Disadvantaged, Minority- and Woman-owned Business Certification

Attention: DBE and ACDBE Certification for Non-Transportation Industry Businesses

Due to COVID-19, certification for the purpose of the DBE and ACDBE programs are currently limited to eligible DBEs and ACDBEs contractors & subcontractors that are engaged in transportation industries, airport concessions, or in services employed by the transportation industry and/or those contractors who intend to bid on work as prime or subcontractors on DOT-assisted contracts or airport concessions contracts, respectively; this includes both construction and non-construction work in the transportation industry at large. Guidance issued by the USDOT.

Certification from the Kansas Statewide Certification Program increases opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to gain contracts and subcontracts from government and private entities committed to the inclusion of minority- and women-owned businesses. 

Certifications administered are Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).

At this time, the State of Kansas Division of Purchases does not have contract goals for DBEs, MBEs or WBEs.

Who Can Qualify

• The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a minority, a woman, or a disadvantaged person.
• The owner’s personal net worth cannot exceed $1.32 million, minus present value of primary residence & interest in the business (this is not required for MBE/WBE certification).
• The owner must possess the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the firm and to make day-to-day decisions.
• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully-admitted permanent U.S. resident.
• The enterprise must be organized as a for-profit and operate as an independent, small business (as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration).
• If the primary business activity requires a professional license, the applicant must hold and maintain the required license.

Eligibility Requirements

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Eligibility
• Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) Eligibility
• Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Eligibility

Application Period

All certifications offered are open and accepted year-round. 

For those seeking to work on Transportation Projects, you must seek DBE Certification from the Kansas Department of Transportation, Office of Civil Rights.

Additional Resources