Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification is a federally mandated process that ensures that only those firms meeting prescribed standards receive the distinction as a DBE.

There is not a single all-encompassing certification program for women- and minority-owned business. Certification is only required if a business desires to sell products or services to a government agency or private firm that requires certification as part of their contracting process. There are three different types of certification, depending upon the type of contracting.

Federal Certification

U.S. Small Business Administration
721 19th Street, Suite 426
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-2607 ext 260

For more information on federal contracts, visit www.FedBizOpps.gov.

The 8(a) Program is intended to be used exclusively for business development purposes to help small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. To apply, click here.

To apply for most federal opportunities, you will need to register with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. Visit www.ccr.gov

Unified Certification Program

CDOT and Denver have a Unified Certification Program (UCP). A firm wanting DBE certification with both agencies needs to submit only one application to either agency and, if successful, will be recognized as an eligible DBE with both agencies.

State Office of Certification
4201 E. Arkansas Ave.
Denver, CO 80222
(303) 512-4145

The State of Colorado processes applications for:
ESB (Emerging Small Business) and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)

Bid Information and Distribution System (BIDS)
BIDS is a website designed to notify interested vendors of the State of Colorado’s intent to purchase goods or services competitively. Bids are updated on this website daily.
www.gssa.state.co.us/VenSols

Unified Certification Forms:
http://www.dot.state.co.us/EEO/CERTIFICATION/ApplicationForms.htm


City & County of Denver, Office of Economic Development
Division Small Business Opportunity

201 W Colfax, Dept 907
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 913-1999; FAX (720) 913-1809
[email protected]
http://www.denvergov.org/oed/DenverOfficeofEconomicDevelopment/BusinessServices/DoBusinesswiththeCity/tabid/435878/Default.aspx

The Division of Small Business Opportunity processes applications for multiple programs:

  • Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) for construction-related City & County of Denver contracts
  • Airport Concessionaire Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) and Small Business Enterprise Concessions (SBEC) for airport concession opportunities at the Denver International Airport
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) for U.S. DOT federally-funded contracts in Colorado (including airport, highway and transit contracts)

To apply for a program listed above, click here.

Private Certification

Certification from these agencies does not apply for government funded contracts, but may be used by private corporations.

Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council (RMMSDC)
1445 Market Street
Denver, CO
(303) 623-3037
[email protected]
www.rmmsdc.org
MBE Certification

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC, 20036
(202) 872-5515
www.wbenc.org
WBE Certification [email protected]