DBE Resource Guide

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs provide minorities, women, and other eligible small businesses with a unique opportunity to access contracts that utilize federal funds, fostering growth and development.

What does DBE certification mean, and with whom?

Illinois Unified Certification Program (IL UCP) comprises five state agencies: Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), City of Chicago, CTA, Metra, and Pace. This means an applicant only needs to apply and get approved by one state agency to be honored by all five state agencies, making it a “one-stop-shop” directory for all five state agencies’ purchasing departments.

IDOT’s DBE website has more information, including:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Success Story
• DBE Certification – understanding, applying and maintaining DBE Certification
• DBE Supportive Services – includes resource centers, supportive services, programs, conferences, and information on staying connected.

Additional tools that may assist with DBE certification:

• Get certified by other agencies or public bodies, such as Central Management Services (CMS), the City of Rockford, the City of Dekalb, etc.
• Get letters of recommendation from suppliers, equipment rental companies, resident engineers employed by IDOT and third parties, union business agents, etc., stating that the applicant is the primary contact and knowledgeable in the business.
• Attend classes, workshops, bid openings, pre-bid meetings, pre-construction meetings, etc. These meetings usually have sign-up sheets that you can request copies of.
• Attend classes at local colleges, such as Rock Valley College’s Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP). The HCCTP is free to participants and funded entirely by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The program aims to help women, underrepresented, and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals gain acceptance into the construction trades.
• Know what the approval committee is looking for, for example:
  • Who is the decision maker, and who has control?
  • Who is making site visits and knows the projects?
  • Who is the “face” of the company – the primary contact and knows all facets of the company, including fieldwork, office work, financials, buying materials, equipment, bidding, estimating, etc.?
  • Experience: If you have little or no expertise, gain experience before applying.

After DBE approval:

• Continue building on the knowledge you have and learn new things.
• Explore IDOT’s Mentor Protégé Program.

Other resources:

• Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC)
• Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC)