Rhode Island DBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 09/10/2018. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The State of Rhode Island, Department of Administration, Office of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity (ODEO)  certifies all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) wishing to do business in the state. US Department of Transportation (USDOT) assisted projects which include a DBE participation goal will allow for DBEs certified in Rhode Island to count towards that participation goal when a good faith effort is made to include them. DBEs will also be listed in an online directory and will have access to certain of ODEO's resources in the pursuit of knowledge related to transportation projects.

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? ODEO is the sole certifying authority for the DBE program in Rhode Island.

Does this certification expire? DBEs must provide a no-change affidavit on an annual basis, and are subject to more substantive reviews (including site visits and interviews) every five years.

Does this program require bidders attempt to make a good-faith effort to meet participation goals? Yes, bidders must make a good-faith effort to meet the participation goal on projects to which such a goal has been attached.

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