Businesses interested in pursuing SBE certification must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards and submit a completed application. Firms currently certified as a DBE by the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP) are eligible to participate in the SBE Element and DO NOT need to submit an SBE application. If your firm's DBE certification is removed and you believe you meet the SBE requirements, you must apply for a login and follow the application process for SBE certification. To become an SBE you will need to apply and be certified by PennDOT.
Small Business Enterprise Eligibility Requirements
- A for-profit business, owned by a U.S citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.
- A firm that does not exceed the Small Business Administration’s size standards.
- A firm whose average annual gross receipts for the three previous fiscal years does not exceed $28.48 million.
- A U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident with a personal net worth that does not exceed $1.32 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
· SBEs can become more visible and viable for contractors and consultants who are looking for qualified business partners to participate on projects funded by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), or Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
· SBEs can become eligible to bid as prime contractors on specific municipal highway projects.
No, certification is free.
· Prime contractors and consultants gain easy access to certified SBEs for use on projects funded by FAA, FHWA, or FTA.
· The use of SBEs by prime contractors and consultants will constitute race- neutral participation and may provide documentation of Good Faith Efforts on federally assisted transportation projects.
Yes, all PA Unified Certification Program DBEs are eligible to participate as SBEs and will NOT be required to complete a separate SBE application.
Resources
Contact the Small Business Enterprise Program
PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity
P.O. Box 3251
Harrisburg, PA 17105-3251
Phone: 717-787-5891
Email: ra-pdpenndotsbe@pa.gov