification expire? DBEs must submit an annual no-change affidavit in order to retain their certification.

Are there multiple agencies that offer this certification in the state? The member agencies of the Ohio Unified Certification Program which perform certification of DBEs are ODOT, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, the Cleveland Hopkins International and Burke Lakefront Airports, and the Dayton International Airport.

Does this program require bidders attempt to make a good-faith effort to meet participation goals? Yes, bidders must make a good-faith effort on specified projects to meet the DBE participation goal.