Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
Program

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

Charleston County has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT). The program ensures that DBEs have an equal opportunity to bid on projects that receive Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding, loans, or grants.

Program objectives include:

• Ensure nondiscrimination in the award of federally assisted contracts
• Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for federally assisted contracts.
• Ensure that a firm meets federal eligibility standards (49 CFR Part 26) prior to participation in the DBE Program
• Assist in identifying and removing barriers to participation for DBEs in federally assisted contracts
• Assist in the development of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, in order to increase their competitiveness in the market place

To participate in the DBE program a business must:

• Be an existing "for profit" business and meet the federal definition of a small business based on it primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, as described by Small Business Administration (SBA).
• Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for federally assisted contracts
• Ensure that a firm meets federal eligibility standards (49 CFR Part 26) prior to participation in the DBE Program
• Assist in identifying and removing barriers to participation for DBEs in federally assisted contracts
• Assist in the development of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, in order to increase their competitiveness in the market place

To participate in the DBE program, a business must:

• Be an existing "for profit" business
• Meet the primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code definition of a “small business”, as described by Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Be at least 51% owned by a minority or woman or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock must be owned by one or more such individuals;
• Not have a net worth that exceeds $1.32 million
• Be both socially and economically disadvantaged as defined by the U.S. DOT
• Be managed, and have daily business operations controlled, by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own the business
• Submit an application and be approved by the SCDOT's Unified Certification Program (UCP).

Advantages of DBE Program enrollment:

• Portable program for economically and socially disadvantaged businesses that is recognized all over the U.S.
• Mandatory subcontractor bid opportunities on all Charleston County Transportation Development contracts.
• Included as an approved subcontractor on the SCDOT's list of pre-qualified contractors and consultants.
• Mandatory subcontractor bid opportunities for all SCDOT-funded construction contracts.
• Technical assistance as needed.
• Schedule meetings to introduce subcontractors with prime contractors.
• Registrants have access to business development resources and other advantages such as free workshops and training programs designed to make the application process convenient and simple.

Firms seeking to be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) should complete the DBE UCP Application, which can be found online at the SCDOT's Office of Business Development and Special Programs. For one-on-one application assistance, you can contact the Charleston County DBE Program representative at 843-958-4754.

Completed applications and supporting documentation must be returned to:

SCDOT Office of Business
Development and Special Programs
PO Box 191 Columbia, SC 29202

Advantages of DBE Program enrollment:

• Portable program for economically and socially disadvantaged businesses that is recognized all over the U.S.;
• Mandatory subcontractor bid opportunities on all Charleston County Transportation Development contracts;
• Included as an approved subcontractor on the SCDOT's list of pre-qualified contractors and consultants;
• Mandatory subcontractor bid opportunities for all SCDOT-funded construction contracts;
• Technical assistance;
• Meeting opportunities to introduce subcontractors with prime contractors;
• Access to business development resources such as free workshops and training programs designed to make the application process convenient and simple.

Charleston County DBE Program contacts:

Darrell Williams, Manager, 843.202.6923 dwilliams@charlestoncounty.org

Holly Chesser, Project Officer II, 843.958.4753 hchesser@charlestoncounty.org

Visit the Procurement homepage for bid opportunities and workshops.