District of Columbia business certifications

Who qualifies

Businesses meeting the District’s Local Business Enterprise requirements before applying for additional CBE categories. [District of Columbia CBE guidance]

• Maintain a principal office in the District, with the chief executive and highest-level managers performing their managerial functions there. [District of Columbia CBE guidance]
• Meet one local-share test: more than 50% of employees, owners, non-bank assets or gross receipts must meet the District-location requirement. The business must also meet one of DSLBD’s ownership/independence tests. [District of Columbia CBE guidance]

What it unlocks

• Preferences in District procurement and access to the CBE contracting program. [District of Columbia CBE guidance]

How to apply

1. Use DSLBD’s certification wizard to check qualifying categories. [District of Columbia CBE guidance] Use the certification guidance.
2. Complete the online CBE application and provide the supporting documents listed by DSLBD. [District of Columbia CBE guidance] Start the CBE application.

Who qualifies

For-profit small businesses at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who control daily operations. [USDOT DBE eligibility]

• Meet applicable small-business limits and demonstrate genuine ownership and control. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
• Qualifying owners must provide a personal narrative with individualized evidence of disadvantage, economic harm and a current personal-net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67]
• Provide ownership, financial, licensing and business records and cooperate with the certifier’s interview and site review. [49 CFR 26.83]

What it unlocks

• Certification establishes eligibility to participate as a DBE in covered transportation procurement. Check the UCP’s current reevaluation status before relying on contract goals. [49 CFR 26.83] [USDOT UCP directory]

How to apply

1. Start with the state’s lead UCP and confirm the appropriate certifier and current intake instructions. [USDOT UCP directory] Visit the state certifier.
2. Prepare the uniform application, supporting records, personal narrative and net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67] Check the application requirements.
3. Submit through the certifier’s instructed channel and respond to requests for records or an interview. [49 CFR 26.83] Follow the certifier’s submission instructions.