Businesses become certified based on the information provided at the time of certification. It is the DBEs responsibility to notify its certification agency within 30 days of any change that can impact a firm’s certification. DBEs must also annually affirm that there have been no changes other than the changes previously reported.

DBEs certified by NCDOT should process the following certification management actions through the NCUCP online system.

The following items could affect a firm from becoming certified:

  • Changes in firm circumstances affect the firm's eligibility, or
    material changes in the information provided in the firm's application form;
  • Submission of annual affidavit of no change and supporting documents every year on the anniversary of the date of your certification;
  • Work code change/expansion requests;
  • Notification of address, phone, or other contact information changes
  • Withdrawal of certification

Failure to notify NCUCP of changes or submit an annual affidavit of no change within the required time frame is deemed a failure to cooperate and grounds for removal of a firm’s certification.

The Business Opportunity Workforce Development Unit increases DBE self-sufficiency and competitiveness, provides training and promotes increased participation in projects generated by NCDOT.

What are the benefits of DBE certification?

As a certified DBE, your probability of being selected by prime contractors is increased because they are able to count your participation as a DBE toward their contract goals business development opportunities are provided by NCDOT's OCR and BOWD Unit to ensure businesses owned and operated by women and disadvantaged individuals have an opportunity to participate on federally funded or assisted transportation projects.

The BOWD Office offers assistance to certified DBE's to help them compete in the marketplace in their current business area or transition into other business areas. The BOWD Office provides customized development plans as a service to DBE's at no cost. NCDOT will maintain a complete directory of all certified DBE's in North Carolina. The directory allows firms' information to be available to agencies across the state.

The Small Business Enterprise Program was developed to provide contract opportunities for firms that meet the eligibility criteria to compete against others that are comparably positioned in their industries and markets. This program gives smaller businesses with annual gross incomes up to $1.5 million, excluding materials, the opportunity to participate in NCDOT construction projects.

Type of Work:

Typical work that may be let under the SBE Program includes projects that cost up to $500,000. Those projects include grubbing, clearing and grading, hauling stone and other materials, erosion control, paint striping, landscape planting, bus stop modifications, and electronic and carpentry work on ferry terminals.

Size of Projects: Up to $500,000

SBE Guidelines and Forms

The Small Professional Service Firm Program was developed to provide sub-consulting opportunities for firms that must be a(n):

  • Citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.;
  • Independent entity;
  • Existing, for-profit business
  • A small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration, 13 CFR Part 121 in Sector 54.

The SPSF program is a race, ethnicity, and gender-neutral program designed to increase the availability of consulting opportunities for small businesses on federal and state funded contracts. NCDOT will identify "Professional Services Contracts of $250,000 or less that are likely to attract increased participation by Small Professional Services Firms and then direct the solicitation of applicable contracts to those firms".

HUB was established to:

  • Increase the amount of goods and services acquired by state agencies from businesses owned and controlled by HUB firms;
  • Work towards eliminating barriers that reduce the participation of HUB firms in the marketplace, and in state government procurement and contracting;
  • Encourage purchasing officers and capital project coordinators within the state agencies, departments, universities and community colleges to identify and utilize HUB vendors, contractors and service providers;
  • Educate HUB firms; and
  • Provide resources for HUB firms.
Additional Information