Businesses interested in pursuing SBE certification must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards. Certification is issued by PennDOT. You can apply directly through the Diversity Compliance System powered by B2GNow at https://penndot.dbesystem.com/.
Contractors looking to find certified SBE firms can browse the on-line database by navigating to the Vendor Certification page and clicking "Search Certified Directory."
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 SBA’s size standards for the work they desire to perform.
- A firm whose average annual gross receipts for the three previous fiscal years does not exceed $32.82 million.
Firms seeking to participate in the Small Business Enterprise Program must be certified as a Small Business Enterprise. PennDOT will certify firms using the same business size, ownership, Personal Net Worth, and control criteria used to certify DBEs.
SBE Supportive Services
PennDOT has launched a dedicated SBE Supportive Service Center (SBESSC) to empower SBEs. The SBESSC provides these services to help businesses successfully navigate procurement. Services include, but are not limited to:
- bid assistance;
- business planning;
- computer training;
- overhead rate assistance
- Engineering and Construction Management System (ECMS) access; and
- construction management
The SBESSC provides the services completely free ofcharge. You can easily access this support through one-on-one consultations, email, or telephone. The SBESSC can be reached at 833.SBE-Penn or (833) 723-7366; Email: mail@pennsbe.com or pennsbe@prorankllc.com.
Website: www.pennsbe.com.
In addition, PennDOT will work closely with minority and women business organizations, other trade organizations, and state and local agencies to actively promote and engage SBEs in the procurement of DOT assisted contracts.
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.
SBEs will have ready access to training and consulting services through the SBE Supportive Services Center (SBESSC). The SBESSC will be equipped to provide SBEs with tools and skills that will enable them to more effectively compete for federally assisted transportation contracts and subcontracts.
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.
The new SBE process allows vendors the ability to easily register with PennDOT’s SBE Program, complete an online application for certification, update contact information, and look up certified firms.
How can firms apply for SBE certification?
Firms can apply for SBE certfication by accessing the Diversity Compliance System powered by B2GNow at https://paucp.dbesystem.com/. Click on the partner logo. Navigate to Vendor Certification and click on "Apply for/Renew SBE Certification.
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