Skip to content

IMPORTANT NOTE: Prior to applying to the Alaska DBE program all firms must registered as an Alaska DOT&PF AASHTOWare Project Vendor.  Click on the link below to get registered today!
Instructions to become a vendor

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

The main objectives of the DBE Program are:
  • To ensure that our contractors comply with DBE laws and requirements.
  • To ensure that DBEs can compete fairly for federally funded transportation-related projects.
  • To ensure that only eligible firms participate as DBEs.
  • To assist DBE firms in competing outside the DBE Program.

Alaska Approved Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

 

DBE Applicants Must Meet These Criteria

  • business status, including size
  • social & economic disadvantage
  • ownership
  • independence
  • management and control

Click for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) ApplicationClick for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Forms

Alaska Unified Certification Program (AUCP)

The Alaska Unified Certification Program (AUCP), which is mandated by the US Department of Transportation and administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Civil Rights Office (CRO), is your "one-stop" certification process which provides you an opportunity to participate as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) on projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that are let by numerous agencies throughout the State of Alaska.

The Certification Process

Submitting the Application

A completed application and supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility must be submitted to the Civil Rights Office. Certification applications are processed in the order they are received. It generally takes no more that 90 days to review an application after a completed application and all supporting documentation have been received.

Interstate Certification

The Alaska Unified Certification Program (AUCP) will consider all firms seeking DBE Certification in Alaska if the applicant’s firm is currently certified in their home state. Certification is dependent on a review of the current home state certification in accordance with Federal regulations 49 CFR 26.85. More information about interstate certification

Determining Eligibility

Disadvantaged owners are interviewed in person and an on-site inspection of the business is conducted. After the interview, the Civil Rights Office representative prepares a summary that is used to determine whether the firm meets the eligibility requirements for certification as a DBE.

If a firm is awarded certification, it becomes eligible for participation as a DBE on transportation-related contracts with federal funding. Information about the certified firm is placed in the DBE Directory for distribution.

If a firm is denied certification, it is notified about the reasons why and is provided information on its appeal rights. Denied firms must appeal directly to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Updating Certification.

If you a DBE, every year on the anniversary of the date of your certification, you must provide an affidavit sworn to by the firm's owners before a person who is authorized by State law to administer oaths or an unsworn declaration executed under penalty of perjury of the laws of the United States. This affidavit must affirm that there have been no changes in the firm's circumstances affecting its ability to meet size, disadvantaged status, ownership, or control requirements of this part or any material changes in the information provided in its application form, except for changes about which you have notified the recipient under paragraph (i) of this section. The affidavit shall specifically affirm that your firm continues to meet SBA business size criteria and the overall gross receipts cap of this part, documenting this affirmation with supporting documentation of your firm's size and gross receipts (e.g., submission of Federal tax returns). If you fail to provide this affidavit in a timely manner, you will be deemed to have failed to cooperate under §26.109(c).

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) are set out in Title 49, Part 26, of the CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR). The following discussion summarizes key information, but does not cover all requirements.

Business Status.

The applicant firm must be an existing "for profit" business. It must also meet the federal definition of a small business based on its primary NAICS code, as described by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and must not exceed the Size Standards in annual gross receipts.

Social and Economic Disadvantage.

A disadvantaged owner must be a U.S. citizen (or resident alien) and meet the federal definition of socially and economically disadvantaged as defined in 49 CFR 26.67. Presumptive groups include Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, Subcontinent Asian-Americans, Women, and other minorities designated by the SBA. Individuals who can demonstrate social and economic disadvantage on an individual basis may also qualify.

Business Ownership.

Disadvantaged owners must hold at least 51% ownership in the firm and must control the day-to-day operation and management of the business.

Professional License.

When a firm's primary line of work requires a professional license, the disadvantaged owner must hold the license.

Personal Net Worth.

The Personal Net Worth of a disadvantaged owner cannot exceed $1.32 million.

Ownership of Resources.

A DBE firm must not rely on other individuals or businesses for its employees, equipment, or other resources.

Other Business Involvement.

DBE owners cannot engage in outside employment or other business interests that conflict with their management and control of the applicant firm.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Certification Links

link to United Certification Members page