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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)?
A: ". . . a for profit small business concern (1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged or, in the case of a corporation, in which 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals; and (2) Whose management and daily business operation are controlled by one or more of the socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who own it."
Q: How does my company become a certified DBE firm?
A: All prospective DBEs participate in the Certification Process. This process involves completing the Uniform Certification Application in its entirety and providing all requested documents. The Certification Officer will perform a site visit to the business address that was provided on the application. The Certification Officer will present your application to the certification board for review. This process takes approximately six months to complete. You will receive notice of your certification status through the mail.
Q: How can the DBE certification benefit my company?
A: As a certified DBE firm, you are accorded the opportunity to bid on all projects funded with city, state and federal dollars. However, the DBE certification and bidding on projects is not a guarantee that your firm acquires jobs. You must be able to compete in a highly competitive industry. A 1997 study by the Urban Institute, a nonprofit policy research organization in Washington, D.C., identified the following four major barriers to the creation and growth of minority firms:
- Education and Training
- Financial Resources
- Access to Markets
- Social Connections
ALDOT and its' Supportive Services Providers will offer a variety of training classes designed to address the preceding barriers and to assist the DBE firms with succeeding in their respective work types. We will also monitor bidding opportunities of city, state, and federal agencies and distribute the information to all certified DBE firms.
Q: As a certified DBE am I guaranteed contracts with ALDOT?
A: No, contracts with the ALDOT are not guaranteed. Certified DBE firms interested in obtaining contracts with ALDOT should first complete the "pre-qualified" process. Once the DBE firm has become pre-qualified, they can then bid on projects. Monthly "Notice to Contractors" list current bid opportunities and is posted on ALDOT's website.
Q: How do you determine the needs of my company?
A: Based upon the information you provide on the "Initial Needs Assessment", we will recommend the necessary steps to determine which topics would be more beneficial to your company. We will also provide individual counseling and technical assistance. In some instances we will utilize the services of professional consultants to provide formal training and assistance.
Q: What are the costs associated with services you provide?
A: All of our services are FREE to certified DBE firms. In addition to technical assistance and counseling services, we provide workshops and conferences at no cost to the DBE firms.
Q: When and where are the workshops and conferences held?
A: Workshops and conferences are held during the period of October 1st and May 31st. The workshops are held in the cities of Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile.
Q: Are lodging accommodations provided for workshops and conferences?
A: Yes, lodging accommodations are provided at no cost to certified DBE firms residing outside of a 50 mile radius of the workshop site.
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