West Virginia DBE Program

The program summary on this page was last updated on 01/29/2021. If any of the information or links are out-of-date, please contact us.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) maintains a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program through its Equal Employment Opportunity Division (EEO). The WVDOT’s Unified Certification Program (UCP) allows socially and economically disadvantaged businesses (DBEs) to be registered as such. Participants in projects receiving federal assistance that have a DBE goal attached to them must make a good faith effort to involve certified DBEs in the bidding process. In addition, DBEs become eligible to be listed in an online directory.

Does this local/state program offer reciprocal certifications with other local/state programs? Provisions for interstate certification have been made, but the process is not automatic. Businesses must be certified as a DBE in their home state before making application for certification as a DBE in West Virginia.

Does this certification expire? A no-change affidavit must be provied on a yearly basis in order for DBE certification to stay current.

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