What Is the DBE Program? What does DBE have to do with the Harbor Bridge project?
For a business owner to qualify, they must meet the requirements listed:
- The firm must be organized as a for-profit business,
- At least 51 percent owned, managed, and controlled by an economically and socially disadvantaged individual(s),
- Must be U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent residents of the U.S.,
- Contributions, ownership, and daily management control clearly documented,
- Presumed Groups: Women; Black American; Hispanic American; Native American; Asian-Pacific American; Subcontinent Asian American
- The primary economically disadvantaged owner(s) must fill out a personal net worth statement and cannot exceed $1.32 million,
- Must be a small business as defined by Small Business Administration [SBA] size standards and does not exceed $23.98 million in gross annual receipts.
With the upcoming Harbor Bridge project in Corpus Christi, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will attempt to award much of the work to DBE certified firms. After a completed application is submitted, the review process can take a few months, so now is the time to apply.
Conveniently, for area businesses, the local certifying agency in Corpus Christi is the Regional Transportation Authority. Find the application here.
Please also know that the Del Mar College Procurement Technical Assistance Center [PTAC] can help you review application requirements. We can be reached at 361-698-1021, or visit our website at http://dmc122011.delmar.edu/sbdc/ptac.html