The HRC jointly administers the Ohio Unified Certification Program (UCP) for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). The Ohio UCP allows disadvantaged companies to be certified statewide and participate in U.S. Department of Transportation funded projects, including but not limited to FAA, FHWA, and FTA.
In order to be eligible to bid on contracts which firms have designated for DBEs, a business must be certified with the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Contracts. The DBE application is available online at the Ohio UCP website (ohioucp.org), but can also be obtained by calling (937) 333-1405.
A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) is a for-profit small business concern that meets all of the following criteria:
- At least 51% owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged.
- Management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it.
The objectives of the DBE Program are to:
- Ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts
- Create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for contracts
- Ensure that the Department’s DBE program is narrowly tailored
- Ensure that only firms that fully meet the eligibility standards are permitted to participate as DBEs
- Help remove barriers to participation of DBEs in contracting
- Assist in the development of firms that can compete successfully in the marketplace outside the DBE Program
You can learn more about the Ohio Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Unified Certification Program (UCP), and apply for DBE certification, online at ohioucp.org.