Eligibility requirements and application
Who qualifies as a DBE?
Any small business at least 51% owned, operated and fully controlled on a daily basis by a member or members of the groups listed below qualifies.
In the case of publicly held firms, a member or members of the listed groups must own at least 51% of the stock issued. Groups includes:
- African Americans
- Native Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Asian-Pacific Americans
- Asian-Indian Americans
- Women
Individuals who are not members of one of the groups above can be found to be socially disadvantaged as defined by Appendix E of 49 CFR Part 26.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR Part 26
How to Apply
In-State Applicants – Wisconsin-based applicants
Submit a completed Uniform Certification Program (UCP) application packet and required supporting documentation to the nearest certifying agency and participate in an on-site interview by the certifying agency.
Note: A complete application includes the required documentation as listed in the Supporting Documentation Checklist on page 15 of the application form.
WisDOT, the City of Madison, Dane County and Milwaukee County are all
certifying agencies.
UCP DBE Application Packet
To ensure your application is received and reviewed, please send DBE certification application materials via email to: DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov and include “DBE Certification Application” in the subject line.
For completed applications with large attachments that cannot be sent via email, you may request file link to directly and securely upload your files by emailing: DBE_Alert@dot.wi.gov with “Large File Request” in the subject line.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for purpose of collecting, analyzing and publishing statistical data related to U.S. business economy.
SBA's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code Table
Interstate Applicants ~ Out-of-State DBE certified firms applying in Wisconsin
To obtain certification, the DBE must provide:
- A cover letter that specifies that the DBE is applying for interstate certification, identifies all UCPs in which the DBE is certified (including the UCP that originally certified it)
- An electronic image of the UCP directory of the original UCP that shows the DBE certification; and
- A new Declaration of Eligibility form.
Important: All DBE Certification Applicants and DBE Certified firms must register using the
WisDOT Vendor Registration System (VRS).
WisDOT Certified DBE Logo
Certified DBEs may use the WISDOT Certified DBE logo.