Connecticut's DBE Program Explained

CT News - Published Aug 13, 2014

Companies bidding on State of Connecticut (CT) contracts may be required to meet disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) utilization goals on contracts or make a good faith effort to meet the goals. As part of the good faith effort requirement, contractors must advertise subcontracting and supplier opportunities to CT's DBE community. 

To become certified as a DBE with the state, a the company must meet the following criteria:

It must be a for-profit small business concern where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations, and The owner must be from one of the following socially and economically disadvantaged groups: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women.

To apply for CT DBE certification, eligible firms must submit an application to state's Department of Transportation (ConnDOT), which administers the state's DBE program. 

The most common way that government agencies facilitate CT DBE participation on public contracts is by establishing DBE utilization goals on projects put out to bid. By doing this, prime bidders are required to make available and notify DBE-certified businesses of subcontracting, supplying, and/or vendor opportunities on the contract. State DBE certification also affords certified businesses access to outreach events and workshops hosted by CT agencies, non-profits, and other organizations.